ement.
advancing achievem
2009 | 2010 Annual Report
MISSION STATEMENT “To promote the growth and co-ordination of the health research enterprise in Manitoba”
For more information contact:
MANITOBA HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL
P216–770 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0W3
Telephone
(204) 775–1096 Fax: (204) 786–5401
info@mhrc.mb.ca
Website
www.mhrc.mb.ca
table of contents Message from the Chair 2 Message from the Executive Director 3 Council Members 4 Staff 5 Committees of Council 5
Grant & Award Programs Manitoba Research Chair Awards 7 Establishment Grants 8 Operating Grants 10 Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards 12 Graduate Studentship Awards 14 Regional Partnership Program Awards 20 Partnership for Health System Improvement (PHSI) Awards 21 MMSF/MHRC Clinical Research Professorships 22 Bridge Funding Awards 24 Sponsorships 24 Past Award Recipients 25
Review Committees Manitoba Research Chairs Review Committee 28 Operating & Establishment Scientific Review Committee 28 Social/Population Health Scientific Review Committee 28 Studentship Review Committee 29 Fellowship Review Committee 29
2009/10 Financial Report Management Report 31 Auditor Report 32 Financial Statements i –viii
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Dr. Dean Sandham
chair’s message With the term of my Chair soon to end, it is with great pride that I reflect on the achievements of the Manitoba Health Research Council. With the support of the Manitoba health research community we forged a strategic plan which resulted in an unprecedented infusion of funding. Many of our strategic goals have been realized.
A key insight during our strategic planning was the need for alignment between all the groups supporting health research in Manitoba to allow more effective use of resources and national competition. Partnerships have been a key component of the MHRC success. This year we had further growth in our partnerships, welcoming the Manitoba Lung Association and the Manitoba Medical College Foundation to our coordinated studentship competition. MHRC established a partnership with the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation to support talented clinical scientists. For the first time MHRC launched a Request for Proposals in Respiratory Research, an initiative made possible by a partnership from Amalgamated Research Fund of the Faculty of Medicine. MHRC is continuing on this path to augment funding of its suite of programs to maintain a competitive health research enterprise in Manitoba. Manitoba cannot afford to lose momentum in supporting Manitoba’s health research industry which provides new jobs, highly qualified personnel, improved health care and benefits to the Manitoba economy. The Manitoba Research Chair program has completed its second year of supporting Manitoba’s health research talent. The significant role that this program has in retaining our health research leaders has been abundantly clear to Council. Congratulations to Dr. Jitender Sareen and Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni, who are leading research programs in Psychiatry and Immunology respectively.
In keeping with the need for effective provincial alignment for strategic investment in health research an essential component of MHRC’s strategic plan is to serve as an advisory body to the Provincial Government on matters pertaining to health research. At the request of the Department of Innovation, Energy and Mines (IEM), MHRC is engaged in two activities; 1) providing advice and recommendations on the indirect costs of health research and 2) providing advice on the merits of the proposals received by the Department from health care institutions/foundations for financial support for initiatives, include proposed development of infrastructure and operating costs related to health research. In closing, it is a pleasure to thank the hardworking staff of MHRC. I also thank those health researchers that volunteered their time to reviewing grant applications in our various competitions. Your support provides the backbone of the Manitoba health research enterprise and is invaluable in the success of MHRC in enhancing the competitiveness and success of the health research community. I would also like to thank the membership of the MHRC Research Advisory Committee, for the important role it has played in providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Council on research-related opportunities and peer review issues. Finally, it has been an enormous privilege to Chair MHRC, and to work with the members of Council and the staff of IEM, and to them I extend my thanks and admiration.
Dr. Dean Sandham
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Manitoba Health Research Council
Dr. Jim Davie
executive director’s message The Manitoba Health Research Strategy “Envisioning the Future” listed four strategic actions. We have made excellent progress towards attaining these goals, which ultimately enhances Manitoba’s position in health research and improves the health care of Manitobans. Success in moving forward was made possible by the MHRC staff, Ray Karasevich, Kristen Hooper, Liz Ford and Shannon Rogalski, who worked diligently in moving MHRC programs and activities forward. Ray joined us in September as Director of Operations and was with the organization for several months. We thank Ray for his excellent work ethic and his passion to have the organization excel in its mission.
MHRC is now the coordinating body for health research in Manitoba, leading coordinated peer review programs with multiple partners in supporting our health research trainees. In partnership with the Amalgamated Medical Fund, we put out MHRC’s first Request for Applications in respiratory research, a RFA that was most welcomed by the Manitoba health research community. This year MHRC responded to the Provincial Government to provide advice on multiple infrastructure requests and to review indirect health research costs of organizations participating in the Provincial Government’s Health Research Initiative program. Both reports were delivered in the fall. There is a great deal of interest at the national level as to what is the average indirect costs for health research (typically 30 to 40% of direct costs) and who should pay for these indirect costs. MHRC continues to provide advice on infrastructure requests and indirect costs, with the latter activity having MHRC conducting an in-depth review of the direct and indirect research costs of two major animal facilities, a report that is nearing completion.
Moving research evidence into practice is made possible through supporting clinician scientists with the skills to move health research from the bench to the bedside. In partnership with the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation, MHRC supported the on-going program of supporting talented clinical scientists. Recognizing the importance of supporting a program that inspires future clinicians to undertake health research, MHRC provided support to the Faculty of Medicine B.Sc. Medical program. It is clear that more funds need to be made available for MHRC to have a major impact in mobilizing our health research discoveries to improving the health care of Manitobans.
Recruitment and retention of the best health research faculty has been a central goal of the MHRC strategic plan. As Executive Director, I am amazed at the talent we have in this province and somewhat concerned that several of these investigators are on the poach list of universities across Canada. We are pleased to support the top talent in the province; however, it is clearly evident that increased funding is required to fund more Manitoba Research Chairs than currently possible. Manitoba cannot afford to lose these talented health researchers, our future leaders.
As a member with National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations and the Forum of Health Research Funders, I attended meetings at which we had discussions on several issues relevant to on-going MHRC activities such as full cost of research (who should pay), indicators to measure return on investment in health research, the Canadian Common CV link to the Provincial Directory of Health Researchers and ultimately to an Interprovincial Directory.
Facilitating research networks, linkages and communication remains an on-going activity of MHRC. Vital in this strategic goal is the MHRC Research Advisory Committee (RAC) which has representation from health research sectors in Manitoba. RAC continues to provide superb advice in strategic planning and communicating new initiatives to health researchers. We welcomed Dr. Gary Glavin, Associate Vice-President Research (University of Manitoba) to RAC. His knowledge of health research opportunities will be most valuable as we move forward.
I had the pleasure of attending a Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF)-initiated Health Research Priorities Summit in December 2009. NSHRF was most helpful in sharing information and strategies leading to their event, which was most successful in setting strategic decisions regarding organizational priorities. Lessons learned from the NSHRF experience will be most useful as MHRC strategizes future health research priorities.
In closing, I thank the staff, Council members, RAC, and members of the peer review panels for their dedication in the successful implementation of MHRC’s strategic plan.
