New Horizon institute aims to accelerate research and improve health outcomes in New Brunswick

Research institute announces first wave of partnerships with the University of New Brunswick and AbbVie

(FREDERICTON) – Horizon Health Network (Horizon) is moving forward with the establishment of a new institute for research, innovation, and better health. The institute will be a hub that expands Horizon’s vision to fuel new opportunities, bold solutions and improved outcomes for patients and providers throughout the health care system.

“This is a defining moment for health system renewal in New Brunswick,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s President and CEO. “By connecting clinicians, researchers, and partners within Horizon and across the broader health sector, we’re building a stronger, more innovative health care system that delivers tangible benefits for New Brunswickers. We’re not just studying health problems; we’re shaping the future of health care through research that puts people first.”

The institute delivers on a key Year 1 commitment connected to Horizon’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan to establish an institute for research and innovation. It will accelerate real-world improvements in care by bringing together clinicians and researchers to collaboratively solve priority health challenges through cutting-edge research and technology, and attract new funding, partnerships, and health talent to New Brunswick. Through the institute, Horizon will enable equitable access to decentralized clinical trials, allowing patients across the province to participate, including those living in rural and remote areas.

Early academic, industry and sector partnerships that drive impact

The institute has already established major partnerships that will directly benefit patients, including a memorandum of understanding with the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and a collaboration agreement with AbbVie, a global leader in biopharmaceutical research.

The partnership with UNB will strengthen joint research capacity, align clinical and academic priorities, and foster mentorship and innovation training across the province.

“UNB is proud to partner with Horizon to help turn research into real-world improvements in care,” said Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor, UNB. “By linking the expertise of our researchers and students with Horizon’s clinical teams, we can advance discovery, strengthen health outcomes and create new opportunities for innovation across New Brunswick.”

Through the collaboration agreement with AbbVie, the two organizations will jointly pursue projects focused on:

• Improving outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease;
• Advancing stroke recovery through better post-stroke spasticity care pathways; and
• Transforming ovarian cancer management through earlier detection and personalized treatment approaches.

“This collaboration reflects AbbVie’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with health care system leaders to enhance patient outcomes,” said Rami Fayed, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. “By combining Horizon’s clinical expertise with AbbVie’s research capabilities, we can use research and innovation to make meaningful, lasting care improvements and build a more sustainable health care system.”

Advancing a vision of leadership and improved patient care

The momentum behind the institute reflects Horizon’s growing leadership role in health transformation. Melanson was recently appointed to the Health Policy Council of the C.D. Howe Institute, Canada’s most influential public policy think tank, helping to shape national dialogue on modernizing health care. The institute will also support Horizon’s integrated network of university hospitals and its work as the Atlantic Region’s Lead Edge of the CAN Health Network. Horizon recently received the Edge of the Year Award for consistently engaging in CAN Health initiatives and demonstrating a commitment to scaling Canadian innovation. This work will be further developed through the institute.

The institute will be co-led by Jennifer Sheils, Horizon’s Vice President of Strategy, Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer and Dr. Susan Brien, Horizon’s Senior Vice President of Medical, Academic and Research Affairs.

“The new institute will be rooted in collaboration with researchers and partners across the health ecosystem,” said Sheils. “It represents a major step toward Horizon’s goals of delivering advanced patient care through innovative approaches and emerging treatments, and positioning our organization as a national leader in health research. New Brunswick has all the ingredients for success: strong partners, clinical talent and a system that can move quickly. This institute will help us harness that potential and bring new treatments, technologies, and models of care to patients sooner.”

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