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External Relations Policy Developing collaborative research on the C anadian scene and internationally Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec

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Page 1: the Canadian scene internationally

External Relations Policy

Developing collaborative research on

the Canadian scene and internationally

Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec

Page 2: the Canadian scene internationally

FRSQ – External relations policy ii

Page 3: the Canadian scene internationally

FRSQ – External relations policy iii

FONDS DE LA RECHERCHE EN SANTÉ DU QUÉBEC (FRSQ)

EXTERNAL RELATIONS POLICY

Developing collaborative research on the Canadian scene and internationally Adopted by the Board of Directors of FRSQ on October 24, 2008

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List of acronyms AATRM Agència d'Avaluació de Tecnologia i Reserca Mèdiques (Catalan agency for

health technology assessment and research) ANR Agence nationale de la recherche (France’s national research agency) CIHR Canadian Institutes of Health Research CNRS Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France’s national centre for

scientific research) CSST Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (Québec’s occupational

health and safety commission) FP7 Seventh Framework Programme INSERM Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (France’s national

institute of health and medical research) INSPQ Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Québec’s institute of public

health) MDEIE Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation

du Québec (Québec’s department of economic development, innovation and export trade)

MELS Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec (Québec’s department of education, recreation and sports)

MRC Medical Research Council (United Kingdom) MRI Ministère des Relations internationales du Québec (Québec’s department of

international relations) MSSS Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec (Québec’s department

of health and social services) NAPHRO National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations (Canada) NIH National Institutes of Health (United States) NIHR National Institute for Health Research (United Kingdom) NSFC National Natural Science Foundation of China (China) PSR/SIIRI Research Assistance Program, Component 3 – Support for international

research and innovation initiatives (MDEIE) QIP Québec’s International Policy QRIS Québec Research and Innovation Strategy R&D Research and Development SAAQ Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (Québec’s automobile insurance

board) SAIC Secrétariat aux Affaires intergouvernementales canadiennes du Québec

(Québec’s secretariat of Canadian intergovernmental affairs) Published by the FRSQ Communications Department ISBN: 978-2-550-55014-3 (print version) 978-2-550-55015-0 (PDF version) Legal Deposit: 1st Quarter 2009 Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec Library and Archives Canada

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FRSQ – External relations policy v

Table of contents

List of acronyms p. iv

Foreword p. 1

1. Background

1.1 International issues

1.2 Government aims and objectives

1.3 Québec granting agencies’ jurisdiction in external relations

1.4 FRSQ’s strategic priorities

1.5 Reach of Québec health research

p. 2

p. 2

p. 3

p. 4

p. 5

p. 6

2. Policy framework

2.1 Goals

2.2 Principles governing action

2.3 Priority geographical zones

2.4 Implementation

p. 8

p. 8

p. 8

p. 9

p. 12

Bbibliography p. 13

Appendices

A. Examples of international policies

B. Priority countries

C. FRSQ programs to support internationalization

D. International agreements in universities

p. 15

p, 16

p, 19

p. 23

p. 30

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The biggest challenge facing Québec is its international competitiveness. Research and innovation are our best assets and veritable allies in developing

the advantages needed to maintain our achievements and ensure our long-term economic prosperity. It is up to us to meet the challenges posed by

excellence in research and innovation.

MDEIE, Québec Research and Innovation Strategy, p. 14

Everywhere in the world, quality health and social service development is a leading concern and a priority for many governments. Sharing and pooling of experience and expertise is a tangible way of contributing to the improvement

of [these systems].

MSSS Web site, May 2008 [Translation]

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FRSQ – External relations policy 1

Foreword October 24, 2008 To the Members of the Board of Directors, We live in a world without frontiers, one in which resources, products, people—and ideas—travel in almost total freedom, less and less bound by time and space. A world in which challenges can be daunting, but which also provides amazing opportunities. A world where research and innovation are pivotal. Following the lead of what some have called the Lilliputians—small countries similar in size to Québec—we too must concentrate on international-calibre research if we are to continue to be counted among the societies that reap the benefits of the knowledge-based economy… and we must do this by focusing on our strengths and making the most of our unique situation. This is why this external relations policy offers a vision that embraces a Canadian and an international perspective. For an agency like the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec, this means recognizing the natural leadership of researchers and students and finding ways of supporting them in their efforts to develop external collaboration. This is what this policy, the first of its kind by a provincial health research organization, intends to do. The policy is the brainchild of a working committee chaired by my predecessor, Dr Alain Beaudet. The committee, in which I had the good fortune to participate, was composed of Michèle S. Jean, Slim Haddad, Raymund Wellinger and Cédrick Pautel. Richard Dupont, international collaboration director at the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation du Québec (MDEIE), was involved at the ground stage and was subsequently replaced by his successor, Pierre Brodeur. To them I extend my most heartfelt thanks. The policy would not be nearly as rich were it not for their vast experience and sweeping vision. I hope that it faithfully reflects the depth of their analysis and the wisdom of their suggestions. Sincerely, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer

Marielle Gascon-Barré, Ph.D., MBA

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1. BACKGROUND 1.1 International issues The internationalization of trade is a groundswell that has shaken every sphere of human endeavour, borne by powerful environmental, economic and geopolitical currents from which no society can escape. Among its effects are relocation of entire industrial sections and job loss. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, a leading sector of the Québec economy, has not emerged unscathed and faces stiffer competition from emerging countries. However, Québec’s health sector features a number of thriving industrial sectors such as those in new health technologies, and its capability in research and evaluation and the showcase provided by its university research centres can contribute to the economic growth of Québec and its visibility on the international stage. Given this landscape, Québec must be highly strategic in its choice of investments and development priorities, especially in terms of its international relations, in order to get the greatest returns on its research investments. The internationalization of trade also creates tenfold opportunities and possibilities that Québec must seize to secure its development. It provides uncommon economic and social prospects that Québec must fully analyze if it is to optimize what the future brings. Alongside this movement are the acute sociodemographic changes (transitions in demographics, epidemiology and population health1) of the past thirty years in emerging countries. Among the many issues stemming from these phenomena, there are two that are especially important for the health field. The first is economic globalization, which affects countries with emerging markets in particular. The price for lightning economic growth in the major cities of these countries is more air, water and even soil pollution. The pace of life speeds up, socioeconomic disparities widen, and the living conditions of a segment of the populations concerned tend to decline. Even at this early stage, the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and stress, is increasingly prevalent in developing countries. The second issue, global warming, will have worldwide repercussions. Albeit less severe in developed countries, these effects will be nonetheless real. According to a recently published study,2 the range of infectious insect- or water-borne diseases in North America will expand, as will that of Lyme disease, and West Nile virus-like fevers and chikungunya. In terms of water-borne diseases, even the most sophisticated water treatment systems will be powerless to fully prevent the spread of infectious diseases in cases of extreme precipitation events. Researchers agree that the water-borne intestinal disease most likely to thrive under climate change is cholera, whose incidence in North America could rise dramatically. We can also brace ourselves for more cases of chronic diarrhea, respiratory infection, gastroenteritis and legionellosis.

