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Interdisciplinary Health Research Academy

Interdisciplinary Health Research Academy (IHRA)

In January 2010, IHRA was created with the support of the Provost, Vice President Academic and Vice President Research as a mechanism for facilitating collaboration amongst scholars, and public and private stakeholders (including government, Alberta Health Services, other health institutions, community organizations, funders and industry) committed to stimulating, advancing and participating in interdisciplinary health research. IHRA is a joint initiative that will help ensure all 18 Faculties/Schools of the University have equal access to opportunities for research incubation (including space), research team development and interdisciplinary health research funding. IHRA is a community of scholars committed to interdisciplinary health research, and a mechanism through which the University of Alberta will support and facilitate transformative research. IHRA is neither a replacement for, nor in competition with single discipline health research.

Over the past two years, IRHA has evolved in its organizational structure, governance, and capacity to work with and facilitate interdisciplinary partnerships for health research across the University Faculties and with external stakeholders. 

An Interdisciplinary Health Research Advisory Committee (IHRAC) comprised of the 18 Associate Deans of Research, provides key guidance and advice on IHRA activities as they relate to all health research teams and activities involving the Faculties and Schools at the UA. 

A broad stakeholder sounding board was established in March 2011 (consisting of >120 funders, researchers, government, community groups/organizations, government and others) focusing on strategies to advance the health of Albertans through research and its application.  The IHRA Steering Committee, consisting of a balance of UA Associate Deans of Research and stakeholders, evolved from the sounding board. The IHRA Steering Committee first met in June and has since approved a Terms of Reference that includes their role in guiding the activities and initiatives for IHRA.

Read more about IHRA in Covenant Health RESEARCH, Fall 2011.