Dr. Jim Davie Executive Director
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andham, Chairperson e Faculty of Medicine, of Manitoba Dr. Judith ssociate Professor artment of Community ences, University of nd Health Director of ba Metis Federation Mr. shop Mr. John Clarkson ister, Department of , Energy & Mines, f Manitoba Dr. Albert esident, Medicure Inc. Friesen Distinguished Dr. Dean Sandham Chairperson Emeritus, Faculty of Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba University of Manitoba Dr. Judith Bartlett nnon (from October 2009) Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, emsen Director, Applied University of Manitoba and Health Director of the Manitoba Metis Federation nd Commercialization, Mr. F. Lynn Bishop College Dr. Digvir Jayas Immediate Past-Chair of the Board, Health Sciences Centre Foundation e-President (Research) Mr. John Clarkson of Manitoba (from Deputy Minister, Department of Innovation, Energy & Mines, Province of ) Dr. Arnold Naimark, Manitoba (non-voting member) person Director,
council members
the Advancement Dr. Albert Friesen e Dr. Brian Postl, President, Medicure Inc. Treasurer President/ Dr. Henry Friesen peg Regional Health Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Dr. Brent Schacter CEO, Mr. Bob Gannon ssociation of Provincial Immediate Past-Chair of the Board, St. Boniface General Hospital ncies Dr. Ian Smith Mr. Ray Hoemsen eneral, Institute for tics, National Research Director, Applied Research and Commercialization, Red River College
Arlene Wilgosh Deputy Dr. Digvir Jayas Manitoba Health Dr. Vice-President (Research) University of Manitoba am, Chairperson Dean Dr. Arnold Naimark Vice Chairperson ulty of Medicine, Director, Centre for the Advancement of Medicine of Manitoba Dr. Judith Dr. Brian Postl Secretary Treasurer ssociate Professor President/CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority artment of Community Dr. Brent Schacter ences, University of CEO, Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies nd Health Director of ba Metis Federation Mr. Dr. Ian Smith shop Mr. John Clarkson Director General, Institute for Biodiagnostics, ister, Department of National Research Council , Energy & Mines, Ms Arlene Wilgosh f Manitoba Dr. Albert Deputy Minister, Manitoba Health, Province of Manitoba (non-voting member) esident, Medicure Inc. Friesen Distinguished Emeritus, Faculty of University of Manitoba nnon (from October 2009) emsen Director, Applied nd Commercialization, College Dr. Digvir Jayas Manitoba Health Research Council 4 e-President (Research)
secretariat Executive Director Dr. Jim Davie Chief Operating Officer (to June 2009) Ms Christina Weise Chief Operating Officer (from September 2009 – February 2010) Mr Ray Karasavich Manager, Funding Programs Ms Shannon Rogalski Administrative Officer Ms Liz Ford Administrative Assistant Ms Kristen Hooper
committees Executive Committee Dr. Dean Sandham, Chair Dr. Arnold Naimark, Vice-Chair Dr. Brian Postl, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Ian Smith Finance and Audit Committee Dr. Brian Postl, Chair Dr. Dean Sandham Mr. Ray Hoemsen Dr. Albert Friesen Mr. Paul Kochan (External member) Nominating and Governance Committee Dr. Dean Sandham, Chair Mr. Lynn Bishop Dr. Henry Friesen Dr. Digvir Jayas Dr. Arnold Nairmark Research Advisory Committee Dr. Harvey Chochinov, Chair Dr. Lesley Degner, Vice-Chair Dr. Judith Bartlett (Council Representative) Dr. Charles Bernstein Dr. Peter Cattini Dr. Judy Chipperfield Dr. Brenda Elias Dr. Brian Hasinoff Dr. Kent HayGlass Dr. Geoff Hicks Dr. Michael Moffatt Dr. James Peeling Dr. Grant Pierce Dr. Brent Schacter (Council representative) Dr. George Zhanel
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Grants and Awards
funding programs MHRC was established by an Act of the Legislature June 30, 1982 to promote and assist basic, clinical and applied research in the health sciences in Manitoba and advise the Minister on health research matters referred to Council. Our funding programs remain the core mechanism by
which the Council achieves its mandate. Through MHRC’s long history, our focus has been on building capacity for health research in Manitoba by targeting funding towards new researchers, new recruits to Manitoba and research trainees. In each of our programs we
encourage and support a broad range of human health research including basic biomedical, clinical research, health services and health systems research and research into the cultural, social and environmental determinants of health.
in research grants, awards and sponsorships. The following section describes the number of new awards in the General Competition and offers a total list of new award recipients for this fiscal year.
In 2009/10 Council approved approximately $5.4 million
N ETITIO ed L COMP A R E N E Approv HE G T N I $ AWARDS ended No. FUNDED Recomm D 0 N A LE 200,00 $ FUNDAB , S d N e O . 2 v I No 5 Recei 0 PLICAT 290,85 400,00 NEW AP $ 7 ry 4 6 No. 8 Catego 0 619,01 461,38 Grant 400,00 1 1 1 1 0 4 50 ,339,6 hairs 45,285 1 C 6 h c r 0 ea 22 0 17 0 ba Res 459,00 ,149 Manito 6 s 5 t 3 n , a 2 r G 2 1 t 0 38 000 ishmen 00 1,071, Establ 36500 ,147,5 1 s t 0 n 6 a 30 1 0 ing Gr 606,50 ward Operat 9,500 , A 5 1 7 p , i 1 h lows 90 46 al Fel 00 3 , Clinic 3 6 4 2, wards 138 ship A Fellow wards ship A t n e d u St
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Manitoba Health Research Council
2009 manitoba research chair awards Dr. Jitender Sareen
Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
discovering best practices for important mental health issues
bringing new hope to airway disease sufferers
An expert in traumatic stress, Dr. Jitender Sareen is conducting long-term, population-based research into the dual issues of mental health in soldiers and suicide prevention in First Nations communities. To Dr. Sareen, these studies are important for Canadians and will have an impact by advising policymakers on best practices for suicide prevention and treatment protocols for soldiers.
Through his research into the molecular foundation of human airway inflammation, Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni is bringing new hope to worldwide sufferers of asthma and chronic obstructive disease (COPD). Dr. Soussi Gounni’s research program is helping the medical community better understand the mechanisms that lead to these debilitating diseases, and the intent, he says, is to develop novel treatment approaches.
“With the current deployment of the Canadian military to Afghanistan, there’s been significant public concern about the impact of combat and peacekeeping operations on the mental health of soldiers,” states the Manitoba-trained psychiatrist. “Our five-year research program aims to understand the deployment and nondeployment factors related to soldiers’ mental health and to comprehend their subsequent treatment needs.” Through ongoing counsel from eight First Nations communities, Dr. Sareen hopes to develop an increased understanding of the complex causes of suicide in these vulnerable populations. Using large-scale surveys, his research will examine the risk factors of suicide among Aboriginal populations. As well, Dr. Sareen aims to test suicide prevention strategies using a culturally grounded approach. “Through a systematic review of all suicide prevention strategies with community members and international experts in the field, we’ll advance our understanding of specific prevention strategies that will most likely be effective on First Nations reserves,” Dr. Sareen says.
“Efforts to develop effective therapeutic strategies for asthma and COPD have been hampered by our lack of basic knowledge about airway immune system dysfunction,” states Dr. Soussi Gounni, who received his PhD at the Institut Pasteur. “I’m focusing on how inflammation works within the airways of patients affected, and also looking at biomarkers of allergic asthmatic children to help simplify the diagnosis.” Dr. Soussi Gounni’s program is part of a collaborative effort that involves scientists and clinicians around the world. He says that working in a global scientific community has put the University of Manitoba on the map in terms of immune receptor research. “It’s been important for my research team to be part of a large network of researchers investigating the role of structural cells in airways,” he explains. “Our ongoing success has allowed the U of M to recruit trainees from some of the world’s top international post-secondary institutions.”
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establishment grants
Dr. James Bolton, Dr. Francis Lin, Dr. Sean Mckenna, Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, Dr. Afshin Raouf, Dr. Mojgan Rastegar, Dr. Song Liu,
(top row, left to right)
Establishment Grants support recently recruited faculty members, who show exceptional promise. These funds allow the establishment their research programs which will enable successful application for national and international research funding. The awards, for up to $100,000 to be used within a 3–year period, provide support for a variety of purposes, e.g. buy-out of teaching time, salary for research personnel (other than the applicant’s salary), purchase of equipment and supplies, etc.
