Fraser Health researchers are participating in more studies and securing more external funding than ever before.
With 445 active research projects across the region including 144 active clinical trials, 2024-2025 was a record year for Fraser Health research. The Department of Evaluation and Research Services (DERS) reaffirmed its commitment to the principle that “research is care and care is research” in several ways, including:
- Fraser Health researchers secured $5.3 million in new external funding
- 155 publications authored by Fraser Health researchers contributed to the broader scientific community
- 17 per cent increase in studies where the principal investigator was from Fraser Health
- Research activity breakdown:
- Clinical research: 264 studies
- Health systems and services: 81 studies
- Population health: 64 studies
- Biomedical research: 36 studies
The people we serve are at the heart of what we do and last year 47 research projects actively engaged people with lived experience as research partners.
“Patients and people with lived experience are part of this incredible journey to improve care and we are so grateful for their expertise,” says Kate Keetch, director, Department of Evaluation and Research Services.
Equity, diversity and inclusion continue to be central themes in research, with projects addressing Indigenous health, anti-racism, stigma and trust. The diversity within our region also provides for unique opportunities for research. For example, Surrey Memorial Hospital is part of an international study looking at optimal treatments for bloodstream infections. The patients participating in the study are providing a rich subset of data that will contribute to improving care locally and globally.
“At a time when health systems are under pressure and facing health human resource challenges globally, new and better ways of delivering the best care possible will only happen if we embrace a culture of inquiry and innovation,” says Kate.
The DERS team is quick to applaud the hundreds of Fraser Health staff and medical staff who contribute to research. They are also proud of the recently-established Clinical Research Units (CRU) with designated clinical research professional staff to support research in many ways at different sites and units across Fraser Health including:
- Managing contracts and regulatory setup
- Overseeing research finances
- Supporting patient recruitment and screening
- Ensuring accurate data collection
The CRUs allow Fraser Health to contribute to provincial and national studies that are important drivers of quality improvement and innovation in the system.
“The remarkable contributions of our researchers and the DERS team at Fraser Health have profoundly strengthened our health care system,” says Nancy Desrosiers, vice-president of Professional Practice, Quality, Learning and Research. “Their pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to innovation continues to inspire us and pave the way for a healthier future for all. To the DERS team and all Fraser Health researchers, thank you for your invaluable work and dedication.”