Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we believe research has the power to change lives

As the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency, we fund world-class research across the country. Led by talented teams based mostly at universities and hospitals, this research is critical to:

• Better diagnose, treat, and even prevent disease;
• Understand the complexities of health, including everything from basic cell biology to the social and environmental factors that can affect us;
• Strengthen our health care system using data and evidence-based models of care; and
• Support the development of policies and programs that can improve the health of individuals and entire communities.

In short, health research is one of the most important investments we can make as a nation—and at CIHR, we are incredibly proud to support this work.

Comprised of 13 research institutes with headquarters in Ottawa, we are an independent agency that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Health. CIHR was created in 2000 when the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act was signed into law.

• How does CIHR fund research? Learn about CIHR’s competition and peer review processes
• GBA+ Learn about CIHR’s commitment to using Gender-Based Analysis (GBA+) to develop effective policies and programs
• What is health research? Explore what health research is, what it looks like in action, and how it’s helping improve our health
• Publications Read CIHR’s publications and subscribe to our ACCESS newsletter
• CIHR in numbers See the breakdown of CIHR investments
• Organizational structure Learn about CIHR’s governance, management and Institutes