Dr. Mark Gilbert, an associate professor in the School of Population and Public Health, has received an Applied Public Health Chair co-funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
The focus of Dr. Gilbert’s Chair, one of seven recently announced, is on improving the equity, appropriateness, and sustainability of sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing systems through implementation science research. Over the next five years, his research will focus on developing, implementing, evaluating and scaling-up low-barrier testing models for populations disproportionately affected by STBBI, with a geographic focus on rural and remote communities. These models include investigating the sustainability of GetCheckedOnline (BC’s internet-based STBBI testing service), strengthening the role of community-based organizations and peers in STBBI testing, and adapting and implementing comprehensive self-collection STBBI testing models.
Dr. Mark Gilbert
“I am excited for the opportunity to focus my Chair’s implementation science program of research on working with partners to improve access to STBBI testing in rural and remote communities, helping to overcome barriers to testing & develop sustainable solutions tailored to this setting,” Dr. Gilbert said.
Dr. Gilbert’s Chair is a partnership between SPPH and the BCCDC and represents an ideal model to facilitate the use of public health research in evidence-based decision making for policies, programs and practice on STBBIs. The Chair further supports early career researchers and other scientists to strengthen an integrated hub of applied public health research on STBBI at the UBC and the BCCDC. Dr. Gilbert has a fundamental understanding of the importance of reducing inequities to advance population health, and has embedded himself in a partnered public health agency to ensure the application of science and evidence in of health decision making.
The Chairs each receive funding of $1.15 million over six years to support their research programs for a total of $8 million. The Applied Public Health Chair Program is strengthening Canada’s public health system by fortifying partnerships, effectively responding to current challenges with science, and advancing the work of public health leaders.
“We recognize the vital importance of investing in public health research to better protect the health and safety of all Canadians,” said The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, in a release. “The recipients of these applied research chairs will work with public health leaders to design and implement new approaches to addressing the complex health challenges facing Canada and help build a healthier future for everyone.”
A version of this story originally appeared on the SPPH website.