The Northern Hub for Health Research (NHHR) will be a purpose-built, technology-driven facility on Lheidli T’enneh Territory dedicated to health research that is both Indigenous-informed and designed to meet the unique needs of the region. Currently in the planning and funding approval stages, the NHHR will be a light-filled, two-story, multi-disciplinary research facility built to Passive House standards at UNBC’s Prince George campus and a state-of-the-art renovated designated space at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. It represents the culmination of years of work by the Health Research Institute and the Northern Centre for Clinical Research to advance health research by, with and for the North, and will serve as the focal point for advancing health research across northern B.C.
A Critical Partnership
The NHHR is a collaboration involving the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, UNBC’s Health Research Institute, and the Northern Centre for Clinical Research, a partnership between the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and Northern Health.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of a significant event related to health outcomes in northern B.C. On June 22, 2000, nearly 7,000 people attended a healthcare rally at the Multiplex (now, the CN Centre) in Prince George to protest the state of health care in northern BC. The event brought national attention to the local crisis, laid the groundwork for the Northern Medical Program (NMP) as well as other health science programs at UNBC, and helped spur the development of an ever-maturing health research ecosystem at UNBC.
Key Objectives
Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge
The NHHR will prioritize Indigenous-led research and training, ensuring that the infrastructure reflects and respects Indigenous wisdoms and traditions.
Advancing Health Research
The NHHR will create state-of-the-art health research facilities to advance health research capacity and innovation in northern B.C., to address health disparities in rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
Promoting Equity and Reconciliation
The NHHR will embody principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, with a meaningful and lasting commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through co-leadership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and other First Nations of northern B.C. in the design and use of health research infrastructure.
Strategic Importance
Health Disparities
The NHHR will leverage northern B.C.’s expertise in interdisciplinary health research to confront existing health disparities between urban and rural populations and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Economic Diversification
By creating new job opportunities in life sciences and health research, the NHHR will contribute to the economic stability and growth of northern B.C., to reduce reliance on traditional industries and mitigate the “brain drain” to urban centres.
Training and Education
The NHHR will serve as a hub for training highly qualified personnel (HQP) in health research, offering placements for students across multiple disciplines and supporting the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in northern B.C. It will also contribute to the broader workforce development across multiple industries through the advancement of the regional innovation ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Location
The NHHR will be strategically located at two primary sites on Lheidli T’enneh territory:
- UNBC Prince George Campus: This site will serve as the academic hub for interdisciplinary health research, knowledge translation and community engagement. A new standalone building will house interdisciplinary research and training facilities.
- University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC): Renovated space at the hospital will house a clinical investigation unit to support clinical research and patient engagement, independent of regular hospital services.
Anticipated Outcomes
Research Excellence
The NHHR will enhance research productivity and success in securing competitive funding, positioning northern B.C. as a leader in interdisciplinary health research and innovation
Community Engagement
The NHHR will promote knowledge mobilization and cultural exchange, ensuring research benefits the communities it serves, thereby addressing anti-science sentiments and improving public trust in health research.
Economic Impact
The NHHR will catalyze and grow regional startup companies and entrepreneurial ventures in the life sciences and health sectors, offering an affordable and attractive location for these industries to thrive.
Key Features and Advancements
Clinical Research
A clinical investigation unit at UHNBC will facilitate clinical trials and research in northern B.C. allowing the integration of research with care and supporting physician recruitment and retention.
Centralized Diagnostic Services
State-of-the-art diagnostic labs, will centralize biomedical and clinical analyses, improving research efficiency and reducing costs while creating skilled employment opportunities in the life sciences.
Translational Partnerships
Collaborating and convening spaces designed with Indigenous partners will facilitate collaborations between academic researchers, industry partners, healthcare providers, communities and citizens, to address Indigenous, community and health system priorities through health research excellence and technology transfer.
Information/contact: NHHR@unbc.ca