2026 Health System Impact Embedded Early Career Researcher in Saskatchewan
Full list of recipients from Canadian Institutes of Health Research found here.
The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Health System Impact Program places the next generation of health researchers directly inside health system organizations—such as government agencies, hospitals, and community organizations—so they can help solve real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience.
Aligning research talent with the evidence needs and priorities of health system organizations, the Health System Impact Embedded Early Career Researcher Award program develops research capacity and capability within health system organizations for learning and improvement, helping to further advance learning health systems across Canada.
For the 2026 cycle, CIHR is supporting 20 early career researchers across Canada. Saskatchewan is home to one of these recipients.
SHRF is proud to support the Health System Impact Program by providing the matching funding on behalf of health system organizations in Saskatchewan that are interested in partnering with highly qualified trainees and researchers. This allows organizations to benefit from expertise in cutting- edge methodologies and analytics to advance goals and priorities, generate innovative solutions grounded in the best available evidence, and build in-house capacity for research.
Organizations interested in hosting a fellowship can find more information on CIHR's website.
2026 Health System Impact Embedded Early Career Researcher Profile
Strengthening Integrated, Responsive, and Relational Primary Care
Name: Cara Spence
Host Partner Organization: Westside Community Clinic
Academic Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Funders: CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research & Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
About You & Your Program of Work:
My embedded scholarship focuses on relational-based models of care that respond to the interconnected health and social needs of communities. This work continues my commitment to the First Peoples of this land called Canada and those marginalized by globalized systems and structures. I hope to impact and uplift the lives of others with the skills and capacities that I have to offer.
About CIHR - At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.
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Canadian Institutes of Health Research
About SHRF - Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) is the provincial funding agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan. SHRF collaborates with stakeholders to contribute to the growth of a high-performing health system, culture of innovation and the improved health of citizens by strengthening research capacity and competitiveness, increasing the investment in health research in Saskatchewan and aligning research with the needs of our stakeholders.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Tilsley, SHRF Director of Programs and Partnership
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