Research Institute’s New Strategic Plan Focuses on Being Healthier, Wealthier and Smarter

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute has unveiled a new Strategic Plan that will guide patient-centred research for the next five years.

The Research Institute’s 2020 Strategic Plan was developed by engaging key partners such as health professionals, academic institutions, communities, health managers, and policymakers.

Several notable achievements were celebrated during the Research Institute’s previous five-year plan including the installation of the cyclotron, the expansion of clinical research, and the emergence of spin-off companies that have the potential to generate value locally; these include XLV Diagnostics Inc. and most recently Radialis Inc. As the research arm of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the Research Institute helped it gain recognition among its peers by rising to 35th of the Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada.

Dr. Gary Polonsky, Board Chair of the Research Institute explained that after the successful completion of the many ambitious targets set for 2012-2016, the 2020 Strategic Plan was needed to recognize the evolving health research challenges the Northwestern communities are facing. “Our scientists have outpaced our goals in several areas,” says Polonsky. “Our Research Institute is now recognized as a leader in several fields including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and X-ray detector development. We are also supporting a growing clinical research cluster that is validating solutions to regional health care challenges, solutions that often have global applications, including First Nation communities.”

By design, the Research Institute’s new Strategic Plan also serves as the research plan for Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. It highlights three major directions:

1. Healthier: Lead research to improve the health outcomes of the people of Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
2. Wealthier: Advance philanthropic support and generate revenue through science and partnerships.
3. Smarter: Enhance the academic environment.

These directions will guide the Research Institute’s Vision, to be an international leader in medical imaging research, and discovery that improves the health of the people of Northwestern Ontario.

“Our Research Institute is part of an academic health sciences centre that allows both the cross-pollination of scientific questions and ideas to address regional population health challenges significant enough to sustain a strong research program,” says Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO, of the Health Sciences Centre and of the Research Institute. “Working together with academics, scientists, clinicians, funding agencies and industry partners helps us develop a truly Northwestern Ontario research program that is patient-centred.”

The 2020 Strategic Plan is now available on the Research Institute website. Visit http://bit.ly/2020StrategicPlan for more details.

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