Recipient, Department, Faculty, Institution Bolton, James, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide Behavior: A Study of Manitoba and other Populations. Lin, Francis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba Title: Understanding Human Cell Trafficking Mediated by Complex Chemical and Electrical Environmental Cues. Liu, Song, Department of Textile Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Of Manitoba Title: Development of Bioprotective textiles via a novel surface modification technique. Mckenna, Sean, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba Title: Modulation of the Immune Response to Viral Infection by Nucleic Acid Binding Proteins. Mookherjee, Neeloffer, Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, University of Manitoba Title: Defining molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammation and immunomodulation. Raouf, Afshin, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: The origin and fate of breast cancer stem cells. Rastegar, Mojgan, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Epigenetics in Mammalian Neurogenesis and Disease.
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Manitoba Health Research Council
“Receiving this award is amazing. Professionally, it’s essential because it enables me to launch this research program. And personally it’s allowed me to propel my career as an investigator.”
Dr. James Bolton Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
finding ways to improve suicide prevention strategies Dr. James Bolton expects that his population-based research into the risk factors for suicide – as well as clarifying those characteristics that protect against it – will eventually enable doctors and caregivers in Canada and around the world to improve suicide prevention strategies. He says that his multi-year project will involve large-scale surveys that assess mental and physical health among the population. “Studying a whole population provides in-depth information about the average person,” he relates. “We’ll look at such factors as mental illness, medications, level of income and marital status to determine what effect these may have on suicide risk and prevention. I’ll also use anonymous information from Manitoba databases to try to understand the same risk and protective factors among people living in the province.” Dr. Bolton believes Manitoba’s state-of-the-art population-centred database is ideal for studies such as his. “The database we have in Manitoba is completely anonymous and tracks individuals over a long period of time,” he notes “It’s perfect for investigators like myself who are looking to discover patterns in their long-term projects.” Ultimately, Dr. Bolton hopes his research will help prevent suicide and suicide attempts beyond Manitoba and the rest of Canada. “The findings from my study can help care providers worldwide to identify and treat those at risk of suicide,” he says.
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operating grants Dr. Andrew Goertzen, Dr. Francis Lin, Dr. Song Liu, Dr. Jonathan McGavock, Dr. Andrew McKay, Dr. Maria Medved, Dr. Shikha Mittoo, Dr. Clare Ramsay, Dr. Hacene Serrai, Dr. Harminder Singh, Dr. Jude Uzonna
(top row, left to right)
MHRC’s Operating grants are open to recently recruited faculty members and are designed to defray the normal costs of research. Grants are awarded for either one or two years enabling researchers to successfully obtain national and international funding.
Recipient, Department, Faculty, Institution Goertzen, Andrew, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Compact geometry positron emission tomography systems for small animal imaging. Lin, Francis, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba Title: Quantitative Investigation of Electric Field Mediated Immune Cell Migration. Liu, Song, Department of Textile Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba Title: Novel Dual-Function Wound Dressings: Active Infection Control and Wound Healing Promotion McGavock, Jonathan, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba Title: Wa Wa Tay physical activity program for type 2 diabetes management and prevention. McKay, Andrew, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: A Population-Based Analysis of the Morbidity of Gallbladder Surgery in the Elderly. Medved, Maria, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba Title: Burn Narratives: Psychological adaptation to pain and disfigurement. Mittoo, Shikha, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Of Manitoba Title: Assessing and Predicting Lung Function in Connective Tissue Disease Patients Ramsay, Clare, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Characteristics and outcomes of patients leaving hospital against medical advice. Serrai, Hacene, Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Title: High speed magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging using wavelet encoding and parallel imaging. Application to young populations suffering from brain metabolic disorders. Singh, Harminder, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Colorectal Cancer Morality after Colonoscopy: A population-based cohort study. Uzonna, Jude, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Regulation of Anti-Leishmania Memory Response by P13K. 10
Manitoba Health Research Council
Because type 2 diabetes and its complications pose a major health problem in remote northern First Nations populations, Dr. Jon McGavock hopes his research into the effectiveness of physical activity in limiting the disease will lead to the development of community-based programs to help manage and prevent the illness. The study is being undertaken in an isolated Manitoba community that has one of the country’s highest rates of type 2 diabetes and utilizes interviews and objective measurements of risk factors to explore the multifaceted impact of a fitness program on quality of life and risk factors associated with diabetes . “We hope to develop sustainable community-based diabetes management and prevention programs that are tailored to the specific needs of people living in remote Aboriginal communities,” Dr. McGavock states. “As well, we hope to generate local knowledge and peer support to promote healthy living and reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes in these communities.” With two years of funding from MHRC, community members will have the support to deliver programming to citizens with type 2 diabetes. Dr. McGavock will also be able to pilot different programs and use the data to refine interventions to meet the needs of the community. “These funds, which are used directly to help those in need, demonstrate that we’re there to help, not to simply take information and leave,” he says.
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Dr. Jon McGavock
reducing the burden of diabetes with community-based fitness
“Without the funding, projects like these would never get off the ground and we would not be able to test our research questions. More importantly, the funding is used to foster and nourish the relationship we have between the university and the community we work with.”
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postdoctoral fellowship awards A limited number of fellowships are available to outstanding candidates with a doctoral degree whose prior postdoctoral research training normally does not exceed 3 years. Postdoctoral Fellows are a critical component of the research enterprise enhancing the work of established investigators and these awards support the development of the next generation of researchers. Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution
coordinated fellowships The Manitoba Health Research Council has engaged the hospital-based foundations (CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, and St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation) in the coordination of a joint Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition.
Arbeau, Kimberley (Dr. Rosemary Mills), Department of Family Social Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-MICH Fellowship Award Title: Shyness and Shame in Middle Childhood: Can the Combination Lead to the Most Detrimental Outcomes? Arfaoui, Arbia (Dr. Silvia Cardona), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Identification and characterization of Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux pumps in the multiresistant bacterial pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia. Blewett, Heather (Dr. Peter Zahradka) , CCARM, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: The role of adipose-derived stem cells in obesity related inflammation.
“It has been a pleasure working with MHRC and the other partners to increase the number of deserving trainees conducting cancer research in Manitoba. With this coordinated effort, it has increased cancer research activities that could have a significant impact on Manitobans.” CancerCare Manitoba
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Dhingra, Rimpy (Dr. Lorrie Kirschenbaum), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Regulation of BNIP3 and autophagy in heart. Dupasquier, Chantal (Dr. Randolph Guzman) Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine,University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Nutrigenomic approach to understanding the cardioprotective mechanism of dietary flaxseed.
Manitoba Health Research Council
Flores Tapia, Daniel (Dr. Stephen Pistorius) Department of Medical Physics, CancerCare Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-CancerCare Manitoba Fellowship Award Title: Electrical Impedance Tomography Imaging of the Breast using a novel 3D MultiFrequency Monotonicity Reconstruction Approach. Hai, Yan (Dr. Jiuyong Xie) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: CaMKIV regulation of hnRNP L-Like protein in alternative Splicing. Kamboj, Amit (Dr. Christopher Anderson) Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-SBRC Fellowship Award Title: Role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 (PARP-2) in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Kongruttanachok, Narisorn (Dr. Sabine Mai) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Characterization of telomere dysfunction in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lafarge, Sandrine (Dr. Aaron Marshall) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: The role the PI3K signaling pathways play in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (TAPPing into a potential target for therapy?).
Potrebko, Peter (Dr. Boyd McCurdy) Department of Medical Physics, CancerCare Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Improving Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning Using Multi-objective Optimization. Sabbir, Mohammad (Dr. Michael Mowat) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, CancerCare Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-CancerCare Manitoba Fellowship Award Title: Role of Dlc-1 and -2 genes in transformation, metastasis in vivo using conditional knockout mouse models. Zhang, Jingbo (Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-MICH Fellowship Award Title: Molecular Regulation and Function of Pentraxin 3 in Allergic Asthma.
Division of Medical Physics, CancerCare Manitoba
Dr. Daniel Flores-Tapia
Mou, Zhirong (Dr. Jude Uzonna) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-MICH Fellowship Award Title: Identification of Leishmania major antigenic peptides that elicit protective memory T cell response.
