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The number, scope and geographic distribution of clinical researchers in Canada

Malathi Raghavan1, J Dean Sandham

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. raghavan@cc.umanitoba.ca

Clinical and Investigative Medicine. Medecine Clinique Et Experimentale
|November 5, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The number of clinical researchers in Canada is low, with few principal investigators funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR). This study highlights a potential gap in clinical research capacity compared to basic research.

Area of Science:

  • Health Research
  • Clinical Research Capacity
  • Canadian Health System

Background:

  • International concerns exist regarding declining clinical researcher numbers.
  • The Canadian clinical researcher population and its scope of activities were previously undocumented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the number and geographic distribution of clinical researchers in Canada.
  • To assess the scope of research activities funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from clinical research projects funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) as an indicator.
  • Analyzed principal investigator (PI) grants, salary awards, trainee awards, and co-investigator roles.
  • Examined funding distribution by research area and province.

Main Results:

  • 1,041 principal investigators (PIs) received funding between 1999-2007.
  • Significant numbers of supervisors, fellows, and students were involved in clinical research.
  • Quebec led in PIs per capita, Ontario in fellows, and Quebec/Saskatchewan in students.

Conclusions:

  • The number of Canadian investigators receiving CIHR clinical research funding was found to be low.
  • A potential gap between laboratory-based and clinical research capacity in Canada is suggested.
  • Further investigation into the clinical research capacity relative to basic research is warranted.

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