Definitions

The NBHRF has adopted the four pillars definition of health research consistent with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

1. Biomedical Research

The goal of biomedical research is to understand normal and abnormal functioning at the molecular, cellular, organ system and whole-body levels. This includes the development of tools and techniques that can be applied for this purpose, and the development of new therapies or devices that can improve health and quality of life up to the point where they are tested on human subjects. These studies generally do not have a diagnostic or therapeutic orientation.

2. Clinical Research

Clinical research is focused toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury and improving the health and quality of life of individuals as they pass through normal life stages. This also includes research on animal models of human disease, clinical trials and other therapeutic interventions.

3. Health Services / Systems Research

The multidisciplinary field of health services / systems research seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health professionals and the health-care system through changes to practice and policy.

4. Social, Cultural, Environmental and Population Health

Pillar IV research explores the way in which our social and physical environments impact our health. The ultimate goal is to use this information to improve the health of the population, or defined sub-populations, through a better understanding of the ways in which social, cultural, environmental, occupational, and economic factors determine our health status.