“I’m grateful for the funding, which gives me the opportunity to use my engineering training to improve the quality of life of the population in this great country. It also allows me to receive the training I need to become a successful biomedical researcher based in Manitoba.”
engineering a new techology for cancer detection Dr. Daniel Flores-Tapia is utilizing his expertise as an electrical engineer to evaluate the use of electrical currents in the detection of breast tumours. According to Dr. Flores-Tapia, the technology he’s working with can be considered safer than mammography because it doesn’t involve radiation and it is more comfortable since breast compression is not required. “The power of the currents in this technology is less than half of what a Christmas light uses,” he explains. “The goal of my project is to develop a comfortable breast imaging technology capable of distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions. The imaging modality increases the quality of life for people living with cancer and their families and will improve cancer control for all Canadians.” Dr. Flores-Tapia’s award is a partnership between MHRC and the Division of Medical Physics, CancerCare Manitoba. To Dr. Flores-Tapia, who hails from Mexico, research projects such as his gain strength from collaboration. “In my personal experience, the link between natural and health sciences has led to spectacular results in Manitoba, where the collaboration between academic, public and private sectors have led to the formation of world class companies in the health sciences,” he relates. “In this day and age, partnerships are a must to successfully research the health problems that we currently face.”
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graduate studentship awards A limited number of studentships are offered to excellent graduate students who are undertaking full-time Master’s or Doctoral programs in the Province of Manitoba. These awards also aim to develop the next generation of researchers and improve the productivity of a research lab by funding graduate students.
Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution
coordinated studentships The Manitoba Health Research Council has engaged partners (CancerCare Manitoba Foundation; Health Sciences Centre Foundation; Manitoba Institute of Child Health; St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation; University of Manitoba, Faculty of Graduate Studies; The Lung Association, Manitoba; Manitoba Medical College Foundation) in the coordination of a joint Graduate Studentship Competition.
Akude, Eli (Dr. Paul Fernyhough) Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Studentship Award Title: Lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction: role in nerve degeneration associated with diabetic sensory neuropathy. Armistead, Joy (Dr. Barbara Triggs-Raine) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Effect of D86G substitution on the EMG1 protein function in Bowen–Conradi Syndrome. Balcewich, Misty (Dr. Brian Mark) Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance: Targeting the AmpC Beta–Lactamase Induction Pathway.
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Balhara, Jyoti (Dr. Abdelilah Soussi Gounni) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Regulation of High Affinity IgE Receptor (FceRI) by Mechano–transduction in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells.
Manitoba Health Research Council
Baxter, Shannon (Dr. Jeffrey Wigle) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – SBRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Mechanisms of PROX1 mediated cell cycle regulation in endothelial cells. Beiggi, Sara (Dr. Spencer Gibson) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – CancerCare Manitoba Studentship Award Title: Role of BNIP3 in Hypoxia Induced Cell Death in Head and Neck Cancers. Berard, Alicia (Dr. Alberto Severini) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – HSCF Graduate Studentship Award Title: Analysis of viral-infected cells using a quantitative proteomics method, stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), to determine host proteins differentially regulated following infection. Buse, Cordula (Dr. Michael Mowat) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Name of Award: MHRC – CancerCare Manitoba Studentship Award Title: The cooperation of the K–ras oncogene and Dlc-1 in tumor development in a transgenic mouse model.
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba
Misty Balcewich
laying a foundation for antibiotic reintroduction With her research into the challenges of overcoming antibiotic resistance, Misty Balcewich has laid a foundation for the development of target molecules that could reintroduce antibiotics that are currently not being used because of drug resistant bacteria. Ms. Balcewich’s study focuses on developing compounds that could specifically block the activities of the proteins known as NagZ and AmpR to suppress the production of another protein, AmpC that deactivates the potency of antibiotics, such as penicillin. “AmpC is found in many bacterial human pathogens and is turned on in response to
“As a researcher, receiving this award was very exciting. I felt that my peers and superiors had recognized my capabilities as a scientist. It was also extremely encouraging and reassuring that my decision to pursue a career in resea rch was the right one.” antibiotics, which in turn disables the drug and promotes bacterial survival,” explains Ms. Balcewich, who earned her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Manitoba. “We studied how NagZ and AmpR participated in this process and we believe that inhibiting these proteins could ideally turn off AmpC production, which would allow for further treatment with antibiotics.” Ms. Balcewich believes MHRC’s co-ordinated studentship award confirms the significance of her work. “I’m very grateful to MHRC because the financial award allowed me to dedicate my time to research, provided extra funds for equipment and permitted me to attend a number of conferences around the world, which gave me the opportunity to share my research with the international community,” she says.
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graduate studentship awards Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution Chen, Xueping (Dr. Jiming Kong) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MMCF Graduate Studentship Award Title: Toxic properties of oxidized Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1).
De Rocquigny, Janelle (Dr. Noralou Roos) Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Manitoba’s French–Speaking Children: How Healthy are They?
Chytyk, Krista (Dr. Boyd McCurdy) Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – CancerCare Manitoba Studentship Award Title: Dosimetric verification of radiation therapy delivery with an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device.
Fediuk, Jena (Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Effects of Thromboxane Receptor Signaling and Rho– GTPases Activation on Actin Polymerization and Contraction in Hypoxic Neonatal Pulmonary Arterial and Aortic Myocytes.
Danappa Jayappa, Kallesh (Dr. Xiaojian Yao) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Name of Award: MHRC MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: The role of HIV–1 karyphilic proteins (IN, MA, Vpr) and host cellular nuclear import receptors in HIV–1 nuclear import and propagation.
Gao, Xiaoling (Dr. Xi Yang) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Role of Dendritic cell subsets in generating protective immunity against tuberculosis infection and Inhibition of Allergy through BCG vaccination.
“The Faculty of Graduate Studies (at the University of Manitoba) is very pleased with our partnership with MHRC. It has significantly reduced the administrative burden for both the funding partners and the applicants. The end result is to more broadly ensure that the most qualified applicants are funded.” University of Manitoba, Faculty of Graduate Studies
“The Health Sciences Centre Foundation is pleased to collaborate with the Manitoba Health Research Council in offering Graduate Studentship Awards to worthy candidates. Our first year has resulted in the funding of two excellent researchers. Collaboration amongst the hospital based foundations and the University is a powerful signal to all our donors that their gifts are being used to maximum impact.” HSC Foundation The Health Sciences Centre Foundation
Deniset, Justin (Dr. Grant Pierce) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The atherogenic affects of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in an ex vivo organ culture model.
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Gillingham, Leah (Dr. Peter Jones) RCFFN, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Efficacy of consumption of canola and flax oils in management of hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Hwang, Sun-Young (Dr. Karmin O) Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Role of Cystathionine beta–Synthase Mediated Homocysteine Metabolism in Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury. Kolach, Dana (Dr. Michelle Porter) Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The functionality of vehicle interiors for older drivers: Recommendations to modify vehicle interiors for optimal biomechanics.
Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution Liu, Guodong (Dr. Jiuyong Xie) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Regulation of HnRNP L by Depolarization/CaMKIV. Ludke, Ana (Dr. Pawan Singal) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – SBRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Protection by Vitamin C against Adriamycin–induced cardiotoxicity: Role of MAP Kinases and PI3K/Akt pathway. “This year the Manitoba Institute for Child Health continues to build on its partnerships with the Manitoba Health Research Council. The focus is support of our common goals of strengthening Manitoba’s advantages in discovery research and development of innovative means to translate these findings for the benefit of all children. We do so through key joint programs aimed at identification, development and nurturing of research talent. By working together, we doubled the number of research trainee positions from what could have been offered individually. The recipients of these awards—both current Manitobans and those brought to Manitoba for advanced training from around the world—use these opportunities to strengthen our society.” Manitoba Institute of Child Health
Mahmood, Sajid (Dr. Sam, K.P. Kung) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Molecular mechansims underlying natural killer cell differentiation and acqusition of target recognition. Mcintosh, Bryan (Dr. Andrew Goertzen) Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Characterization of Luteteium Oxyorthosilicate Detectors for Positron Emission Tomography. Meek, Benjamin (Dr. Jonathan Marotta) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The effect of aging on gaze strategies and motor control during grasps to moving objects.
