ASSOCIATION OF FACULTIES OF MEDICINE OF CANADA
AFMC applauds Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the voice of academic medicine in Canada with a strong focus on heath research and innovation, offers its unwavering support to the final report of the Advisory Panel on Federal Support for Fundamental Science.  "The document is a clear re-affirmation of the central role of research in Canada, and of its potential for greater national and international impact and recognition.  Moreover, it capitalizes on the foundation of Canadian science and makes a series of recommendations for our scientific enterprise to reach new heights", stated Dr. Michael J. Strong, Chair of the Board of Directors.  

Dr. Geneviève Moineau, President and CEO of the AFMC, indicated that "the work of the panel is impressive, and has resulted in a comprehensive and accurate report that authentically reflects the current reality and challenges for the academic medicine community".  "Implementation of the report's timely recommendations will ensure that Canadians receive the best value for the funding provided" added Dr. Strong.

While fully acknowledging the current economic climate, the AFMC strongly endorses the detailed proposal for an additional, and much needed, $1.3B investment over the next four years, and sees this as a critical priority to ensure that Canada returns to the forefront of health research and innovation. We applaud the recommendations that will lead to the increased support of fundamental research that is critical to any knowledge-based economy and, in particular, the call for a renewed investment in open grant competitions and increased support for doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. The acknowledgment that academic institutions have borne an increasingly greater proportion of the true cost of conducting federally-funded research is timely, as is the recommendation to increase support to institutions for facilities and administration related to this real operating cost of research.

The AFMC notes and supports the importance given to strong governance and enhanced coordination in the suggested structure to oversee research in Canada. The AFMC emphasizes the specific need for increased support for the CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC, as well as for stable funding for the CFI. The establishment of a coordinating body will enable better strategic planning across these four agencies while optimizing allocation of current and additional investments.

Finally, we commend the focus on addressing current inequities in research funding that includes for example, Indigenous health research and support for early career researchers, as well as the priority given to issues of gender bias. Emphasis on resolving these inequities is essential to establish a truly equitable system that reflects solidly-entrenched Canadian values.

This report has the potential to be transformative, and could rapidly translate into tangible benefits for all Canadians. We now  urge the Federal Government to embrace the report and initiate its implementation without delay. As the collective hub of health research and innovation in Canada, the AFMC will be pleased to directly participate in the process that will revitalize research in Canada.