Groundbreaking boost for health research

U of C begins construction on health research facility

by Karen Thomas

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY’S FACULTY OF MEDICINE is celebrating a new era of health research after breaking ground on the $200 million Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC).

The 56,000-square-metre facility will double the health research capacity at the U of C, providing a home for internationally recognized scientists and leading-edge discoveries in stroke, diabetes, arthritis, heart and cancer.

“ This new research building is much, much more than bricks and mortar,” said Alberta Premier Ralph Klein (right) following the groundbreaking on Oct. 10.

“ It is a unique space designed specifically to allow scientists, physicians and research teams to do exceptional work. Within these walls we all expect the very best scientific minds will find causes and cures for devastating diseases.”
“ This is a proud day for the University of Calgary and the people that we serve, ” U of C President Harvey Weingarten said.

“ On behalf of the people who will benefit from the medical discoveries made here, and the next generation of students who will learn from the best, I want to thank the Government of Alberta, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and our community partners for their vision in funding this vital project.”

“ This is a milestone for health research in Alberta,” added Dr. Grant Gall, dean, U of C ’s Faculty of Medicine.

“ The investment made in this new centre is really an investment in the hope that springs from scientific discovery. We are already world leaders in brain, bone and joint, cancer, cardiovascular, child health, inflammation and infectious disease.
“ Discoveries made in this new centre will help revolutionize care, not only for Canadians, but for people the world over. ”

The HRIC is the single-largest project in the history of the University of Calgary. The centre consists of two interrelated buildings, the HRIC Lab and the HRIC Teaching, Research and Wellness Building (TRW).

The buildings are designed to facilitate the translation of scientific research from the laboratories directly to the bedsides of patients.

Physicians and health teams undertaking clinical trials and services in the TRW will serve more than 150,000 patients each year.

It is anticipated that this expanded research enterprise will create 1,300 new jobs in Calgary for faculty, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and staff, adding an estimated $154 million to the Alberta economy annually.