Message from Norman Rosenblum, INMD Scientific Director
March/April 2020

Dear Colleagues,

You may have noticed that the March INMD Newsletter did not arrive in your e-mail box as per usual. Suffice it to say, it is not business as usual at CIHR these days. Indeed, the world has changed dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such, the INMD newsletter content needed to be revised in response to this unprecedented and dynamic situation.

As an active clinician-scientist myself based at SickKids in Toronto, I am experiencing similar changes to what I expect most researchers in the country are experiencing. Research activities have been largely suspended, our staff are working remotely, and we receive almost daily messages about how COVID-19 is impacting our work. This creates a level of uncertainty that most of us have never faced, and all of us must adjust to this new reality. Beyond the disruption of work, family, friends, and co-workers are fearful; thus, we all face both operational and emotional challenges as we navigate the somewhat uncertain path ahead.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 will have far-reaching effects on our country and globally. Scientists will play a key role in helping governments to manage this crisis, from understanding the pathogenesis of the virus, effective treatment options, the impacts on health services and the effectiveness of public health measures used to control the spread of the virus. I am proud that Canadian researchers will be contributing to global research efforts, and would encourage you to read about recent CIHR investments in COVID-19 research.

Several of the strategic research competitions conducted by INMD will be postponed. We will endeavor to keep you informed of these changes. I would ask for your patience and understanding in these challenging times as CIHR works to adjust to this new reality. Please check the CIHR web site for regular updates on COVID-19. Specific questions may be directed to the Contact Centre at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

I wish you all good health,

Norman Rosenblum, MD, FRCPC
Scientific Director, CIHR-INMD

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