1 CALDWELL, John C., "Population Health in Transition." Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 79, no. 2, 2001, p.

159-160, and OMAN, Abdel R., "The Epidemiologic Transition. A Theory of the Epidemiology of Population Change." Ibid., p. 161-170.

2 GREER, Amy, NG, Victoria, FISMAN, David, "Climate Change and Infectious Disease in North America: The Road

Ahead." Canadian Medical Association Journal, no. 178, 2008, p. 653-655.

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Figure 1 illustrates the double correlation of climate change and economic globalization and the resulting reconfiguration of the world disease map. In addition to these two movements closely interconnected to health issues are the economic effects of the more ferocious competition that some Québec companies, notably in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology research sector, must grapple with, compelling proof of the importance of renewal in research and innovation. Figure 1 Internationalization and health issues

1.2 Government aims and objectives In Québec, the Ministère des Relations internationales (MRI) steers and supervises the action of government departments and agencies on the international front. Its counterpart for inter-Canadian action is the Secrétariat aux affaires intergouvernementales canadiennes (SAIC). On the Canadian scene, the Government of Québec has expressed its desire to strengthen its ties with the other provincial governments, through means that include the Council of the Federation, created in Charlottetown in December 2003. Parallel to this is the government’s intention to revitalize its bilateral relations with the provinces and territories and to further increase interprovincial-territorial cooperation: "Now more than ever, Québec is determined to develop stronger and tighter bonds with its partners within Canada."3 Health research, at the crossroad of education and health, two areas in which the provinces clearly have a preeminent role to play, is therefore a field that lends itself naturally to the development of closer ties with the other members of the federation. Québec’s International Policy (QIP) is aimed primarily at fostering Québec’s commercial, economic, cultural, political and social influence and development. The policy gives research a predominant position and fully acknowledges the positive role researchers can play in developing international relations: "A key challenge for Québec will be to attract foreign researchers to top university research centres and to public and private research consortiums, as well as getting more of its researchers involved in international networks."4 QIP defines eight challenges, six of which directly concern health research, particularly with regard to attracting students and researchers from abroad, the international mobility of our students and researchers, researcher participation in international initiatives, and integration of colleges, universities and hospital research centres into the mainstream of international networks.

3 Translation of a quotation from the SAIC Web site, June 2008. 4 MRI, Québec’s International Policy (2006), page 26.

Globalization changes lifestyles in developing countries which triggers the appearance of diseases once specific to developed countries (obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stress, depression, etc.).

Climate change modifies temperature in

developed countries which triggers the

appearance of diseases once specific to

developing countries (viral diseases, heat

waves, respiratory problems,

etc.).

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FRSQ – External relations policy 4

Québec also has a Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS) that recognizes the contribution of Québec researchers to the advancement of knowledge and that comes with the government’s pledge to support their involvement in international research networks of strategic importance to Québec. QIP and QRIS are implemented under MDEIE’s Research Assistance Program, Component 3 – Support for international research and innovation initiatives (PSR/SIIRI), the purpose of which is to: Increase high-calibre international partnerships in research and innovation in strategic

areas; Foster the participation of Québec researchers in international research and innovation

networks and consortiums. Joint efforts by FRSQ and the Government of Québec should be geared to developing contact between internationally renowned researchers, smoothing the way for graduate students to intern abroad, and supporting the intake of foreign students, as well as making it easier for Québec researchers to participate in Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) projects. QRIS considers Québec’s involvement in certain FP7 activities a must, given the span of the networks and consortiums that will be formed on the European level. This is why this policy intends to contribute directly to implementation of the government’s aims and objectives for the internationalization of research. 1.3 Québec granting agencies’ jurisdiction in external relations The mandate to promote and provide financial support for the development of research, the dissemination of knowledge, and the training of researchers is built into the legislation that establishes Québec’s research funds, which are authorized to create any partnerships required for carrying out their functions.5 The same Act also empowers the funds to "enter into any agreement with any government other than that of Québec, any department of such a government, any international organization, or any agency of such a government or organization, in order to carry out its functions."6 Negotiations are necessarily conducted in close collaboration with their home department, MDEIE, along with MRI7 or SAIC.8 Other sector-specific departments or agencies, such as MSSS, SAAQ, INSPQ or CSST, may also be involved for health sector agreements. Like Québec’s two other funds, FRSQ, bolstered by government, has the ability to act in Canada and internationally in order to fulfil its mandate. In recent years, it has entered into two collaboration agreements with foreign organizations (Inserm in France and NSFC in China), and its representatives have participated in several missions under the aegis of MDEIE and MRI. FRSQ has also been part of a number of pan-Canadian projects, for example, agreements requested by provincial organizations for sharing of FRSQ-developed computer systems. It is

5 Act respecting the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation, R.S.Q., c. M-30.01, s. 62. 6 Act respecting the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation, R.S.Q., c. M-30.01, s. 69. 7 Under section 19 of the Act respecting the Ministère des Relations internationales (R.S.Q., c. M-25.1.1), MRI is tasked to

see to the negotiation and implementation of agreements with a foreign government department or agency. 8 Under section 3.7 of the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (R.S.Q., c. M-30), SAIC is tasked to see to the

negotiation and implementation of agreements with the federal government or its agencies or with the government departments or agencies of another province.

