CHR was founded in 1976 as an association of individuals and organizations committed to encouraging communication among the public, the scientific community and government and to promoting the stability and quality of Canadian health research.

CHR is a voluntary, nonprofit national organization that does not raise funds for research. It does require funds to cover the costs of educational functions and the publication of its quarterly magazine, Future Health.

CHR is not a lobby organization and receives no government funding.

CHR supporters are individuals, families, voluntary associations, scientific/medical societies and corporations who endorse the need for improved awareness of and public advocacy for Canadian health research.

Many of us were born into an era where we took for granted antibiotics, vaccines, CAT scanners and microsurgery, but knew little or nothing about TB, diphtheria, typhoid and smallpox. The contribution of research to the early detection, treatment and prevention of disease has been remarkable. The reduction of health-care costs that has resulted from these advances demonstrates that research is a wise investment. However, the challenges that remain are considerable.

CHR acts to foster a better understanding of health research, how it is funded and its role in the health-care system.

• supports activities which profile Canadian scientists and identifies Canadian contributions to national and international health;
• informs the public about the research projects which their tax dollars support;
• provides a forum where mutual problems, concerns and interests can be discussed by the public, the voluntary health agencies, the scientific/medical community and government;
• imparts information on science policy in Canada;
• emphasizes the impact of basic, clinical and community health research on Canadian health care;
• encourages adequate, long-term funding for research in general and health research in particular in our country.