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Scientific directors named for CIHR institutes


Ottawa, ON – January 5, 2004 – The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has made senior scientific appointments at its Institute of Aging and its Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health. The appointments were announced by Dr Alan Bernstein, CIHR president, along with CIHR’s governing council.

Dr Anne Martin-Matthews has been named interim scientific director for the CIHR Institute of Aging, effective for the period of January 1 to July 1, 2004.

Dr Martin-Matthews is a professor at the School of Social Work and Family Studies, and former associate dean of research and graduate studies and dean pro tem in the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. She also is a fellow of the (US) Gerontological Society of America. Her research and publications have contributed to our understanding and knowledge of aging, family and health, and widowhood. Dr Martin-Matthews most recently served as vice-chair of the advisory board for the Institute of Aging.

She replaces outgoing scientific director Dr Rjean Hbert, who was recently appointed as dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Universit de Sherbrooke.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr Martin-Matthews to the CIHR team,” says Dr Bernstein. “Her expertise in the field of aging will build upon the solid foundation laid by Dr Hbert and the institute over the last three years.”

The Institute of Aging is dedicated to supporting research and building research capacity. Its broad mandate covers supporting research that promotes healthy aging and addresses causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging. It links and supports researchers located in university, hospitals and other research centres across Canada.

Dr Michael Kramer was appointed scientific director of the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health

A distinguished physician and researcher from McGill University, Dr Kramer’s work has contributed to our understanding and knowledge of the strategies needed to improve maternal and newborn health. His research has not only been recognized in Canada but around the world by organizations such as the World Health Organization. Since May 2003, Dr Kramer has been acting in an interim capacity as the scientific director for the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health and was formerly the chair of its advisory board.

“An internationally renowned physician and researcher, Dr Kramer brings to the CIHR team a wealth of experience and a thorough understanding of child, youth and maternal health issues,” says Dr Bernstein.

Dr Kramer succeeds former scientific director Dr John Challis, who was named as vice president research and associate provost for the University of Toronto earlier this year.

The Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health supports research and building research capacity. Its broad mandate covers five defined periods of the life cycle: before conception; fetal development during pregnancy and the health and well-being of the mother; at birth; at infancy and childhood; and in youth.