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an active member of NAPHRO, a Canadian alliance of provincial health research granting agencies, and it has been involved with the Leaders’ Forum that brings together federal and provincial agencies and charitable organizations from all parts of Canada. 1.4 FRSQ’s strategic priorities Rooted in values such as openness, scientific curiosity, excellence and sustainable practicality and applicability of research, FRSQ’s 2007-2010 strategic plan clearly attests to the will to foster the development of collaborative research when such action can contribute to giving Québec health research a competitive edge. This openness to the internationalization of research is built into three of the strategic plan’s courses of action: First course of action Maintain diversified and high-quality research in order to improve

public health Second course of action Step up research in fields deemed priorities for the health of

Quebecers Third course of action Intensify the use of health research findings in keeping with the

imperatives of ethics and scientific integrity. More specifically, the 2007-2010 action plan has five objectives that explicitly target the development of international relations and that provide for international mobility measures: Objective 2: In collaboration with our partners, and based on QRIS

appropriations, increase the number of postdoctoral training awards and establish mechanisms for drawing outstanding postdoctoral trainees from abroad.

Objective 3: In collaboration with our partners, and based on QRIS

appropriations, promote student participation in international internships.

The plan also features measures to support the integration of Québec researchers within international research teams or projects: Objective 11: Develop FRSQ networks in order to boost their role in

multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary training, in facilitating clinical research, and in optimizing the use of major research platforms. Encourage international networking, based on QRIS appropriations.

Objective 22: In collaboration with partners, help to bring agencies such as

HUPO and core international projects focused on the use of formative new technology for health research to Québec.9

Lastly, the plan opens the door to collaboration with researchers or organizations from abroad on research issues of common interest in response to clearly defined social needs:

9 This objective was adjusted further to adoption of QRIS and is now aimed at encouraging Québec researchers to participate

in large-scale international research projects.

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FRSQ – External relations policy 6

Objective 9: Depending on the field, maintain or improve the quality of FRSQ- funded research; establish mechanisms for responding to specific or emerging health issues, notably in the area of infectious diseases (nosocomial infections, pandemic events, antibiotic resistance, etc.), lifestyle diseases (cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes) and age-related diseases.

As you can see, this policy is fully aligned with the 2007-2010 strategic plan adopted by FRSQ and approved by the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation Export Trade. Its implementation will contribute directly to achievement of at least five of the objectives of the strategic plan. 1.5 Reach of Québec health research For a number of decades, Québec has invested heavily in developing its R&D capability. Inarguably, Québec is a knowledge-based society, ranked seventh among OEDC states for the ratio of its R&D expenditures to its gross domestic product. Québec government investments have enabled our health researchers to position themselves favourably on the Canadian stage. In the past few decades, Québec has systematically obtained approximately one third of the amounts granted under CIHR competitions, a remarkable performance given its demographic weight within Canada, currently in the vicinity of 23%. Our researchers are not only fit to compete in the federal arena, but have also developed numerous research ties internationally. Graph 1 shows that Québec health researchers co-publish with researchers from many countries.

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Graph 1 Co-publications in the health field (1980-2005)*

12 393

4 436

1 946

1 243

1 002

827

781

649

646

630

597

429

384

331

304

286

188

171

168

167

United States

France

United Kingdom

Germany

Italy

Japan

Switzerland

Netherlands

Sweden

Australia

Belgium

Spain

Brazil

Israel

Denmark

Finland

Norway

Poland

Austria

China

* Source : Science Métrix (Observatoire des sciences et des technologies) Between 1980 and 2005, they published more than 12,000 articles with American researchers, that is, over 45% of all co-publications with foreign authors. France placed second, with 16% of co-publications, followed by the United Kingdom (7%), Germany (5%), Italy (4%), and Japan (3%). Between 2000 and 2005 alone, the number of co-publications with foreign researchers rose by 46% overall, with sharp increases in the case of Japan (+70%), China (+82%), Germany (+84%) and Spain (+235%). This policy intends to build on the pre-existing relations established by our researchers and recognizes their leadership in developing collaborative research.

Increase in co-publications (2000-2005)

Spain +235%

Germany +84% China +82% Japan +70%

Average= +46%

United Kingdom +46%

United States +34% France +25%

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FRSQ – External relations policy 8

2. POLICY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Goals This policy provides a framework for FRSQ’s coordinated action to develop collaborative research with scientists in Canada and abroad. Its goals are to: Facilitate networking by Québec researchers and provide incentives for them to

participate in core Canadian and international research projects; Foster the mobility of Québec researchers in Canada and abroad; Promote the achievements of Québec researchers and maximize Québec’s reach and

influence on the federal scene and internationally; Contribute to improving public health in Québec and elsewhere with a view to global

health. 2.2 Principles governing action The development of collaborative research hinges on the interaction of three distinct players: researchers, FRSQ and MDEIE. This policy acknowledges their specific and equally crucial roles and the need for them to work together, and, hence, the following three principles governing their action: An approach based on the researchers’ dynamism and leadership An approach that enhances and develops FRSQ’s role as a facilitator An approach consistent with government aims and objectives

Figure 2 Links between the players and the principles governing action

WILL TO

COLLABORATE

researchers and research clusters

FRAMEWORK FOR COLLABORATION

FRSQ

MEANS OF

COLLABORATION

government (MDEIE and MRI)

+ +

Approach based on researchers’ dynamism and leadership

Approach that enhances and develops FRSQ’s role as a facilitator

Approach consistent with government aims and objectives

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FIRST PRINCIPLE An approach based on the researchers’ dynamism and leadership The development of collaborative research is first and foremost the prerogative of the researchers themselves. It would be counterproductive to impose an artificial structure on professional relations that must be based on common interests, a shared scientific vision and mutual trust. Clearly, a top-down approach would spell failure. This is why the primary principle of this policy is to recognize the propelling role of researchers and research clusters in establishing and developing collaborative research. SECOND PRINCIPLE An approach that enhances and develops FRSQ’s role as a facilitator While attributing a lead role to researchers and research clusters in developing collaborative research, FRSQ also intends to do its share. In fact, FRSQ is often approached by the researchers themselves, Government of Québec representatives and players from the rest of Canada and from abroad to facilitate new initiatives of pan-Canadian or international scope. In addition, through the agreements it negotiates with its partners outside Québec, it contributes directly to developing student and researcher exchanges and mobility. This is why this policy’s second principle is to acknowledge the support FRSQ provides to researchers for their collaborative endeavours and to develop and enhance FRSQ’s contribution. THIRD PRINCIPLE An approach consistent with government aims and objectives The Government of Québec (mainly through MDEIE and MRI) also has a role to play in developing collaborative research. Its primary responsibility is to determine the priority geographical zones for Québec so that organizations such as FRSQ can focus on the countries where Québec researchers are most likely to contribute to implementing the government’s international relations objectives. This responsibility goes hand in hand with that of giving researchers means for developing collaborations and for ensuring the sustainability thereof. Hence, the policy’s third principle of keeping aligned with government aims and objectives by including the priorities of Québec’s International Policy adopted by MRI and by taking Québec Research and Innovation Strategy goals and appropriations for developing the internationalization of research into account. 2.3 Priority geographical zones In drafting this policy, the Canadian provinces and some thirty countries were sorted into zones on which FRSQ should concentrate in the next three years in order to develop collaborative ties between Québec researchers and colleagues outside Québec. This exercise made it possible to classify zones according to (1) the extent of their importance in developing Québec’s international relations and (2) the scope and strength of existing collaborative research with Québec. The result, presented in the following table, also takes into account the collaboration agreements signed by the four main universities involved in the health field. As Appendix D will show, the areas located in zones A, B and C represent more than half of these international or interprovincial collaboration agreements.

