PrioNet Canada Mid-Term Review Results
PrioNet Canada spent the better part of a year in preparation for its Mid-Term Review by the Expert Panel in October 2008 led by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE). The review process originated with Jean-Claude Gavel, Associate Vice-President and Daniel Arsenault, PrioNet Program Officer of the NCE who provided PrioNet with much guidance throughout.
PrioNet's Administrative office, with the assistance of Michael Shapiro its strategic advisor, began gathering information in preparation for the Mid-Term review. Extensive consultations were held with stakeholders, partners, the NCE Directorate, the network membership including students and iterative guidance from its Board of Directors, and international Scientific Advisory and Research Management Committees. Without the guidance and assistance from all concerned, PrioNet would not have achieved the success that it did. PrioNet would like to thank each and every one for their counsel and assistance during this valuable experience.
PrioNet underwent much reflection, discovery and renewal during the preparation. The process spurred it to evaluate our accomplishments over the last three years and think hard about our future and the network’s value to Canada. PrioNet not only focused on what it had accomplished, but refocused and updated its strategic plan to meet current and anticipated future challenges, while remaining faithful to its original mission and mandate.
PrioNet is delighted to advise everyone involved in our Network of the incredible success of our efforts. The NCE Steering Committee has approved the recommendation of the Expert Panel for continued funding of PrioNet in the amount of $15M over the next three years carrying the network through to March 31, 2012. In addition, the NCE approved our requested carry-forward of $7M which is extraordinary, but validates their confidence in what PrioNet is doing, what it has done, and what will be accomplished during the next three years.
PrioNet is shifting its research focus to three new, integrated research themes that are reflected in its updated strategic plan. PrioNet proposes effective prion disease risk management as the central goal and value of the network as it moves forward. These integrated themes require a collaborative, multidisciplinary network research approach involving both basic and social scientists to advance both the fundamentals of prion science, and the prion disease risk assessment and management for Canada.
The new integrated themes are as follows:
I. Prion Ecology - This theme addresses the impact that prion contamination has on BSE and chronic wasting disease (CWD)-affected environments. In particular, continuing issues from the BSE crisis will be addressed to improve the worldwide perception and brand visibility of Canadian beef. Examples of potential project areas for this theme may be: BSE monitoring and control, policy and mandated management of BSE, or CWD environmental management.
II. Prion Biology - This theme addresses the fundamental science that remains to be explained, including understanding the novel and bizarre nature of prion infection, the significance of prion disease strains, the seeming “spontaneous generation” of prions in humans and cattle, and the chemical biology of prions to provide clues for diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Some of the most noticeable gaps include understanding the neuropathological, immunological, and biochemical characterization of TSEs. Examples of potential project areas for this theme may be: propagation and pathogenesis of prions, biomarkers of prion disease treatments, prion strains and de novo prion diseases.
III. Prion Preparedness and Prevention - This theme represents a key impact to prevent or effectively manage prion disease risks in Canada. For example, a growing problem is posed by CWD which is spreading geographically and among species. In the absence of effective control strategies, the entire North American herd of cervids including deer, moose, elk, and, potentially, caribou is at risk, with potential risks to vulnerable communities such as First Nations or hunters. Examples of potential project areas for this theme may be: novel cross-species prion transmission, solutions to the management of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and its variants, or socioeconomic impacts of TSE-affected communities and vulnerable communities.
PrioNet will be integrating its research program into the three new themes effective April 1, 2009.
We look forward to PrioNet's continued success which will deliver great social and economic benefits to all Canadians.
Last Updated: 1/23/2009 2:17:16 PM
|