We believe that scientific research is the bedrock of public health. Mental illness isn't well-understood to begin with, but without adequate funding for research we're left even more in the dark. A world without scientific investigation and open inquiry is one that leaves us all worse off—without evidence-based medications, therapies,  or social services.

Most Canadian health researchers rely on government-issued grants provided by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). But only 4% of their budget, or roughly $40 million, is dedicated to mental health sciences.

The result is that fewer and fewer of our best young scientists and scholars are able to start careers in the mental health sciences, even though the prevalence of mental illness is increasing year after year.

The funding isn't there for them. At Stratas, we want to change that.