Nabi, Zinnatun (Dr. Hao Ding) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Identification of Rtel interacting proteins to uncover its role in genomic instability. Natarajan, Suchitra (Dr. Thomas Klonisch) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Three–dimensional (3D) telomere signatures as novel tool for early diagnosis of human thyroid cancer. Ogutcen, Ezgi (Dr. Jeffrey Wigle) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Prox1 regulation of lymphatic endothelial differentiation. On, Ngoc (Dr. Donald Miller) Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Impact of P-glycoprotein in the distribution of chemotherapeutic agents in brain tumors. Paddock, Natasha (Dr. Phillip Gardiner) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The effects of altered activity on sensory neuron electro–phsyiology and intracellular signaling mechanisms. Parsons, Joanne (Dr. Michelle Porter) Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The effects of neuromuscular training on lower extremity biomechanics in prepubescent females as demonstrated during a drop jump.
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graduate studentship awards Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution Parvez, Kamal Uddin (Dr. Xiaojian Yao) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Identification of new cellular binding partners of HIV–1 Integrase and investigation of their roles during HIV–1 replication. Paulson, Krista (Dr. Barbara Shay) School of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Efficacy of Acupuncture in Relieving Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Healthy Human Adults. “The MHRC – St Boniface Hospital partnership is a win-win for both institutions. However, the real winners are the young trainees who receive important financial support and recognition for their careers in research. This wouldn’t happen without this significant sharing of research resources.” St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre
“Our partnership with MRHC is very important to our organization. It enables us to fund a research studentship and fulfill our mission. We consider this to be an important investment that will reap future rewards to the lung health of Manitobans.” The Lung Association, Manitoba
Penner, Karen (Dr. Lorna Jakobson) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Assessment of executive function in at–risk preschool children: deconstructing the role of central attention, active working memory, and visual processing. Phan, Xiem (Dr. Seran Akyalcin) Department of Preventive Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The effect of bleaching on bond strength of Anti– caries agents. Podder, Chandra (Dr. Abba Gumel) Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Mathematical Modeling of the Spread and Control of HIV/AIDS.
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Manitoba Health Research Council
Poritsanos, Nicole (Dr. Tooru Mizuno) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Nutritional Regulation of Central Fat Mass and Obesity– Associated (FTO) Expression, and its Biological Role in Obesity. . Rajan, Pavithra (Dr. Michelle Porter) Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management , University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Effect of elastic resistance training on ankle dorsiflexor strength and power in mobility–impaired older women. Sabapathy, Srikesavan (Dr. Christina Ellen Lee) Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Modifiable Fracture risks in men with prostate cancer. Shaw, Souradet (Dr. James Blanchard) Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Understanding the etiology and epidemiology of autoimmune diseases in Manitoba: a population–based perspective. Sarna, Lindsei (Dr. Karmin O) Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Regulation of Superoxide Anion Generation in Macrophages. Sikarwar, Anurag Singh (Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC-MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Effects of Hypoxia on Signaling Crosstalk Between Adrenergic and Prostanoid Receptor In the Newborn Pulmonary Circuit.
Recipient, (Supervisor) Department, Faculty, Institution Singal, Deepa (Dr. Marni Brownell) Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The Economic Burden of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Manitoba: Documenting health care resource utilization and associated costs of children with FASD. Sinha, Juhi (Dr. Michelle Porter) Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The aging cervical spine and the effects of neck flexibility interventions in older women. Stringer, Danielle (Dr. Peter Zahradka) CCARM, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Modulation of Glucose Absorption, Transport and Metabolism by Buckwheat: A Proposed Mechanism for Reduction in Hyperglycemia. Throndson, Karen (Dr. Jo-Ann Sawatzky) Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Exploring Health Care Practices of Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Patients. Tran, Anh (Dr. Kevin Coombs) Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – HSCF Graduate Studentship Award Title: A Functional Genomics Approach to the Study of Influenza–Host Interactions Vasilyeva, Irina (Dr. Silvia Alessi-Severini) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Antipsychotic–induced Adverse Events in the Elderly Population of Manitoba. Walker, Darolyn (Dr. Jonathan McGavock) Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: Physical activity for overweight youth at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Walker, Jonathan (Dr. Davinder Jassal) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The cardioprotective effects of probucol against anthracycline and trastuzumab mediated cardiotoxicity. Yallop, Lauren (Dr. Marni Brownell) Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Manitoba Adults: A Population–Based Study. Yan, Yi (Dr. Etienne Leygue) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Identification of proteins interacting with SRA protein. Zachariah, Robby (Dr. Mojgan Rastegar) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC – MICH Graduate Studentship Award Title: MeCP2 Isoform–Specific Targets and Function in Neuronal Maturation and Dendrite Branching. Zhang, Jason (Dr. Michael Mulvey) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: The effects of proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobials on transcriptome of toxigenic Clostridium difficile. Zhu, Shenghua (Dr. Xin-Min Li) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship – MHRC Graduate Studentship Award Title: Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine in an APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.
2009 | 2010 Annual Report
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regional partnership program awards The program provides partnership awards (matching funds) to individuals who have been awarded Canadian Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnership Program (CIHR–RPP). Funding for this program is made available through the Department of Innovation, Energy and Mines and leaveraged an additional $870,729 into Manitoba from CIHR.
Recipient, Department, Faculty, Institution Anderson, Hope, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Protective signaling by PPARs in cardiac hypertrophy. Aukema, Harold, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Impact of long-term consumption of high protein diets on renal health, hypertension, glucose handling and adipose metabolism in obesity – implications for dietary reference intakes. Davie, James, Manitoba Institute of Biodiagnostics, CancerCare Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Nucleosomal response and immediate early gene expression. Lautt, Wayne, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Mechanism of loss of vasodilation response to insulin in type 2 diabetes. McClement, Susan, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Assessing the Relevance of the Patient Dignity Inventory in Identifying Distress and Influencing Clinical Care in Palliative Care
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Mizuno, Tooru, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Role of xenin in the regulation of energy balance Schweizer, Frank, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Preclinical evaluation of aminoglycoside antibiotics– derived amphiphiles (AADAs). Tate, Robert, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Successful aging of older Canadian males: The Manitoba follow-up study. Yang, Xi, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Name of Award: RPP Operating Grant Title: Host defense against chlamydial lung infection: Interation between natural killer T cell (NKT) and dendritic cell (DC) subsets
Maclure, Malcolm, University of Victoria, British Columbia Name of Award: Partnerships for Health System Improvement Title: Partnering for Ongoing Impact Assessment of Academic Detailing Roos, Noralou, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy Name of Award: Partnerships for Health System Improvement Title: Injecting evidence into Health Policy Coverage: ‘KT’ing the Mythbusters.
Dr. Noralou Roos
Recipient, Department, Institution
Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
partnership for health system improvement (PHSI) awards
“We are working with people across the country who recognize the unique researcher/media team we have here in Manitoba. The support of MHRC and our distinguished partners in the project make it possible for us to continue to build on our advantages.”
ensuring evidence-based reporting in the media To Dr. Noralou Roos, ensuring that journalists convey the most accurate and up-to-date information available to them can go a long way to improving Canada’s health care system and ultimately the health of all Canadians. Dr. Roos has long recognized the challenges faced by members of the media in finding reliable, evidence-based information, and she has undertaken the task of building the Evidence Network, a vital link between journalists and academics who research and publish reports on health policy issues. Spearheaded by Dr. Roos and supported by a partnership of media representatives, health policy professionals and academics, the Evidence Network will provide a credible, in-depth and accessible resource for the media. The initiative will include a researcher database – a network of experts who are prepared to work with the media – and a media-friendly website stocked with the latest, most reliable health policy evidence, and commentary. “We trust that the Evidence Network will become the go-to source for evidence on controversial health policy topics,” explains Dr. Roos, the founding Director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and a recipient of the Order of Canada. “Our network of researchers will be able to respond to breaking news stories and contribute to stories where health policy evidence is relevant.”
