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2.0 PROGRAM: FUTURE DIRECTIONS INITIATIVEAs a consequence of these aforementioned changes, the NHRDP initiated a review ofits strategic directions and funding priorities to position the program on a course offocused, effective action. This process, known as the NHRDP Future DirectionsInitiative, was initiated in May 1995 and was designed for program implementation inJune 1996. The objectives and key consultation activities are outlined in Annex II.Based on the advice received through the Future Directions consultation process, theNHRDP has revised its program framework to concentrate on four key areas. Theseareas represent a multifaceted balance of traditional NHRDP areas of action andexpertise (e.g., support for innovative research and personnel support) and areas ofemerging focus as recommended through the consultation processes (e.g., synthesis,dissemination, and support of new researchers). The NHRDP will:continue to fund innovative, peer-reviewed research that contributes to integratedbodies of knowledge for policy development and program planning;co-ordinate, as well as support, the synthesis and dissemination of healthresearch in support of Health Canada's priorities and commitment to evidencebaseddecisions;restructure the personnel awards program in order to better respond to thedemand to build capacity, through training and career support of newresearchers in areas related to policy need, as well as to formally integrate thecontributions of current and established researchers into the policy developmentand planning processes of Health Canada; andincrease the program capacity to support strategic partnerships and collaborativeapproaches in meeting shared research priorities and interests.Based on the advice received through the Future Directions consultation process, theNHRDP has set long-term research themes that will be the focus of funding for at leastthe next five years. The themes are:Population HealthHealth Impact of Public PoliciesRenewal and Restructuring of the Health SystemResearch on New MethodologiesResearch on Transfer and Uptake of KnowledgeNew Approaches to the Management and Administration of Program Funding StreamsTo increase the Program's capacity in these key areas of development, newapproaches to the management and administration of the Program have beendeveloped. Two integrated approaches have been identified as the generation anddevelopment of knowledge and transfer and uptake of knowledge.Pg. 159