Simon Fraser University is partnering with Fraser Health to launch a new health research institute aimed at tackling some of the most pressing health issues across the region.
The SFU-FH Health Research Institute (SFHRI) will bring together expertise from the two institutions to build collaboration and expand research opportunities.
The institute seeks to bridge the gap between health care and innovation to ensure people in the Fraser Health region can access sustainable care in the long term.
Carolyn Sparrey, SFU associate professor and director of the institute, says: "This is a really exciting opportunity that will ultimately benefit clinicians and communities across Fraser Health.
"There is a huge amount of health expertise at both institutions and this institute will help bring that talent together to support community-engaged research. In so doing, it will help to transform health care in B.C. by making it more accessible, effective, patient-centred and sustainable.
"Innovation is essential in enabling sustainable care for people in a region where the population is growing and aging rapidly. We need new ways to provide care, as well as support to integrate research innovations into care more quickly and effectively."
With the fastest growing population in B.C. and a diverse demographic, Fraser Health is an ideal environment in which to collaborate on new ideas and high-impact research.
The new research institute will enable patients, clinicians and researchers to share knowledge and build an integrated culture of research and care across the institutions.
Valorie Crooks, SFU associate vice-president, research, says: "SFU and Fraser Health have a strong track record of collaboration and this research institute will build upon the excellent work already being undertaken.
"Both institutions are deeply embedded within their communities and have an extensive support network at their disposal - researchers, health-care providers, staff, students and patients. This institute will leverage that diverse community engagement to build a new institute model that allows everyone to take part in research and share knowledge.
"Importantly, the institute will be able to take the research and translate it into real-world capabilities, benefitting patients not only in the immediate region, but also nationally and internationally."
Elsewhere, SFU and Fraser Health are partnering on SFU's new School of Medicine, along with the First Nations Health Authority, which is due to open in fall 2026.
The two institutions are also working together on an SFU research facility, in Surrey Memorial Hospital, that provides a unique combination of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG).
"By partnering with Simon Fraser University, Fraser Health gains research capacity and expertise on topics that matter most to the people who live and work in the region," says Kate Keetch, director of the department of Evaluation and Research Services, Fraser Health.
"I anticipate SFHRI will further elevate research including clinical trials, health systems and services research, and community-based initiatives focussed on our diverse population."
SFU is providing $75,000 in seed funding, with grant opportunities and philanthropic funding to be explored as the Institute evolves over the coming years.
