Ï㽶ÊÓƵ

Embracing & Leveraging the Digital Era

Deploying transformative methods and tools is paramount for advancing healthcare research and clinical practice. FMHS researchers and units are encouraged to explore partnerships with the IT industry to develop innovative analytical and technological solutions for both discovery research and clinical applications. Emphasizing patient empowerment, we aim to integrate electronic health records with digital portals, wearable devices, and smartphone apps. These tools will not only facilitate patient access to clinical data but also support a new generation of diagnostics, and personalized wellness strategies. Spearheaded by the McGill researchers of the FRQS Digital Health Network (Réseau de santé numérique), these initiatives promise to both transform patient care and deliver new and powerful research methodologies.

The federation of data and knowledge enabled by information technology, alongside the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and data science towards generative models and tools, is set to transform healthcare. This digital evolution presents new technological and ethical challenges. The growing precision and volume of "omics" data are pivotal for generating large-scale biological datasets, turning each patient into a significant data source. These developments enable analyses of health and disease determinants with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity. FMHS, in collaboration with its affiliated hospitals, is poised to leverage these advancements to enhance research and clinical outcomes.

Moreover, realizing the potential of multi-dimensional data necessitates active research in computational methods. This includes a broad array of disciplines such as applied mathematics, computational biology, engineering, and computer science. McGill's longstanding expertise in these areas, bolstered by initiatives like the Strategic Initiative in Computational Medicine and the Quantitative Life Sciences (QLS) graduate program, underscores our commitment to innovation. Focus areas include mathematical and statistical modeling, multivariate analytics, and dynamical systems theory, addressing various scales from individual biological systems to population health.

A Stronger Research Infrastructure

To set the stage for future-ready research infrastructure that is both innovative and sustainable, FMHS acknowledges the importance of core facilities in advancing research. These facilities are essential in providing cutting-edge technology, services, and expertise to our research community. These facilities also support the University's teaching mission by providing McGill undergraduate and graduate students with access to advanced technologies and shared resources, facilitating hands-on learning and research experiences. However, sustaining the operations of these facilities poses significant challenges, in terms of financial and human resources – an issue experienced by all research-intensive academic institutions across Canada.

FMHS has made strides in securing more sustainable funding for core facilities in 2024, yet the resources remain insufficient. We will continue to work towards an appropriate business model, including by implementing an integrated system for improved management through professional software, to bolster the operational efficiency of these essential resources. Although the need for increased central funding is apparent, financial enhancements alone may not suffice. FMHS is committed to working with all stakeholders to reassess the organization and promotion of core facilities, aiming to extend their reach within McGill and to a greater number of potential external partners, enhancing their visibility and impact.

An integral part of enhancing the long-term sustainability of our core facilities is recognizing and valuing the talents of specialized personnel and support staff who are the backbone of these operations. Developing and offering attractive career options and paths is crucial for attracting and retaining this talent. Addressing this need involves creating a supportive environment that recognizes their contributions to research advancements and provides opportunities for professional growth and stability.

Successful implementation of the SRP relies on strong administrative and operational support. FMHS recognizes that, to move from planning to action, administration units must be well-equipped and staffed to support the ambitious initiatives laid out in the SRP. FMHS will work closely with administrative teams to identify areas for improvement, enhance operational processes, and provide the necessary support to ensure that our research priorities are effectively actualized.

Recruitment and Retention of Talent

The recruitment of talented students and early-career investigators is crucial. Prioritizing both excellence in fundamental domains and interdisciplinary collaboration, as highlighted in the present herein. We aim to integrate measures of success and potential to enhance our research priorities. Financial support for graduate students and postdocs remains a priority, complemented by the growth of existing and the development of new cross-disciplinary training programs such as the Integrated Program in Neuroscience (IPN) and QLS.

Supporting new faculty members as they establish their laboratories at FMHS and begin their independent careers is also important. FMHS will work to provide more competitive research start-up packages, including funding and space allocations, and equitable support programs to ensure that talented recruits thrive at McGill, contributing to collective success.

FMHS remains committed to creating an environment that not only attracts top talent but also supports their long-term success and professional development. This strategy ensures that our Faculty can thrive and contribute meaningfully to advancing our research priorities.

Strategy: Cross-Cutting Priorities

• Digital Health: We continue to embrace digital health initiatives, highlighted by the recent establishment of a FRQS Digital Health Network co-led by FMHS researchers, and the newly launched Data Science Center at SPGH. This underscores the commitment to spearheading initiatives that leverage digital solutions for improved patient care and research methodologies.
• Machine Intelligence & Data Repositories: FMHS encourages advanced analytical and information technologies for both discovery research and clinical applications, emphasizing patient empowerment and partnership in both the research mission and the delivery of care through digital tools. We also acknowledge the transformational potential of artificial intelligence and data science in healthcare, emphasizing the need for research and training in computational methods to unlock novel insights from large-scale biological and healthcare datasets.
• Interdisciplinary Bioengineering Translational Efforts: The FMHS will focus on developing novel therapeutics and biomedical devices, including advancements in person-specific stem cell engineering and bioengineering, with encouragements towards commercialization and clinical translation.
• Engagement with the Private Sector: Collaboration between academia and industry partners is essential for translating innovative research into real-world applications that benefit patient care on a global scale. FMHS recognizes the importance of building partnerships with health startups and industry leaders to facilitate the movement of discoveries from the laboratory to the public. These collaborations not only enhance the impact of our research but also provide new funding opportunities that support ongoing research and educational initiatives.
• Funding for Research Infrastructure: We continue to advocate for and secure increased funding from the University's central administration to ensure the long-term sustainability of core facilities.
• Restructuring for Efficiency: We plan to evaluate the current organization of core facilities to identify potential efficiencies across disciplines and technologies to optimize resources and services. For instance: Imaging & Microscopy, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Disease and Other in-vivo Models, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Structural Biology & Biochemistry, Data repositories & Biobanks.
• Career Development for Platform Staff: FMHS plans to implement staff development programs for core facility personnel, offering clear career paths and professional growth opportunities. This could include training programs, leadership development, and pathways to permanent positions, underscoring the value of their expertise to the institution.
• Prioritizing Recruitment and Retention of Talent: A critical aspect of FMHS's strategy is the targeted recruitment of young investigators and the support for new faculty members through competitive research start-up packages and integrated training programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of cross-disciplinary training programs.
• Cultural Safety: FMHS recognizes the importance of Cultural Safety in all aspects of health research, education, and clinical practice. Cultural Safety involves creating an environment where Indigenous Peoples and all patients feel respected and safe, free from discrimination and judgment. FMHS is committed to ensuring that faculty and staff understand and implement Cultural Safety in their interactions with Indigenous Peoples, patients, and research participants. This commitment extends to how we conduct research with Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups, ensuring that all research practices are grounded in respect, reciprocity, and Cultural Safety.