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Figure 3 FRSQ’s four geographical zones ZONE A (highly important, with strong ties) This first group is composed of two distinct kinds of areas. First are the nine other Canadian provinces, with which Québec shares responsibilities and concerns. In recent years, FRSQ has made great efforts to foster information-sharing and common initiatives with the other provinces’ health research funding agencies, leading, among other things, to the creation of NAPHRO, which has paved the way for bilateral collaboration with certain provinces. Zone A also includes three countries with which Québec has developed particularly strong ties in health research, namely, the United States, France and Great Britain. These countries respectively rank first, second and third for co-publications by Québec and foreign researchers. Furthermore, all three are considered priority countries by the Québec government because of the extent of the economic ties and social and political relations Québec has forged with them. In France’s case, there are cultural and historical commonalities that have deepened our relations with this country. A mission to Europe in May and June 2008 gave FRSQ the opportunity to meet representatives of the United Kingdom’s major research funding agencies, including the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), entrusted with the research component of Britain’s health ministry, along with the representatives of the European Union’s research directorate. An MDEIE-organized mission to NIH in Washington took place in the autumn of 2008 and FRSQ was invited to participate with a delegation of researchers.

ZONE D Brazil

Argentina

Mexico

South Korea

Australia

New Zealand

ZONE B China

India

Belgium

Israel

ZONE A Canadian provinces

+

United States

France

United Kingdom

ZONE C European Union countries in

general, notably: Germany, Italy, Spain (Catalonia), Switzerland, Netherlands and Sweden

Japan

- - - EXTENT OF IMPORTANCE

ESTA

BLI

SHED

REL

ATI

ON

S

- - - + +

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FRSQ – External relations policy 11

In the next three years, FRSQ will take steps to strengthen its relations with the areas in this zone. In the Canadian arena, it will continue to play an active role within NAPHRO and will seek bilateral agreements with certain NAPHRO members with a view to fostering awardees’ interprovincial mobility and to tightening the networking between researchers in the different provinces. Internationally, FRSQ will maintain the high level of collaboration achieved with Inserm and will strive for new agreements with other French partners such as ANR, which, like FRSQ, is a funding agency. At the same time, it will undertake development of bilateral relations with American public agencies or charitable organizations that fund health research (notably NIH, but also organizations within certain American states) and with the United Kingdom’s MRC, which has already expressed an interest in collaborating with Québec in targeted fields. ZONE B (very important, with relations to develop) This zone comprises China, India, Belgium and Israel, considered priorities by the Québec government in terms of developing its international relations. In addition to its considerable capacity for economic development, China already registers as a significant focal point in health research and therefore has potential in terms of scientific collaboration. Co-publications by Québec and China have risen by more than 82% in the past five years. As for Belgium, Québec has a long tradition of collaboration with the Wallonian community and plans to step up its development of relations with the Flemish community. Belgium does not figure among the top countries for co-publications with Québec researchers, but its standing as number eleven on this list indicates that scientific collaboration with Québec is solid. FRSQ’s recent mission to Europe included a visit to Belgium (2008) to form contacts with Flemish Government representatives, who proved very eager to enhance collaborative research with Québec. In 2005, FRSQ embarked on a mission to India (2005) which led them to a potential partner, the Centre franco-indien pour la promotion de la recherche avancée (CEFIPRA). This centre could be highly valuable in developing collaborative ties between Québec and Indian researchers by tapping into the long tradition of collaboration with French researchers. This could dovetail with FRSQ’s direct approach of prospective Indian partners. The mission headed by Minister Raymond Bachand to Israel in the fall of 2008 included FRSQ, which was asked to select researchers who might be interested in traveling with the Québec delegation. In the coming three years, FRSQ will support the Government of Québec’s efforts to develop relations with the countries in this zone. In the case of China, it will work on strengthening its relations with NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) as part of the international exchange program. It will also begin the process of finding Indian, Belgian or Israeli agencies with which it could sign collaboration agreements and, possibly, international exchange programs modeled on that with NSFC. ZONE C (strong ties but of moderate importance) This third group is made up of the remaining European Union countries and Japan. Seven of these countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden and Japan) have strong collaborative ties with Québec researchers, especially as regards co-publications. In addition, the Government of Québec has entered into collaboration agreements with the State

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of Bavaria (Germany) and with Catalonia (Spain). The outcome of the latter agreement was an international exchange program between FRSQ and Agència d’Avaluació de tecnologia i Reserca Mèdiques (AATRM). However, the AATRM agreement has not produced the desired results. Since this Catalonian partner is not a funding agency, opportunities for collaboration with FRSQ were limited, as were the benefits of the agreement. This situation shows how important it is to choose a partner whose mandate, objectives, resources and means are compatible with the FRSQ’s in order to maximize the spinoffs of agreements with foreign agencies. Zone C countries have worthwhile potential in terms of the development of collaborative research, particularly within the framework of European projects in which Québec researchers could participate. In the next three years, FRSQ will encourage Québec researchers to join such projects, and will welcome initiatives by these researchers or the Québec government aimed at building up collaboration with the countries in this zone. ZONE D (weak ties and low importance) Most of the countries in this zone are not part of the 20 countries that Québec co-publishes the most with in the health field, nor are they listed with the Québec government as priority countries. Over the next three years, FRSQ will continue to monitor how collaborative research with these countries is faring, but without deploying any special efforts to develop it. 2.4 Implementation The President and Chief Executive Officer, under the aegis of the Board of Directors, is tasked to implement the policy. An annual report containing the following elements will be tabled with the Board by way of policy follow-up and evaluation: A description of the missions conducted abroad (participants, objectives, benefits, etc.) Summary presentation of the agreements signed with partners outside Québec Statistics on student mobility, collaborative research, Québec researchers’ co-

publications with foreign colleagues, etc. A progress report on policy implementation with follow-up on the 22 measures indicated

in the three-year action plan. This policy came into effect upon its adoption by the Board of Directors on October 24, 2008. It will remain in effect until reviewed in early 2011, in preparation for FRSQ’s 2011-2014 strategic plan.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Web sites consulted Organization Country Site Web

