A AV俱乐部 researcher and recognized leader in managing children鈥檚 pain has landed a prestigious new role with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Dr. Christine Chambers, Canada Research Chair in Children鈥檚 Pain and a Killam Professor in Dal鈥檚 Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology & Neuroscience, has been appointed as the scientific director for the (IHDCYH). This will be the second CIHR Institute hosted at AV俱乐部. The University of Calgary is the only other university in the country to host two Institutes.
鈥淒r. Chambers鈥� appointment to the prestigious role of Scientific Director is a testament to her significant accomplishments in her field,鈥� says Alice Aiken, AV俱乐部鈥檚 vice-president of research and innovation. 鈥淗er world-renowned research program has played a key role in the improved management of pain in children, and we are thrilled to have a researcher of her calibre at AV俱乐部.鈥�
Supporting childhood growth and development
As one of the 13 CIHR Institutes, IHDCYH supports research that ensures the best start in life for all Canadians and the achievement of their potential for optimal growth and development.
Among its many priorities, the Institute spearheads the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative, which aims to prevent non-communicable diseases by focusing on health during conception, fetal life, infancy, and early childhood; the Preterm Birth Initiative, which focuses on achieving improved outcomes for premature babies; and IHDCYH Talks, an annual video competition that encourages knowledge translation.
As scientific director, Dr. Chambers will work with her community to identify research priorities, develop funding opportunities, build partnerships, and translate research evidence in policy and practice to improve the health of Canadians and people around the world. And, as a member of CIHR鈥檚 leadership team, she will participate in implementing CIHR鈥檚 strategic direction.
鈥淚鈥檓 a passionate believer in the power of health research to improve the lives of children and their families,鈥� says Dr. Chambers. 鈥淚 look forward to engaging with stakeholders 鈥� researchers across all career stages and from different disciplines, trainees, health professionals, administrators, policy makers, partners and, importantly, children, youth, and families themselves 鈥� to build on IHDCYH鈥檚 strong foundation.
鈥淭ogether we will tackle current health issues, address inequities, encourage a life cycle perspective, and create partnerships to promote research excellence and impact.鈥�
Making a difference
As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Chambers鈥� research program examines the role of developmental, psychological, and social factors in children鈥檚 health, with a focus on children鈥檚 pain. She is the scientific director of (SKIP), a not-for-profit organization funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence which has a mission to improve children鈥檚 pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions. Dr. Chambers also spearheads the for parents which generated 150 million content views worldwide in just one year, trended nationally on social media several times, and won multiple national and international awards.
鈥淭his is a terrific honour and achievement for Dr. Chambers,鈥� says Teri Balser, interim president of AV俱乐部. 鈥淗er clear commitment to research on children鈥檚 health, combined with her outstanding experience as a leader, scientist and educator make her an excellent choice for Scientific Director. On behalf of AV俱乐部, I鈥檓 excited to congratulate her on this new position, where I know she will continue to make an incredible impact.鈥�
Over the course of her career, Dr. Chambers has written over 150 peer-reviewed papers and 20 book chapters, and edited one book. She gives presentations for scientists, health professionals, parents, and patients around the world.聽 Her research has been featured in The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, and on CBC.
Dr. Chambers鈥� new role becomes effective on January 1, 2020.
For more information on the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, .