(From left) UAlberta researchers Peter Silverstone, Linda Woodhouse, Colleen Norris and Jeff Johnson were named as scientific directors for four strategic clinical networks aimed at improving health care for Albertans.
(Edmonton) Four leading researchers from the University of Alberta will oversee key provincial portfolios to ensure scientific research programs strategically meet the health needs of Albertans.
"These members of the University of Alberta faculty represent the best of their respective research areas. They are leaders and innovators who work tirelessly to advance the health needs of Albertans, Canadians and the world," said Lorne Babiuk, vice-president of research at the U of A.
Each scientific director will be responsible for developing, implementing and assessing research outcomes for their respective SCN, working in a leadership role on core strategy and liaising with senior AHS officials.
"The scientific directors will engage their network colleagues to champion a broad provincial health research agenda which addresses the health needs of the SCNs' target populations," wrote Kathryn Todd, AHS senior vice-president of research, in a memo to SCN committee members and AHS leadership.
The four scientific directors will retain their faculty positions at the U of A during their AHS appointments. Woodhouse said the new positions provide a wonderful opportunity to link research and clinical practice, something that hasn't been done before in Alberta.
Norris, a professor of nursing with joint appointments in medicine and public health, said the new role enhances her current cardiovascular research activities at the university where she has received support and mentorship to pursue research and funding.
"The University of Alberta started me off on the path and helped me get to know the community, to network and do the research I do," she said. "This new role increases the network of people I can access to improve the quality of care for patients in Alberta.
AHS also appointed Jayna Holroyd-Leduc of the University of Calgary to the Seniors' Health SCN. The scientific director for the Cancer Care SCN will be announced later in 2012.