Building Health Research Capacity in Metabolic Disease



cihrThe past two days, I’ve been at a young investigator’s meeting convened by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute for Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, in Kelowna, BC.

This annual event brings together promising and emerging young investigators working in the fields of metabolic, renal and digestive disease from across Canada.

The talks by experienced faculty are given on topics ranging from grant writing, finding a good mentor and building partnerships (my topic), to the importance of not forgetting about work-life balance.

There is no doubt that every year, the research environment for funding becomes yet more competitive. Thus, it is always refreshing to see the enthusiasm, passion and enthusiasm with which young researchers approach the many research questions that desperately need answers.

Finding better ways to prevent and treat obesity are certainly among the top issues on the list, and it was therefore not surprising to see several of the research projects presented by the young attendees focusing on various aspects of obesity.

I found attending this event particularly rewarding as this was a reunion with several past “bootcampers” (attendees of the Canadian Obesity Network’s annual Obesity Research Summer School), who, I am happy to say, have progressed nicely into junior faculty and new investigator positions.

Congratulations to the organisers and all who had the privilege of attending.

@DrSharma
Edmonton, AB