Heather Lynch
How does an organization recognize the outstanding work of an individual who has tirelessly devoted herself to teaching and to promoting research in community health care – so much so that the then mayor of Ottawa, Bob Chiarelli, celebrated the individual by naming a day in her honour?
Such is the case with the recent recipient of the University of Ottawa’s Excellence in Research Award, Nancy Edwards, a professor in the School of Nursing and the Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine and also Director of the Community Health Research Unit.
Edwards has been instrumental in moving community health issues forward and dealing with multiple interventions for community health. She has examined many significant topics over the years, such as cessation of tobacco use, fall prevention for seniors, maternal and child health programs, and HIV/AIDS. Her work at the national and international level has influenced people in China, Jamaica, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and several regions in Canada.
As Canadian Health Services Research Foundation / Canadian Institutes of Health Research Nursing Chair, Edwards focuses on the design of multi-level and multi-strategy intervention programs in population and community health. These programs’ targets range from individual behavioural change to organizational and policy change. Her research has been characterized by mentorship activities; close working relationships with decision-making partners regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally; and novel knowledge translation strategies.
“It is a real honour to receive this award. It attests to the privilege of working with community health colleagues in many settings. These colleagues constantly inspire me with their commitment to making this world a better place for all,” says Edwards.
Related Link:
