The first Annual Impact Report highlights progress across several categories of impact. One finding is the large amount achieved in some categories even in the earliest stages of the funding cycle. Another is the high level of collaboration and engagement of our researchers at the early funding cycle stage, activity that is crucial to move down the pathway from health research to impacts that make a difference in the lives of Albertans. Several exemplars highlight these early stage impacts. The findings also reinforce that medium and longerterm (distal) impacts such as health, social and economic benefits require longer timelines, but cannot occur without the activities reported in the early stages. In addition to showing impact in real time, we use evidence from impacts to inform future health research and innovation supports that will contribute to the improvements that the government is seeking for Albertans. In times of scarce resources, using evidence to allocate dollars is necessary and using monitoring and evaluation as a learning tool can assist greatly in this responsibility. Our ability to fund quality research and innovation, catalyze health system improvement, facilitate partnerships to accelerate change, and measure the impact of what we are doing contributes to better health, social and economic gains for Albertans.
Key Findings from the AIHS Annual Impact Report: 2014-2015 • Even at the earliest stages of the funding cycle, research is achieving impact and progress is being made to achieving medium and longerterm impacts in health, social and economic prosperity. • The impacts reported are in real time and proximal in nature. • Health, social and economic benefits require longer timelines to realize, both during and after the funding cycle. • AIHS-funded researchers are highly engaged and collaborative. • Leveraged funding is being generated and, based on historical evidence, will increase in the later stages of the funding cycle.
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2014-15
2