i just returned from the annual general meeting for the british columbia environmental & occupational health research network (in short bceohrn). it’s a network for everyone who is involved in some sort of research in bc. the network strives to get researchers from different disciplines talking to each other. why? well it’s simple… applying things learned in one discipline can make the difference in another, and can be used to complete various things in another field. in short, it’s called inter-disciplinary work. moreover, the network offers (or better yet offered…thanks mr. premier) travel bursaries and research capacity funding (both are things i have had the pleasure of enjoying – but more on that later). have a look at the website, as there is something for everyone, from job postings, to gray literature, to contacts, to databases of researchers in bc, and much more.
the network was started a few years ago, and has operated from funding from the michael smith foundation (a foundation in honor of the british-born canadian nobel prize winner in chemistry). the michael smith foundation operates from funding from the provincial government and distributes the funding to researchers, supporting and funding graduate work as well as professors, and networks such as bceohrn. earlier this year (september 2009), the provincial government decided it’s wise to cut funding to michael smith foundation…which in turn had no choice but to cut promised funding (yes, funding that was promised had to be taken back or not offered) to numerous networks, graduate students and other researchers. due to this, bceohrn’s funding will cease as of march 31, 2010. it’s embarrassing that provincial government decided to cut funding to the foundation in honor of a nobel prize winner, yet still funds various shady projects and organizations; while failing to investigate how their money is being wasted by those shady organizations. it’s not that surprising, i guess our premier needs the extra funds given that alcohol prices have gone up.
why do i care? well, bceohrn provided different types of funding to support my research and me as a graduate student. the first funding i even got was from bceohrn (the capacity grant for one of my thesis projects). this meant a lot, given i was just starting my research career and they offered to support one of my projects. on top of that, i obtained the traveling grand (twice), which gave me the opportunity to travel to seattle in 2008 for a health conference and in 2009 to travel to eastbourne (england) for another conference. they helped propel me into research and allow me to present my work. in terms of my research and studies, they have sure reached the objectives they state on their website. i’m not the only one that had the pleasure to be helped by this network. overall 65 travel bursaries have been granted in total. that implies a lot of students had the chance to present their work and help promote research happening in bc.
there’s probably a slim chance that the liberal government will have a change of opinion in regards to funding research in bc (i guess science it’s just not that important…). but, if you feel like stating your opinion in regards to funding for michael smith (and indirectly for bceohrn) here’s a draft letter that can be forwarded to your mla, or the following:
Premier Campbell – premier@gov.bc.ca
Minister Falcon – kevin.falcon.mla@leg.bc.ca
Adrian Dix – adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca
John Challis, President & CEO, MSFHR – jchallis@msfhr.org
without research it’s hard to believe we will move forward, so if you feel it’s important to share your opinion, please do.
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