Investing in what matters most
The challenges we face are complex, interconnected, and growing.
To improve health and strengthen our health system, we have identified four priority themes that will guide where we focus our funding and support.
These priorities are grounded in provincial needs and aligned with our strategy.
Our priority themes
By concentrating resources in areas where challenges are greatest, we can accelerate solutions that improve health and strengthen the system.
Population aging
BC’s population is aging faster than ever. This shift affects everything from chronic disease management to access to seniors’ care.
Why it matters:
- More British Columbians are living longer with complex needs.
- Families, communities, and care providers need evidence-based approaches to support healthy aging.
- Research can help improve quality of life and ensure seniors receive the right care at the right time.
Climate change and health
Extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and climate-related emergencies are becoming a reality across BC.
Why it matters:
- Climate impacts directly affect physical and mental health.
- Some groups—like older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses—face higher risks.
- Research helps us understand these impacts and develop strategies to protect health and build resilient communities.
Health human resources challenges
BC is experiencing a shortage of health workers across the system.
Why it matters:
- Access to timely, high-quality care depends on a stable, well-supported workforce.
- Research can identify what helps recruit, retain, and sustain health professionals.
- Strong evidence informs better policies, training models, and system planning.
Public health emergencies
BC needs to be prepared to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks, the toxic drug crisis, and community-level emergencies.
Why it matters:
- Public health threats can emerge suddenly and affect the entire province.
- Research guides prevention, response, and recovery strategies.
- Strengthening public health evidence helps keep communities safer and healthier.
what we’re doing
Improving seniors’ care
The Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home and Community Care Program funds research teams to implement promising approaches in seniors’ care in the health system and evaluate the outcomes. It will provide evidence to help decision-makers support programs that help seniors to live longer, healthier lives more independently in their communities.
This program provides a model for translating evidence into action, offering resources and support for research teams implementing proven interventions in complex, real-world settings.
Learn more-
Why “research that matters” is grounds for optimism
Read moreOur former Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Stirling Bryan shares how priority-based funding ensures a purposeful path forward in tackling urgent health challenges.
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Health Research BC invests $6.3 million to strengthen seniors’ home and community care across British Columbia
Read moreFive research teams across British Columbia are leading projects designed to help seniors age comfortably at home, stay connected, and receive high-quality, evidence-informed care.
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Early career support sparks new hope for Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Read moreDr. Michael Adachi is developing a simple blood test to detect Alzheimer’s earlier, with support that helped launch his impactful research career.
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BC researchers uncover changing climate’s impact on health
Read moreFrom wildfire smoke to extreme heat, BC researchers are looking at the health impacts – and ways people can protect themselves.