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mmsf/mhrc clinical research professorships
“It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award. It allows me to continue to develop my research program and to commit the time to developing, implementing, learning and applying knowledge from these research studies.”
Dakshinamurti, Shyamala, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, University of Manitoba Name of Award: MMSF/MHRC Dr. F. W. Du Val Clinical Research Professorship Title: Examining protein kinase A–mediated TP serine phospharylation and TP–Ligand interactions.
Dr. Marissa Becker
Becker, Marissa, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Name of Award: MMSF/MHRC Clinical Research Professorship in Population Medicine Title: Monitoring Antiretroviral Therapy in South India
Departments of Community Health Sciences Services, Internal Medicine, and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Recipient, Department, Faculty, Institution MMSF/MHRC Clinical Research Professorship in population medicine
improving HIV treatment outcomes As a clinician and HIV researcher with the University of Manitoba’s Centre for Global Public Health, Dr. Marissa Becker focuses her time and energy on studying and working with vulnerable populations both in Manitoba and India. While Dr. Becker says there are differences in developed and developing countries, the fundamental causes of infectious disease epidemics are similar and the lessons learned in either setting offer benefits to each other. “I’m further developing my research program by focusing on improving infectious disease treatment outcomes in vulnerable population groups and linking my research in India with work in Canada,” states the Manitoba born, raised and educated Associate Director of the Manitoba HIV program. “I’ll be concentrating on improving HIV treatment outcomes and enhancing our understanding of influenza and its treatment outcomes.” For Dr. Becker, the partnership award fulfills a financial need and allows her to dedicate more time and effort to her scientific pursuits. “With this funding, the program of research will greatly contribute to the knowledge and understanding of patterns of HIV, STIs and influenza in Manitoba,” she remarks. “It’ll help identify challenges in care and existing gaps in our understanding of prevention and treatment for our unique population demographics, as well as improving treatment outcomes among HIVpositive persons in India.”
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Manitoba Health Research Council
“As a hospital-based researcher I’m also a clinician in the intensive care unit. This award has allowed me to have protected time in the lab which means that my research remains a priority.”
Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
MMSF/MHRC Dr. F. W. Du Val Clinical Professorship
gaining knowledge about newborn lungs Because the newborn lung is highly sensitive to low oxygen levels, young babies at birth are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension, a serious and potentially lethal condition. Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti, a Manitoba-trained neonatologist, is studying how low oxygen levels impact the function of muscle lining the blood vessels of newborn lungs. Her research is ongoing and she hopes that as more knowledge is gained, new and more effective drug treatments will be realized. “Without the right amount of oxygen, blood vessels in the newborn lung can go into spasm, preventing blood from flowing through the lung and creating gas exchange during breathing,” Dr. Dakshinamurti asserts. “We’re studying the relaxation of blood vessels in newborns so that we can get a better understanding of this vital process and identify drugs that can be of benefit to the young.” With the rising cost of drugs, neonatal researchers are eager to develop cost effective alternatives says Dr. Dakshinamurti. The value of her research, she says, is not only in helping identify these new therapies but also in the selection of those patients who would benefit from these treatments. “I’ve been working on various approaches to the problem since 2003, and these methods, in the end, will help develop new ways of treating newborns,” she says.
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bridge funding awards Bridge funding awards are one-year awards designed to allow experienced, productive investigators, who have lost funding from a major national agency, to maintain their research operation while they attempt to regain national funding.
S Recipient, Department, Faculty, Institution
Arthur, Gilbert, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine University of Manitoba. Name of Award: Bridge Funding Award Title: Mechanism of induction of autophagy and paraptosis by glycosylated anti-tumor ether lipids. Glazner, Gordon, Department of Neurodegerative Diseases, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre Name of Award: Bridge Funding Award Title: The interaction between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease.
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sponsorships This program provides matching funds to support health research conferences, workshops, research days and like events. Its purpose is to promote the advancement and exchange of health research knowledge in Manitoba by encouraging linkages between researchers and among researchers and others.
The Council sponsored six events which intended to build research collaborations within their specific areas of interest:
›› Assessing the Future of Extracranial Radiosurgery: A National Symposium ›› Canadian Student Health Research Forum: MHRC Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Award
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›› CIHR’s Celebration of Excellence in Canadian Health Event: Sponsoring attendance of Drs. Bolton and Whyard
›› International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences: 2nd Symposium on FUTURE OF HEART HEALTH
›› International Forum on Knowledge Translation, Banff, Alberta. ›› Traditions of Excellence Research Symposia, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba.
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SUMMER STIPENDS – B.Sc. (Med) students
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Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
distinguished past award recipient
Support from MHRC allowed me to become established in Manitoba an Dr. Anand Kumar
to establish national and international collaborations. Without it
my research career may have in fact been a clinical career instead
MHRC allowed me to become established in Manitoba and to establis
national and international collaborations. Without it, the my world researc making an impact around As a past recipient of an MHRC research grant, Dr. Anand Kumar’s studies into the prevention and treatment of septic shock has had a major impact around the world on reducing the risk of death from the condition. Dr. Kumar’s research observed that timely and swift antibiotic therapy makes a difference in inhibiting septic shock, the most common cause of deaths in hospital intensive care units and a leading cause of death in people with cancer and liver and lung disease.
career may have in fact been a clinical career instead.” from MHR
allowed me to become established in Manitoba and to establis
national and international collaborations. Without it, my researc
career may have in fact been a clinical instead.Support fro “Ourcareer study was central in the recommendation that appropriate antibiotics be started within 60 minutes of recognition of shock by national and international advisory bodies,” he notes. “This appears to already be having an impact on lowering the risk of death from septic shock.”
MHRC allowed me to become established in Manitoba and to establis
national and international collaborations. Without it, my researc As Dr. Kumar continues to develop effective antibiotic therapies and novel treatments for septic shock, the funding from MHRC has allowed him to work closely with physicians around the world to implement best practices in their regions. He says Manitoba’s research industry may be smaller, but it is nevertheless a vibrant centre of research excellence.
career may have in fact been a clinical career instead. Support fro
MHRC allowed me to become established in Manitoba and to establis
national and international collaborations. Without it, my researc “A smaller industry may mean less overall activity, but research in Manitoba is truly about creativity and innovation,” he explains.
career may have in fact been a clinical career instead.Support fro
MHRC allowed me to become established in Manitoba and to establis
2009 | 2010 Annual Report 25 national and international collaborations. Without it, my researc
manitoba research chairs 2008 updates Jeff Wigle
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Spencer Gibson
Jeff Wigle
Translational research often involves the application of basic scientific discoveries to the clinical setting. In cancer treatments, virtually all standard therapies were based upon laboratory based research that is often fundamental in nature. Our research is focused on translating our scientific discoveries to the clinical setting. Currently, we have a clinical trial where a histone deacetylase inhibitors called valproic acid is used to treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients that have failed frontline therapy. We found in preliminary data that this treatment changes expression of cell death genes such as death receptors. In laboratory research, we found that these death receptors sensitize CLL cells to cell death when combined with standard therapy. This was correlated to the clinical observation that patients responded best when valproic acid was combined with standard chemotherapy. These studies are ongoing but show promise that we can increase response to standard chemotherapy in patients that relapsed. In a second project, cancer patients that relapse often are resistant to chemotherapy due to a blockage in a form of cell death called apoptosis. We and others have discovered that cancer cells can die by another form a cell death called autophagy that involves the cell digesting internal structures leading to cell death. This process involves oxidative stress and using an oxidative stress inducing drug currently in clinical trials to treat cancer (2-ME), it selectively induces autophagy mediated cell death. This could provide a mechanism to kill cancer cells that are resistant to standard chemotherapy in a variety of cancers. We are continuing to develop these translational research projects with the support of the Manitoba Research Chair program.
