Canadians deserve access to high-quality, timely, and equitable health care. Achieving this goal requires fresh ideas, collaborative leadership, and research that can be put into action.
On May 11, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of nearly $4.8 million from the Government of Canada and partner organizations to support the Health System Impact Program an initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) that is being delivered in partnership with Michael Smith Health Research BC, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, and health system partners across the country.
The Health System Impact Program places the next generation of health researchers directly inside health system organizations such as government agencies, hospitals, and community organizations so they can help solve real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience. Fellows receive mentorship and leadership training that prepares them to drive meaningful improvements in health policy, services, and outcomes for Canadians.
The funding will support 42 new Health System Impact Fellows. This 2026 cohort includes PhD trainees and postdoctoral researchers embedded in health organizations and connected to universities from coast to coast to coast.
These researchers are working on practical solutions to issues that matter to Canadians, including:
- Using technology to help older adults manage their medication safely at home
- Improving mental health supports for youth in schools
- Finding the best ways for people to manage their heart failure medication
- Evaluating ways to reduce administrative burden for family physicians
By supporting research that is embedded directly within the health system and focused on real-world needs, the Health System Impact Program helps ensure that evidence leads to better care and stronger, more sustainable health systems for Canadians.
Quotes
"Congratulations to the 2026 cohort of CIHR Health System Impact Fellows. It's never been a better time to support new ideas and innovative approaches to tackling pressing priorities and improve care for Canadians. These researchers have their eyes firmly on solutions, and their dedication, curiosity, and skills will contribute to real-world improvements and stronger health systems."
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
"Each year, the contributions of Health System Impact Fellows help shape the future of health care in Canada. Evidence is crucial for public health and health care delivery that is responsive to the needs of all people. The CIHR Impact Fellows infuse vital knowledge into everyday care, improving quality, patient outcomes, cost, and equity."
Dr. Paul Hébert, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
"Through our long-standing partnership with CIHR, Michael Smith Health Research BC is proud to co-fund Health System Impact Fellows embedded in BC health organizations. By bringing research talent into real-world environments, the fellowship strengthens evidence-informed decision-making and builds BC's capacity to deliver meaningful improvements in health services and health outcomes across the province."
Dr. Geoff Payne, President & CEO, Michael Smith Health Research BC
"ResearchNB is pleased to partner with CIHR to co-fund this year's New Brunswick Health System Impact Fellow. The New Brunswick fellow will play a key role in driving transformation and innovation in the province's primary care sector, while strengthening research capacity and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the health system. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to the New Brunswick fellow and Dr. Shelley Doucet's Centre for Research in Integrated Care team, as well as to all successful fellows across the country."
Candice Pollack, CEO, ResearchNB
"On behalf of Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, I want to congratulate this year's Health System Impact Fellows. Partnerships among funders, researchers, health organizations, and between institutions and communities help move research into real and lasting impact. We are proud to support the next generation of health researchers working on real-world challenges in Saskatchewan."
Patrick Odnokon, CEO, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
Quick facts
- Since 2017, CIHR's Health System Impact Program has supported 368 fellows (129 PhD trainees and 239 postdoctoral researchers) and 12 early-career researchers embedded within 166 health system organizations and connected to 31 universities.
- Fellows receive mentorship from health system leaders and academic experts to prepare to lead evidence-informed change.
- The program is led by the CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research in collaboration with CIHR's other 12 Institutes and with provincial partners, including, this year, Michael Smith Health Research BC and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.
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Associated links
For more information
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor, Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K1A 0W9
www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
