CIHR and Prigent

The debate over the appointment of a seasoned scientist with private-sector experience to the governing council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research¹ (CIHR) is based on innuendo rather than fact. CIHR should be commended for appointing Dr. Bernard Prigent. He brings strong international credentials in pharmaceutical research and development and has been recognized by his peers in the scientific and academic community for championing principled partnerships between industry, academia and governments aimed at improving Canada’s performance in health research. Furthermore, the governing council does not make decisions with respect to which researchers/projects will be funded, as this is the responsibility of the scientific council, based on the advice of peer review panels. Dr. Prigent’s appointment is consistent with CIHR’s mission, which is “the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.”