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)

Canada www.ahfmr.ab.ca

Australian Research Council (ARC) Australia www.arc.gov.au

Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC)

United Kingdom www.bbsrc.ac.uk

Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Canada www.innovation.ca

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Canada www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Germany www.bmbf.de/en

Medical Research Council (MRC) United Kingdom www.mrc.ac.uk

Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR)

Canada www.msfhr.org

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Australia www.nhmrc.gov.au

National Institutes for Health (NIH), the Fogarty International Center

United States of America

www.fic.nih.gov

National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Canada www.crsng.gc.ca

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Canada www.sshrc.ca/

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Reference documents BEAUDET, Alain. Rapport de mission en Inde, Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec

(FRSQ), 2005. CALDWELL, John C. 2001. Population Health in Transition. Bulletin of the World Health

Organization. 79, no. 2:159-60. CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH. Framework for International

Relations and Cooperation, 2006. FONDS DE LA RECHERCHE EN SANTÉ DU QUÉBEC (FRSQ). Plan stratégique 2007-

2010, 2007. GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC. Québec’s International Policy: Working in Concert,

Ministère des Relations internationales, 2006. GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC. An Innovative, Prosperous Québec – Québec Research and

Innovation Strategy, Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation, 2006.

GREER, Amy, Victoria NG and David FISMAN. 2008. Climate Change and Infectious Disease in North America: The Road Ahead. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 178: 653-55.

JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER. Pathways to Global Health Research, Strategic Plan 2008-2012, NIH, 2008.

OMAN, Abdel R. 2001. The Epidemiologic Transition. A Theory of the Epidemiology of Population Change. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 79, no. 2: 161-70.

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA (SSHRC). SSHRC International Policy and Strategy, 2006.

UNITED KINGDOM BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (BBSRC). International Strategy 2007.

WALKER, Susan H., Veronic OUELLETTE and Valérie RIDE. 2006. How can PhD research contribute to the global health research agenda?. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 97, no. 2: 145-8.

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A Examples of international policies

Country Organization Reference material Comments

Germany Federal ministry of education and research

Health Research: Scientific Research for the People, international cooperation section

• Cooperation in research is seen as crucial to ensuring the excellence and relevance of German health research (in order to remain in the game). Germany considers the United States and Japan its main competition in health science research.

• Germany’s strategy is heavily influenced by the European context. Its main challenge is to make its national research priorities dovetail with European research priorities (FP6 and FP7). Germany is fully committed to creating a genuine European space for health research (medium term and long term) and wants to contribute actively to establishing ERA Networks.

• Germany is also engaged in developing bilateral cooperation, primarily with the United States and Israel. In recent years, Eastern European countries have also become a priority. In 2002, it entered into a general agreement with Poland.

• Generally, government support is earmarked for exchange programs (internships, short residencies, etc.) and meetings (symposia and workshops, etc.). Bilateral agreements may also provide for targeted joint research projects on particular themes (cancer with France, neuroscience with Poland, etc.) and may therefore also cover longer stays for young researchers or postdoctoral fellows.

Australia Australian Research Council (ARC)

The Linkage International Scheme

• The Linkage International program supports international collaborative research on three levels: (1) direct support to Australian researchers for establishing collaborative research overseas (2) salary to Australian postdoctoral interns or fellows to work overseas (or for foreigners to come to Australia) and (3) support for international research projects (co-funded by the foreign agency).

• The purpose of the program is to strengthen Australia’s research capability by ensuring that Australian researchers and centres are able to establish collaborative research with outstanding teams from overseas.

Australia National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

• No specific policy or strategy for developing international collaborative research.

Canada Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)

• No specific policy or strategy for developing international collaborative research.

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Canada Provincial health research funding agencies (NAPHRO members)

• Currently, no other provincial health research funding agency has such a policy or strategy. However, these agencies have expressed a strong interest in FRSQ’s work on this front.

Canada Canadian Institutes of HeaIth Research (CIHR)

A Framework for International Relations and Cooperation (February 2006)

• Adopted in 2006, the Framework remains in effect and sets the tone for CIHR action in matters of international collaborative research.

• The primary advantage of the Framework is its formal recognition that CIHR-funded research must benefit not only Canadians but the global community. The Framework "recognizes the importance of international engagement to continuing scientific excellence and to CIHR's success in achieving its mandate."

• CIHR has five strategic priorities for its international activities: (1) research (2) talent (3) global health (4) safety and security and (5) organizational best practices.

• In terms of support for research projects involving international collaborations, CIHR favours signature of memoranda of understanding with foreign agencies, under which the institutes and researchers can then develop collaborative projects.

• International mobility is supported by CIHR programs and has the dual purpose of giving young researchers international experience and of showcasing Canadian expertise internationally.

• Global health is covered under a special agreement with CIDA, IDRC and Health Canada. A similar agreement with the main stakeholders in safety and protection (Public Safety Canada, Department of National Defence, Public Health Agency of Canada, etc.) is an objective written into the Framework.

• Lastly, CIHR also wishes to develop relations with similar agencies for an exchange of ideas about management practices.

Canada National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

• No specific policy or strategy for developing international collaborative research.

Canada Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

SSHRC’s international strategy and policy

• Development of international collaboration in research is among SSHRC’s priority objectives under its strategic plan for 2006-2011.

• SSHRC considers collaborative research on an international scale increasingly crucial in order to (1) access a vast pool of knowledge (2) take international viewpoints into account in analyzing Canadian and global problems and (3) pool resources to offset the ever-rising cost

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of research.

