Michael Smith, NHP Research Program director for the Directorate, recapped the achievements of the program to date.

Launched in 2004, the research program was allotted $1 million to build connections among researchers, engaging as many people as possible. “Our job was to stimulate research in the community,” he said “We were the matchmaker, never the date.”

Over its life, the NHP Research Program has funded 260 projects. Many of these fed into the development of Canada’s NHP regulations. The program provided crucial, early financial support to the NHP Research Society, and continues to sustain the organization through participation in its events.

The NHP Research Program has completed its active phase as a grants and contributions program, and is exploring other avenues of engagement with the NHP research community. A five year performance report on the program is available through the NHPD.