During 2009-2010, my laboratory has continued to investigate, with the support of the Manitoba Research Chair, the key early events during the growth and development of two vessel systems in our body, the blood and lymphatic systems. We have presented our findings at national venues and international venues such as the American Society for Cell Biology. We have made many exciting discoveries regarding vessel development and have a paper currently under review that highlights the work of Shannon Baxter, who has been supported by a MHRC studentship. In addition, we have another paper in preparation. We anticipate that our work will lead to the development of new mechanisms to block lymphatic vessel growth and thereby block tumour spread. Our work on blood vessels will lead to the development of new treatments to promote or block blood vessel growth. As well my graduate student, Ezgi Ogutcen (supported by a MHRC graduate studentship), was successful in defending her Masters thesis and has secured a research position at University of Manitoba.
Manitoba Health Research Council
Dr. Keith Fowke Project title: Immune Control of Viral Infections: Letting Nature Direct Vaccine Design The Laboratory of Viral Immunology, led by Dr. Keith Fowke, has a research program focused on understanding the role of the immune response in resistance, susceptibility, and progression of viral infections. More specifically the lab focuses on the role of how a class of white blood cells called T cells function in HIV and, more recently, influenza infections. The proposal focused on a number of major research themes.
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The first was exploring the low level of immune activation observed among some individuals that are exposed to HIV are not infected. The team has identified this Immune Quiescence as a novel area of investigation that may provide much needed new direction to the HIV vaccine field. This research has become a major theme of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded Grand Challenges in Global Health grant that Dr. Fowke works on along with the principal investigator Dr. Francis Plummer. The Manitoba HIV group is leading the efforts to bring the community of HIV researchers interested in studying natural immunity to HIV together. The Immune Quiescence hypothesis has been presented at international meetings in Thailand, Tanzania and recently at the International Symposium on Natural Immunity to HIV that was held in Winnipeg. This presentation was highlighted in Science magazine (Dec 11, 2009).
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The second project was to explore the genetic mutations that lead to some individuals being more susceptible to HIV infection. The Manitoba Research Chair funded part of the research that led to the successful renewal of Dr. Fowke’s Canadian Institutes for Health Research grant worth $663,050 over 5 years.
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One of the benefits of holding the Manitoba Research Chair is that Dr. Fowke was quickly able to focus on new emerging research priorities such as the H1N1 influenza emergence. Through MRC funding an assay was refined that was able to identify H1N1 infected individuals. This has led to the development of a powerful assay that can be used in identifying those who really were infected with H1N1 and can be linked with epidemiological data that can used to assess correlates of severity of disease. Thanks for MRC funding and through a number of collaborative partnerships, specimens from all across Manitoba and Canada are being assessed by the Laboratory of Viral Immunology to determine how the immune response is affected by H1N1 infection and vaccination. This research has identified a genetic marker that places individuals at greater risk of severe H1N1 disease.
2009 | 2010 Annual Report
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review committees 2009 Manitoba Research Chairs Committee Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier (Chair), Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto Dr. Michael P. Walsh (Scientific Officer) Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary Dr. Steve Kehl, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia Dr. Margaret Penning, Department of Sociology and Centre on Aging, University of Victoria
2009 Operating & Establishment Grant Scientific Review Committee Dr. Jim Thornhill, Chair, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Dr. Brent Fedirchuk, Scientific Officer, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba Dr. Ben Albensi, Department of Pharmacology, University of Manitoba Dr. Gilbert Arthur, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Dr. Tedros Bezabeh, Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Dr. Kevin Coombs, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba Dr. Cindy Ellison, Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba Dr. Elissavet Kardami, Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Dr. Allan Katz, Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba Dr. Thomas Klonisch, Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Dr. Lawrence Ryner, Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Dr. Garry Shen, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba Dr. Don Smyth, Department of Pharmacology, University of Manitoba Dr. Juiyong Xie, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba
2009 Social/Population Health Review Committee Dr. Verena Menec, Chair, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Dr. Janice Dodd (Scientific Officer), Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba Dr. Dan Bailis, Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba Dr. James Bolton, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba Dr. Robert Chase, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Dr. Dauna Crooks, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba Dr. Alain Demers, Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, CancerCare Manitoba Dr. Randy Fransoo, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Dr. Dean Kriellaars, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba Dr. Norah Vincent, Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba Dr. Lori Wilkinson, Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba Dr. Dickie Yu, Director of Research, St. Amant Centre, University of Manitoba
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Manitoba Health Research Council
2009 Fellowship Review Committee Dr. Leigh Murphy, Chair, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, CancerCare Manitoba Dr. Jitender Sareen, Scientific Officer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba Dr. Krishnamurti Dakshinamurti, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Dr. Hao Ding, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Unviersity of Manitoba Dr. B.J. Hancock, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba Dr. Sabine Hombach-Klonisch, Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, University of Manitoba Dr. Xin-Min Li, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba Dr. Brian Mark, Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba Dr. David Merz, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Dr. Redwan Moqbel, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba Dr. Jude Uzonna, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba
2009 Studentship Review Committee Dr. Pawan Singal, Chair, Department of Physiology, St. Boniface Hospital Research Ctr. Dr. Chris Anderson, Department of Pharmacology, University of Manitoba Dr. Hope Anderson, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba Dr. Rakesh Arora, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba Dr. Rajinder Bhullar, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba Dr. Marc Del Bigio, Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba Dr. Mary Lynn Duckworth, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba Dr. Andrew Goertzen, Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba Dr. Sam Kung, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba Dr. Kan-Zhi Liu, Institute for Biodiognostics, National Research Council Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Ctr. Dr. Stephen Pind, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba Dr. Maria Vrontakis, Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba Dr. Xiao Yao, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba
2009 | 2010 Annual Report
29
30
Manitoba Health Research Council
management report the manitoba health research council The accompanying financial statements are the responsibility of management and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In management’s opinion, the financial statements have been properly prepared and of necessity include some amounts based upon management’s best estimates and judgements. As management is responsible for the integrity of the financial statements, management has established systems of internal control to provide assurance that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded from loss.