• SSHRC also feels that it is important to foster the mobility of graduate students and postdoctoral trainees so that they are equipped for globalization.

• Three mechanisms are indicated: (1) create an International Opportunities Fund to support the participation of Canadian researchers in international projects (2) encourage the holding of workshops and the creation of research networks on themes of international interest and (3) foster the international mobility of Canadian students and postdoctoral fellows.

United Kingdom Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC)

BBSRC International Strategy (April 2007)

• The Strategy comes with an action plan to be implemented over a five- to ten-year period (until 2018).

• The four priorities in terms of action are: (1) Promoting the movement of people (2) Enabling international research and collaboration (3) Ensuring access to world-class infrastructure and information and (4) Discharging BBSRC’s global responsibilities.

United Kingdom Medical Research Council

• No specific policy or strategy for developing international collaborative research.

United States National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• No specific policy or strategy for developing international collaborative research.

• The Fogarty International Center coordinates all NIH’s international activity: collaborative research, global health research, international mobility programs, etc.

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APPENDIX B Priority countries – The Americas

FRSQ’s international agreements

CIHR’s international agreements

Priority countries for the Government of Québec

Priority countries for the federal government

International co-publications (1980-2005)

United States CIHR is part of several thematic research projects or initiatives with American or international agencies (predominantly with the USA).

United States Québec-USA relations are extremely important, particularly with the northeast states (and Boston in the case of life sciences). Desire to develop ties with other parts of the USA. Delegation to NIH in the autumn of 2008 (Research Festival). Priority country for QIRS

United States United States (1) +34% since 2000

Brazil CIHR-Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico agreement

Brazil (biotechnology) Priority country for QIRS

Brazil (13)

Mexico (health equipment in particular) Priority country for QIRS

Mexico Not one of the top 20 countries that co-publish with Québec health researchers

Argentina CIHR-CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas) agreement

Not one of the top 20 countries that co-publish with Québec health researchers

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- EUROPE

FRSQ’s international agreements

CIHR’s international agreements

Priority countries for the Government of Québec

Priority countries for the federal government

International co-publications (1980-2005)

France FRSQ-Inserm agreement

France CIHR-CNRS agreement France CIHR-Inserm agreement

France Privileged relations, possible collaboration in biotechnology and optics-photonics Priority country for QIRS

France (Canada - France Science and Technology Agreement)

France (2) +25% since 2000

United Kingdom Desire for further ties, possible collaboration in biotechnology and optics-photonics Priority country for QIRS

United Kingdom (3) +46% since 2000

Germany Québec-Bavaria agreement, delegations in Munich and Berlin, possible collaboration in biotechnology and optics-photonics Priority country for QIRS

Germany (Canada - Germany Science and Technology Agreement)

Germany (4) +84% since 2000

Italy CIHR-CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - the National Research Council of Italy) agreement

Italy Delegations in Milan and Rome, possible collaboration in nutraceuticals

Italy (5)

Spain FRSQ-AATM, agreement, Catalonia

Spain Possible collaboration in agri-food

Spain (12) +235% since 2000

Belgium Québec-Wallonia agreement

All European countries: UE (Canada - EU Science and Technology Agreement)

Switzerland (7), Netherlands (8), Sweden (9), Belgium (11), Denmark (15), Finland (16), Norway (17), Poland (18), Austria (19)

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- ASIA

FRSQ’s international agreements

CIHR’s international agreements

Priority countries for the Government of Québec

Priority countries for the federal government

International co-publications (1980-2005)

Japan CIHR-JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) collaboration Japan Japan-Canada Joint Health Research Program

Japan Possible collaboration in biotechnology, optics-photonics and agri-food Priority country for QIRS

Japan (Canada - Japan Science and Technology Agreement)

Japan (6) +70% since 2000

Australia and New Zealand Tripartite Cooperation Agreement between CIHR, the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC NZ) and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC)

Australia (10)

China FRSQ- NSFC agreement

China CIHR, China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative - Grants Program China CIHR-NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) agreement

China Possible collaboration in agri-food, desire to develop youth exchanges Priority country for QIRS

China (Canada - China Science and Technology Agreement)

China (20) +82% since 2000

South Korea (Canada-Korea Science and Technology Arrangement)

Not one of the top 20 countries that co-publish with Québec health researchers

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- OTHER COUNTRIES

FRSQ’s international agreements

CIHR’s international agreements

Priority countries for the Government of Québec

Priority countries for the federal government

International co-publications (1980-2005)

Israel Collaboration agreement signed by the two governments and MDEIE mission in the autumn of 2008

Israel (Canada - Israel Agreement in Industrial Research and Development)

Israel (14)

India Possible collaboration in biopharmaceuticals, desire to develop youth exchanges Priority country for QIRS

India (Canada - India Science and Technology Agreement)

Not one of the top 20 countries that co-publish with Québec health researchers

Albert-Aguayo Award

Global Health CIHR also has a suite of projects and agreements to develop research with emerging countries

The federal government has not determined which developing countries are priorities in terms of collaborative research. However, it usually favours Francophonie or Commonwealth countries.

No developing countries are on the list of the top 20 countries that co-publish with Québec health researchers

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APPENDIX C FRSQ programs to support internationalization

SHORT-TERM INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Program and partners

Description Type of program

Financial commitments Additional information

FRSQ / short-term missions

Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm, France)

Québec researchers and their teams, including Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral students, can conduct research in a French team with an Inserm laboratory for a short period.

International exchange program

The grant includes round-trip fare and living expenses for the senior investigator and the other researchers in the team, including Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral students. Inserm covers a daily living allowance for the Québec researchers (85 euros per diem) and round-trip fare for the members of the French team. FRSQ covers a daily living allowance for the members of the French team (CAN$120 per diem) and round-trip fare for the members of the Québec team.

Winning proposals will be granted one to three short missions a year (Québec and France), for a two-year renewable period. Each mission must be seven days to three months in length. Any team may apply for every competition.

FRSQ / NSFC exchanges, short-term missions

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)

This small-budget program funds short-term scientific missions with a view to fostering sustained cooperation between independent Chinese and Québec investigators.

International exchange program

The grant includes round-trip fare and living expenses for Québec researchers. NSFC covers a daily living allowance for the Québec scientists (as per local standards - 700 RMB per diem). FRSQ pays Chinese scientists an allowance of CAN$100 per diem.

