On April 23, attendees gathered at a reception hosted at Manitoba Blue Cross headquarters to celebrate this year’s remarkable MMSF research operating grant and early career award recipients.

The 12 successful research operating grant recipients and three career awardees received a total of over $670,000.

“The sheer variety of research projects highlighted tonight is impressive,” said Dr. Grant Pierce, assistant executive director of the MMSF. “From the psychological resilience of nurses and student mental health, to liposarcoma and spinal cord recovery, the expertise in this room is incredible. And this diversity is something that we are proud of at the MMSF. Our health and well-being are multi-faceted – so our research must be as well.”

The reception featured a diverse range of academics, non-academics and professionals. Guests included representatives from research organizations, medical institutions, charitable organizations, educational facilities and provincial organizations, as well as board directors, senior leaders and staff from the MMSF and Manitoba Blue Cross.

Also in attendance were this year’s funding partners – The Winnipeg Foundation, Kidney Foundation of Canada, the McLaughlin Foundation/UM Dean’s Fund and the Manitoba Lung Association.

Along with Dr. Pierce, speakers included Dr. Peter Cattini (MMSF board chair), Dr. Jitendra Paliwal (vice president, research and innovation at the University of Winnipeg), Dr. Bernadette Ardelli (vice president of research and graduate studies at Brandon University), Dr. Annemieke Farenhorst (associate vice president of research at the University of Manitoba) and Diane Sparrow DeGrave (vice president of people and corporate services at Manitoba Blue Cross).

Congratulations to the awardees!

About the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation

Since 1971, the MMSF has awarded over $26.5 million to cutting-edge research and education to benefit the health of Manitobans and those around the world. In partnership with educational and research institutions and other foundations throughout Manitoba, the MMSF has contributed to the incredible work of local researchers who have changed the health landscape. Since inception, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the primary supporter of the MMSF – providing both financial and administrative support. Manitoba Blue Cross’s deep commitment to health and wellness makes it a strong ally in MMSF’s mission to improve health outcomes for all Manitobans.