KLK was contracted to be the project manager for the creation of the Northern Hub for Health Research (NHHR), ‘the Hub’ which included the submission of a Canada Foundation for Innovation, Innovation Fund application, a $110M dollar undertaking. Picking up just after the University had authorised the Hub team to go ahead with the project, KLK provided continual support and expertise in the preparation of the application, including a comprehensive template for the completion of the grant and other guidance materials. Acting as the pivot among the three pillars of the Hub team, the academics, facilities, and fundraising and strategic oversight, KLK drew from experience and knowledge of the Canadian university and funding landscape, a network of professional contacts who were able to provide additional support and guidance for the project, and the absolute confidence that the project was genuinely transformational to the university and geographical region.
For a year, KLK worked primarily with the named PI of the project as we met with external supporters and stakeholders, internal supports and service units, architects and equipment vendors. This was a massive and complex project and the work also included consulting on and drafting language for a crucial agreement with the primary project partner, the Northern Health Authority. 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. The work is ongoing; beyond the application for funding there is an unceasing effort to see the NHHR realised on the UNBC Campus. https://www.unbc.ca/office-research-and-innovation/northern-hub-health-research
As project coordinator for an institutional, multi-partnered CFI Innovation proposal for UNBC, Kristen kept all aspects of the project on track and focused to completion. With decades of experience in academic research environment she understands and is well positioned in the national and provincial funding landscapes to provide expert support. As PI of the project, I can say with certainty that the tight timelines for the project would not have been met without Kristen’s ability to fully immerse herself into the philosophy and context of the proposal. Working with Kristen on this proposal was a highlight of my career and I look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.