The duration of the stays is from one to three months. Priority is given to applicants who hold Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants under the China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative - Grants Program.

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FRSQ / AATRM exchanges, short-term missions

Agència d'Avaluació de Tecnologia i Reserca Mèdiques (Catalonia, Spain)

This small-budget program funds short-term scientific missions with a view to fostering sustained cooperation between independent Catalan and Québec investigators.

International exchange program

Component 1: The grant includes round-trip fare and living expenses for the Québec researchers. FRSQ covers a daily living allowance for the Québec researchers (CAN$140 per diem). Component 2: The grant includes round-trip fare for the Québec team and living expenses for each mission (Québec-Catalonia for the senior investigator and the other researchers in the team, including Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral students.) FRSQ covers a daily living allowance for the Québec researchers and students (CAN$140 per diem). AATRM covers a daily living allowance for the Catalan researchers and students (100 euros per diem).

The duration of the stay is from one week to two months. Component 1: One-year grant. Component 2: Two-year grant.

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POSTDOCTORAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Programs and partners

Description Type of program

Financial commitments Additional information

FRSQ-Inserm postdoctoral exchange

Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm, France)

This program is designed to encourage young Québec research investigators to pursue postdoctoral health research training in France and young French researchers to do their postdoctoral training in Québec.

Training award $30,000 a year. The awards are paid in instalments at the awardee’s training location. Awardees may accept additional funding from the institution or their research supervisor.

Choice of training location: Inserm unit. Duration: Two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The researcher may be entitled to reimbursement of travel costs – one return ticket in economy class – upon presentation of supporting documents.

FRSQ-AATRM postdoctoral training exchange

Agència d'Avaluació de Tecnologia i Reserca Mèdiques (Catalonia, Spain)

This program is designed to encourage young Québec research investigators to pursue postdoctoral health research training in Catalonia and young Catalan researchers to do their postdoctoral training in Québec.

Training award $30,000 a year. The awards are paid in instalments at the awardee’s training location. Awardees may accept additional funding from the institution or their research supervisor.

The researcher may be entitled to reimbursement of travel costs – one return ticket in economy class – upon presentation of supporting documents.

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AWARDS PROGRAMS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Programs and partners

Description Type of program

Financial commitments Additional information

Postdoctoral training for foreign applicants

FRSQ program

The purpose of this program is to help doctorate (Ph.D.) holders to enhance their training and broaden their fields of interest. It is also aimed at encouraging these researchers to experience new scientific environments and acquire new research methodologies.

Training award $30,000 a year. The awards are paid in instalments at the awardee’s training location. Authorized paid work: Maximum of 250 hours per 6-month period.

Duration: Two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

Postdoctoral training for foreign students

Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec (MELS)

This merit award program for foreign students is designed to foster international research activities in Québec’s institutions of higher learning, attract top foreign students and researchers, and enhance the reputation and influence of Québec universities throughout the world.

Training award $35,000 for one year (non-renewable).

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Doctoral training for foreign students

Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec (MELS)

This merit award program for foreign students is designed to foster international research activities in Québec’s institutions of higher learning, attract top foreign students and researchers, and enhance the reputation and influence of Québec universities throughout the world.

Training award $25,000 a year. Three-year award with possible extension by up to 12 months (monthly allowance of $1000).

Short-term research and upgrading program for foreign students

Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec (MELS)

This merit award program for foreign students is designed to foster international research activities in Québec’s institutions of higher learning, attract top foreign students and researchers, and enhance the reputation and influence of Québec universities throughout the world.

International exchange program

$3000 a month for up to four months.

Master’s doctoral or postdoctoral training - Albert-Aguayo Award

CIHR/FRSQ

This award, which is jointly funded by the FRSQ and the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, is aimed at enabling a neuroscience student from one of the four regions (Africa, Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America) served by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) to spend a three- to four-month research training session in a Québec neuroscience laboratory.

Training award $4000 a year from FRSQ. Duration of training session: Three to four months.

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REGULAR TRAINING AWARDS PROGRAMS – SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Programs and partners

Description Type of program

Financial commitments Additional information

Postdoctoral training

FRSQ program

The purpose of this program is to help doctorate (Ph.D.) holders to enhance their training and broaden their fields of interest. It is also aimed at encouraging these researchers to experience new scientific environments outside Québec and acquire new research methodologies.

Training award Ph. D. holders: $30,000 a year. Professional diploma holders: From $30,000 to $39,323, depending on the year the diploma was obtained. Authorized paid work: Maximum of 250 hours per 6-month period.

Duration: Two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. Awardees may accept additional funding from the institution or their research supervisor. The researcher may be entitled to reimbursement of travel costs – one return ticket in economy class – upon presentation of supporting documents. Awardees conducting internships abroad may receive compensation to offset the cost of living abroad. This amount is calculated by FRSQ and cannot exceed 50% of the award amount.

Doctoral training This program is designed for university students seeking to pursue health research training in a doctoral university program. All health themes are eligible, regardless of proposed methodology or models. Students must be registered in a full-time doctoral program in a recognized Canadian or foreign university.

Training award $20,000 a year. The awards are paid in instalments at the awardee’s training location. Authorized paid work: Maximum of 150 hours per session (teaching load of 45 hours per session).

Duration: Three years or upon termination of doctoral studies, the shorter of the two, if the candidate was registered in the doctoral program for two years or less on April 30, 2008; or two years or upon termination of doctoral studies, the shorter of the two, if the candidate was registered in the doctoral program for three years or less on April 30, 2008. FRSQ doctoral awardees studying in a Québec university and who want to conduct a research

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FRSQ program training internship in a scientific environment outside Québec may be eligible for an internship program award. The internship must be approved by their research supervisor and be in their field of research.

Master’s training

FRSQ program

This program is designed for university students seeking to pursue health research training in a Master's university program. All health themes are eligible, regardless of proposed methodology or models. Students must be registered in a full-time Master’s program in a recognized Canadian or foreign university.

Training award $15,000 a year. The awards are paid in instalments at the awardee’s training location. Authorized paid work: Maximum of 150 hours per session (teaching load of 45 hours per session).

Duration: 2 years or until completion of Master’s studies, whichever comes first.

