Toronto's University Health Network launches scientist recruitment campaign amid U.S. health cuts, layoffs
CBC
Toronto's University Health Network says it has a new plan to recruit the best and brightest medical scientists from around the world, including the United States, where the government is laying off thousands of health researchers.
At a news conference Monday morning, UHN executives outlined their "Canada Leads" strategy to recruit 100 of the world's leading early-career health scientists to Canada's largest hospital network, to support Canadian medical research and innovation, and drive economic growth.
The Canada Leads program will offer selected scientists a two-year research funding commitment, as well as mentorship from leading entrepreneurs and help from a team dedicated to transitioning scientists to their new home.
UHN president and CEO Kevin Smith says the goal of the recruitment effort is to generate world-leading discoveries and economic spin-off in manufacturing, biotech and commercialization.
"We know there is an incredible opportunity to supercharge our Canadian economy through bold investment in science and technology," Connor said.
"And when you look around the world, the evidence is absolutely clear: nations that invest in science don't just lead in innovation, they lead in prosperity."
Smith says supporting more homegrown discoveries can also boost a made-in-Canada supply chain of advanced medical products and services. Although Canada spends over $400 billion on health care annually, a significant portion of that is spent on technologies, pharmaceuticals and supplies that are not manufactured in the country, he says.
"We have to ask ourselves, why not? Why are we not reaping the full economic benefits of our own discoveries?"
UHN will spend $15 million to recruit the first 50 researchers, Smith said, with funding secured through philanthropic investments. The UHN Foundation and the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation are now setting about finding matching funds.
The campaign will look to take advantage of large cuts and layoffs at federal health agencies in the U.S., including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
Scientists overseeing cancer research, vaccine and drug approvals, public health and tobacco regulations are among 10,000 already laid off.
"As others pull back, Canada must step up," Smith said Monday.
Manitoba and B.C. have launched their own campaigns recently to attract more U.S. health-care professionals.
"Some of the top scientists are looking for a new home right now, and we want UHN and Canada to seize this opportunity," Julie Quenneville, president and CEO of the UHN Foundation, said at Monday's news conference.
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