Over the past two years, we are proud to report a period of significant growth, innovation and impact at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). Our research has continued to focus on advancing the health and well-being of military personnel, Veterans and their families—work that continues to be essential. Through strategic partnerships, research studies and dedicated teams, we have achieved outcomes that are already informing practice and policy across Canada and beyond.

A key highlight of this period has been the remarkable leadership of Dr. David Pedlar, who recently left his seven-year role as CIMVHR’s Scientific Director to pursue new endeavours. During his tenure, Dave brought vision, energy and a deep commitment to scientific excellence. Under his guidance, the Institute secured more than $25 million in funding—support that has enabled transformative work across the sector and allowed the CIMVHR team to grow in capacity. His contributions have laid a strong foundation for the future, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes as he embarks on his next chapter.

Reflecting further, we are proud of the effort and forward planning we put into our strategic plan that will guide us into 2030 – CIMVHR Strategy 2030. After a period of consultations with interested parties, internal discussions and strategy sessions, CIMVHR set a course for the next five years, focusing on research excellence, harnessing national and international relationships, and ensuring that real-world impact from research remains at the forefront of what we do.

CIMVHR also welcomed new funding for research and scholarships, with a primary focus on the health and well-being of amputees. The War Amps continued to demonstrate their leadership in this area with a dedication to such an important cause. The True Patriot Love Foundation, organizer of the Invictus Games, funded a new project titled: Collaborative paths to understanding: Mental health and wellbeing impacts of participation in the IG2025. The project is the first of its kind in the sector.

CIMVHR saw two new scholarships – from The Legion National Foundation and Edgewood Health Network. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our funders and sponsors who are committed to educating the next generation of researchers and advancing health research and well-being. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our growth.

One of the biggest accomplishments during this reporting period, was the first-ever, fully French special edition of our Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health. We celebrated 10 years of great research published across the spectrum of health and well-being. We broke a record for views, reaching over 180,000 in 2024. The generous support from sponsors enabled the French special edition, and we are grateful to Savoir Montfort, CPCoE, RQRD and Société Santé en français for their invaluable contribution to this milestone.

We would be remiss if we did not say that our greatest resource is our dedicated team. We have Veterans, military-connected family members, and all who serve those who serve us. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are the driving force behind our achievements. We could not do this great work without them.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this report. We look forward to working with you in the years to come.

Nicholas Held, PhD
Interim Scientific Director

Stéphanie Bélanger, CD, PhD
Associate Scientific Director

Paul Hook, CD
Managing Director