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APPENDIX D

International agreements in universities

Université de Montréal McGill University Université de Sherbrooke Université Laval GENERAL

TOTAL A G T % A G T % A G T % A G T % No. % PRIORITY ZONE 1 Canada 1 1 2 1.1% 1 0 1 1.3% 2 1 3 3.9% 2 0 2 1.4% 8 1.7% United States 2 1 3 1.7% 6 0 6 7.9% 1 0 1 1.3% 1 4 5 3.5% 15 3.1% France 5 41 46 25.4% 0 2 2 2.6% 8 23 31 40.3% 16 15 31 21.7% 110 23.1% United Kingdom 3 0 3 1.7% 11 0 11 14.5% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 14 2.9% Total Zone 1 11 43 54 29.8% 18 2 20 26.3% 11 24 35 45.5% 19 19 38 26.6% 147 30.8% PRIORITY ZONE 2 China 3 16 19 10.5% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 4 4 5.2% 2 10 12 8.4% 37 7.8% India 0 1 1 0.6% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 2 4 2.8% 7 1.5% Belgium 6 4 10 5.5% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 6 6 7.8% 4 3 7 4.9% 24 5.0% Israel 0 2 2 1.1% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0.4% Total Zone 2 9 23 32 17.7% 0 5 5 6.6% 0 10 10 13.0% 8 15 23 16.1% 70 14.7% PRIORITY ZONE 3 Germany 2 3 5 2.8% 2 0 2 2.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 8 1.7% Italy 0 6 6 3.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 3 5 6.5% 0 0 0 0.0% 11 2.3% Spain 2 13 15 8.3% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0 2 1.4% 19 4.0% Switzerland 1 2 3 1.7% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 2 4 2.8% 7 1.5% Netherlands 0 3 3 1.7% 2 1 3 3.9% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 7 1.5% Sweden 1 1 2 1.1% 2 1 3 3.9% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 6 1.3% Austria 1 0 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Finland 1 0 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 1 1 0.7% 3 0.6% Greece 0 3 3 1.7% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 3 0.6% Norway 2 0 2 1.1% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 2 3 2.1% 6 1.3% Slovenia 1 0 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Slovakia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Czech Republic 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Romania 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 2 2 1.4% 2 0.4% Denmark 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0 2 2.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 3 0.6% Total Zone 3 11 31 42 23.2% 9 5 14 18.4% 3 4 7 9.1% 7 8 15 10.5% 78 16.4%

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Université de Montréal McGill University Université de Sherbrooke Université Laval GENERAL

TOTAL A G T % A G T % A G T % A G T % No. %

PRIORITY ZONE 4 Brazil 0 9 9 5.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 3 3 3.9% 0 2 2 1.4% 14 2.9% Argentina 0 2 2 1.1% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 4 4 5.2% 1 2 3 2.1% 10 2.1% Mexico 1 9 10 5.5% 3 1 4 5.3% 2 1 3 3.9% 4 3 7 4.9% 24 5.0% South Korea 0 1 1 0.6% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0.4% Australia 0 0 0 0.0% 7 0 7 9.2% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 8 1.7% New Zealand 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Total Zone 4 1 21 22 12.2% 12 2 14 18.4% 2 8 10 13.0% 5 8 13 9.1% 59 12.4% UNZONED South Africa 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Algeria 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Saudi Arabia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 5 5 6.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 5 1.0% Barbados 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Benin 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Bolivia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Bulgaria 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Burkina-Faso 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Cameroon 0 2 2 1.1% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 3 0.6% Chile 0 3 3 1.7% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 2 2 1.4% 7 1.5% Colombia 0 1 1 0.6% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 3 0.6% Congo 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Costa Rica 0 1 1 0.6% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0.4% Ivory Coast 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Cuba 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 2 3 2.1% 4 0.8% Egypt 1 1 2 1.1% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 3 0.6% Equador 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Ghana 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0 2 1.4% 2 0.4% Guinea 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0 2 1.4% 2 0.4% Haiti 0 1 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 2 0.4% Honduras 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0 2 1.4% 2 0.4% Hong Kong 0 0 0 0.0% 3 0 3 3.9% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 3 0.6% Reunion 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Japan 0 4 4 2.2% 7 2 9 11.8% 2 0 2 2.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 15 3.1%

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Université de Montréal McGill University Université de Sherbrooke Université Laval

GENERAL TOTAL

A G T % A G T % A G T % A G T % No. %

Laos 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Lebanon 1 2 3 1.7% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 3 1 4 2.8% 8 1.7% Madagascar 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Mali 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 5 0 5 3.5% 5 1.0% Morocco 0 5 5 2.8% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 3 3 2.1% 10 2.1% Moldavia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Paraguay 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 3 1 4 2.8% 4 0.8% Peru 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 1 2 1.4% 2 0.4% Philippines 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Poland 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 1 1 0.7% 2 0.4% French Polynesia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 1 0.2% Russia 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 1 1 0.7% 2 0.4% Salvador 0 1 1 0.6% 0 1 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 2 0.4% Senegal 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 3 1 4 2.8% 4 0.8% Singapore 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Syria 0 1 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Taiwan 0 1 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0.2% Trinidad and Tobago 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% United States 0 4 4 2.2% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 1 1 0.7% 6 1.3% Uruguay 0 1 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 2 2 2.6% 0 1 1 0.7% 4 0.8% Venezuela 0 1 1 0.6% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 0 1 1 0.7% 2 0.4% Vietnam 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 0 0.0% 1 0 1 1.3% 0 1 1 0.7% 2 0.4% Unzoned total 2 29 31 17.1% 11 12 23 30.3% 5 10 15 19.5% 29 25 54 37.8% 123 25.8% GENERAL TOTAL 34 147 181 100.0% 50 26 76 100.0% 21 56 77 100.0% 68 75 143 100.0% 477 100.0% NOTES: This table includes all international agreements signed by the institutions concerned, whether framework agreements, protocols, contracts or other instruments. These agreements may apply to all the institution’s faculties or departments or to a portion thereof. The E column is for agreements specifically for students (co-directed theses, student exchanges, internships, etc.). These agreements usually apply to graduate students or postdoctoral trainees. The G column includes general agreements, such as those covering exchange of expertise or research collaborations. These agreements usually apply to professors and researchers. Column T presents the total for the two preceding columns.

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FRSQ – External relations policy 33

Page 40: the Canadian scene internationally

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