Jim Davie, PhD Executive Director
2009 | 2010 Annual Report
31
financial statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
contents Auditors Report Financial Statements Statement of Financial Position
i
Statement of Operations and Fund Balances
ii
Statement of Cash Flows
iii
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Notes to Financial Statements
iv/v vi/vii
Supplementary Financial Information Schedule of Administrative Expenses
viii
auditors’ report to the legislative assembly of manitoba: We have audited the statement of financial position of MANITOBA HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL as at March 31, 2010 and the statements of operations and fund balances and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the organization’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as at March 31, 2010 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Chartered Accountants Winnipeg, Manitoba April 20, 2010
32
Manitoba Health Research Council
statement of financial position March 31
2010
2009
Assets Current Assets
Cash and bank (Note 2)
310,623
$99,964
Short‑term investments
1,987,890
2,273,722
Accounts receivable
9,313
7,860
Accrued interest receivable
10,078
—
Prepaid expenses
2,157
2,154
Deposits
500
500
2,320,561
2,384,200
18,694
15,794
2,339,255
$2,399,994
Capital assets (Note 3) Liabilities and Fund Balances Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4)
105,181
$107,590
Research grants payable
305,297
438,968
410,478
546,558
Commitments (Note 6)
Fund Balances
General Research Fund (Page4)
1,928,777
1,853,436
$2,339,255
$2,399,994
Approved on behalf of the board
Director
Director
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
i
statement of operations and fund balances For the year ended March 31 Revenue
2010
2009
General Research Fund
Regional Partnership Fund
Total
Total
$5,030,200
$1,000,000
$6,030,200
$6,000,000
Province of Manitoba grants
Grants returned /rescinded
47,838
35,273
83,111
169,923
Investment income
37,306
—
37,306
57,645
5,115,344
1,035,273
6,150,617
6,227,568
—
—
—
368,046
5,115,344
1,035,273
6,150,617
6,595,614
703,596
—
703,596
733,746
Add deferred revenue, beginning of year Expenditures
Administration (Page 12)
Personnel awards
2,123,073
28,500
2,151,573
2,072,770
Research grants
2,377,878
842,229
3,220,107
2,785,995
5,204,547
870,729
6,075,276
5,592,511
(89,203)
164,544
75,341
1,003,103
1,853,436
—
1,853,436
850,333
164,544
(164,544)
—
—
—
$1,928,777
$1,853,436
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures for the year Fund balances, beginning of year Transfer Regional Partnership Fund to General Research Fund Fund balances, end of year (Page 3)
ii
$1,928,777
Manitoba Health Research Council
$
statement of cash flows For the year ended March 31
2010
2009
$75,341
$1,003,103
4,672
4,088
80,013
1,007,191
285,832
(1,908,001)
(1,453)
783,697
(10,078)
—
(3)
3
(2,409)
17,753
—
(368,046)
(133,671)
(2,719)
218,231
(470,122)
(7,572)
(17,036)
210,659
(487,158)
99,964
587,122
$310,623
$99,964
$27,364
$56,456
Cash Flows from Operating Activities Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year Adjustments for
Amortization of capital assets
Changes in non‑cash working capital balances
Short‑term investments
Accounts receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Prepaid expenses
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Research grants payable
Cash Flows from Investing Activities Purchase of capital assets Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year Cash, beginning of year Cash, end of year Supplementary Information Interest received
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
iii
summary of significant accounting policies March 31, 2010 These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Financial Instruments
The organization utilizes various financial instruments. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the organization is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments and the carrying amounts approximate fair values. All transactions related to financial instruments are recorded on a trade date basis. The organization classifies its financial instruments as follows based on the purpose for which the asset was acquired and follows the disclosed accounting policy for each category. Assets/Liability
Category
Measurement
Cash and bank
Held for trading
Fair value
Short‑term investments
Held for trading
Fair value
Accounts receivable
Loans and receivables
Amortized cost
Accrued interest receivable
Loans and receivables
Amortized cost
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other financial liabilities
Amortized cost
Research grants payable
Amortized cost
Other financial liabilities
• Held for trading items are carried at fair value, with changes in their fair value recognized in the statement of operations. • Other financial liabilities are carried at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. • Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, less any provision for impairment. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
iv
Manitoba Health Research Council
summary of significant accounting policies March 31, 2010 Capital Assets
Capital assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization, based on the estimated useful life of the asset, is calculated as follows:
Office equipment
20% diminishing balance basis
Computer equipment
20% diminishing balance basis
Fund Accounting
The Manitoba Health Research Council follows the restricted fund method of accounting for contributions.
The General Research Fund reports only restricted resources that are used for research purposes. General research grants are charged to expenditures in the year the funding is committed for, by Council. Research grants returned to or rescinded by the Council are recorded as revenues when received or rescinded.
Regional Partnership awards are charged to expenditures when funding is received from the Province of Manitoba. Regional partnership awards returned to or rescinded by the Council are recorded as revenues when received or rescinded.
Revenue Recognition
Grant revenue is reflected in income in the period in which the grant is received or becomes receivable. Interest income is recognized as revenue when earned and is allocated to the General Fund.
Grants and Awards
All grants and awards and their renewals are charged to expenditures when funding is approved by Council.
Administrative Expenditures
Administration expenses are allocated 100% to the General Research Fund.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective, and have a potential implication for the organization, are as follows:
Future for Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPO) In October 2009, the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) tentatively decided that it will propose a choice between the accounting standards for private enterprises plus the current NPO standards appropriately modified to fit with those standards, International Financial Reporting Standards or Public Sector Accounting standards (PSAB) with NPO standards added on to PSAB. The Public Sector Accounting Board agreed that there was sufficient support to develop an NPO series to add onto the PSAB standards similar to the current NPO standards, but appropriately modified to fit with PSAB. The two boards are working together and intend to issue an Exposure Draft for comment in the first half of 2010. Until the Boards make a final decision all NPOs will continue to follow the current Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook – Accounting. The organization continues to monitor the developments in this area and evaluate the implications of the potential changes in financial reporting standards.
v
notes to financial statements March 31, 2010 1.
Entity Definition
The Manitoba Health Research Council was established by The Manitoba Health Research Council Act to promote and assist basic, clinical and applied research in the health sciences in Manitoba. The Manitoba Health Research Council is a registered charity and is exempt from tax under the Income Tax Act.
2.
Cash and Bank
2010
2009
Bank of Montreal current account $310,623 Wellington West cash account —
$85,940 14,024
3.
Capital Assets
$310,623
Cost
Office equipment Computer equipment
2010
$99,964 2009
Accumulated Amortization Cost
Accumulated Amortization
$21,059 12,861
$7,592 7,634
$14,599 11,749
$4,226 6,328
$33,920
$15,226
$26,348
$10,554
$18,694
$15,794
Cost less accumulated amortization 4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Included in accounts payable are appropriations of $75,000 for Electronic Grants Management System for expenditures committed to in the 2009/10 fiscal year for ongoing work and outstanding expenses incurred on the project.
5. Related Party Transactions
Manitoba Health Research Council is related to all Province of Manitoba departments and agencies. During the year, the Council had the following transactions with related organizations:
vi
2010
2009
$6,030,200
$6,000,000
Grant revenue
These transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
notes to financial statements March 31, 2010 6. Commitments
The Manitoba Health Research Council has committed grants and awards under the General Research Fund and the Regional Partnership Fund as follows: General Research Fund
Regional Partnership Fund
Total
2010
$2,437,816
$717,026
$3,154,842
2011
996,173
147,427
1,143,600
2012
500,000
—
500,000
2013
200,000
—
200,000
$4,133,989
$864,453
$4,998,442
Commitments of future years of the General Research Fund and Regional Partnership Fund are not recorded as an expenditure in the year of commitment, they are recorded as an expenditure in the year they are committed for. These commitments will be funded as follows: Current General Research Fund Balance Future Province of Manitoba grants
$1,928,777 3,069,665 $4,998,442
7.
Economic Dependence
The Manitoba Health Research Council relies almost entirely on grants from the Province of Manitoba.
8.
Capital Disclosures
The council considers its capital consists of its end of year Fund balances. There have been no changes to what the council considers to be its capital since the previous period.
The council manages its capital to ensure it retains sufficient cash resources to enable it to carry out its mission of providing grants to assist with medical research in Manitoba.
vii
schedule of administrative expenses 2010
2009
$4,409
$4,508
4,672
4,088
405
249
113,931
264,635
Conferences, meetings and travel
14,087
13,352
Consulting and professional fees
56,881
7,046
Council and committee expenses
17,222
13,608
3,130
3,356
684
294
Insurance
4,487
4,450
Marketing
23,724
14,714
Parking
1,561
1,042
Printing, stationery and office supplies
9,531
14,568
Repairs and maintenance
6,785
2,979
Reviewer’s expenses
28,412
12,960
Salaries and benefits
409,167
371,297
4,508
600
$703,596
$733,746
For the year ended March 31 Accounting and audit Amortization Bank charges and interest Communications
Delivery GST expense
Workshops and training
vii
advancing achieve Manitoba Health Research Council P216-770 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0W3 Telephone: (204) 775-1096  Fax: (204) 786-5401 E-mail: info@mhrc.mb.ca Website: www.mhrc.mb.ca