Dear KBHN Community,

The federal government announced today that the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program will be phased out over the next three years.

For thirty years, the Networks funded under the NCE program have focused research, training and partner resources on some of Canada’s most critical social, health and economic challenges. The Networks overcame barriers of geography, disciplines and sectors, and have been uniquely successful in mobilizing the talents and resources of the academic, government, private and not-for-profit sectors, working in partnership to tackle national challenges. What has set the NCE-funded research Networks apart from other initiatives is the commitment to innovation pathways that enable the translation of research discoveries into new products, practices and policies that contribute measureable socio-economic benefits to Canada.

KBHN will continue this important work during the transition phase, and has been invited, along with other networks to apply for renewal support until the NCE winds down its operations in 2023. In the meantime, all currently funded research projects, training events and fellowships, and partnership activities will continue as planned. In short, the work goes on!

Looking beyond the horizon of the NCE program, KBHN will be seeking to identify ways to continue its work under other funding programs. We remain committed to ensuring that Canadians continue to benefit fully from the investment in and achievements of our Network.

James N. Reynolds, PhD
Interim Chief Scientific Officer