-
New funding will boost Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research in BC
A new initiative to advance research on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases is being launched by a group of partners – including Health Research BC.
-
Remote breastfeeding support helps parents in BC
Low milk supply. Baby struggling to attach to breast. Sleepless nights. Breastfeeding can be tough – but telehealth options are giving parents confidence.
-
New app helps people with type 1 diabetes REACHOUT to peers for support
Managing type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming. A new mobile app connects people living with the disease to peers who understand their daily challenges, reducing their distress and building support.
-
Listening to what can go UnHEARD in Northern BC resource development
Research in Northern BC is helping rural communities shape fairer, healthier decisions about major industrial projects — using tools that link environment, community, and health data.
-
Michael Smith Health Research BC welcomes Dr. Geoff Payne as President and CEO
The Michael Smith Health Research BC Board of Directors welcomes Dr. Geoff Payne as President and Chief Executive Officer effective today (November 3, 2025).
-
2026 Research Trainee competition: call for applications
Health Research BC is excited to launch the 2026 Research Trainee competition, supporting early-career health researchers across BC.
-
Announcing the 2025 Research Trainee awardees
Health Research BC is proud to fund 35 emerging researchers through the 2025 Research Trainee Program.
-
REGISTRATION OPEN: Putting Patients First 2026
Save your spot for the seventh Putting Patients First conference on Tuesday March 3, 2026. Join us free of charge in-person in Vancouver, BC, or virtually.
-
Bridging the gaps: Why research impact can elude us — and what we can do about it
Reflecting on eight years as President & CEO, Dr. Bev Holmes shares her takeaways and suggestions for those working in the research system.
-
BC SUPPORT Unit
The BC SUPPORT (Support for People & Patient-Oriented Research & Trials) Unit supports, patient-oriented research throughout BC to answer research questions that matter to patients and improve health care.
About Us
We fund people and research, and we partner on shared opportunities. Funded by our provincial government, we support a health research system that improves health and health care and strengthens the economy.
Our programs build research careers, our investments advance priority research, and our expertise accelerates the use of research evidence.
We acknowledge with respect and humility that our offices are located on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We also acknowledge the diverse First Nations across British Columbia, who have inherent rights rooted in the connection to their lands and waters, which have never been surrendered. In the spirit of reconciliation, we aim to practice cultural safety, value Indigenous ways of knowing, and respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Current Funding Opportunities
Operating Grant: Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ Health Through Research
We’re partnering with the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health to support research that advances health equity for 2S/LGBTQI+ communities. Projects may focus on socio-structural determinants, chronic conditions, gender-affirming care and mental/brain health, and community-engaged approaches. Up to $700,000 over four years is available. Register by February 11, 2026.
Operating Grant: Cancer Research Society
We’re partnering with the Cancer Research Society to co-fund up to two BC-based research projects focused on Indigenous cancer health and prevention, environmental and occupational cancer risks, biomarker identification of carcinogenic exposure, and mechanisms of carcinogenesis. $140,000 over two years is available to successful applicants. Submit LOI by December 10.
Health Research BC-Mitacs Industry-Based Funding Opportunity
Through a partnership with Mitacs, the program provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with a placement at a life sciences company in order to gain business skills within the sector.
Applications are now open for:
Latest News
News
2025 in review: Celebrating impact, embracing opportunities
10 December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we celebrate another year of advancing new discoveries, better care, smarter policies, and a stronger health system.
News
RAPP
Research Approvals Processes: December 2025 update
9 December 2025
The RAPP team has been actively advancing multiple workstreams, aiming on bringing the project closer to its goal of streamlining research approvals and increasing timeliness of health research in BC.
News
New funding will boost Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research in BC
27 November 2025
A new initiative to advance research on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases is being launched by a group of partners – including Health Research BC.