Grand opening of the Institute of Population Health
Left to Right: Roxanne Sapier, Deputy Chief of Pabineau First Nation Susan Ducasse, Laurie Ann Nicholas, Social Development Minister Cindy Miles, Dr. Paul Mazerolle (BA’89), president and vice chancellor, Hon. Lyne Chantal Boudreau, Dr. Emily Richard, scientific director at the IPH, Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Joanna Bernard, regional chief (N.B.) of the Assembly of First Nations
UNB's Institute of Population Health: Transforming Health Outcomes in New Brunswick
On April 17th, 2025, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) celebrated the official launch of the Institute of Population Health (IPH), marking a pivotal step toward improving the health and well-being of New Brunswickers. The event, which opened with a traditional Wolastoqiyik song and drumming, highlighted the Institute’s commitment to prevention, community resilience, and health promotion.
The IPH focuses on enhancing health outcomes by combining research, policy development, and community engagement. The Institute aims to collaborate with academics, government bodies, and Indigenous organizations to deliver actionable solutions for population health challenges.
Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB President, praised the Institute for its interdisciplinary approach to tackling health issues, emphasizing that the goal is to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of health disparities.
Key Focus Areas of the Institute:
Promoting preventative healthcare and early intervention.
Fostering community-driven health initiatives.
Engaging with Indigenous communities to enhance health equity.
The event also featured a panel discussion with experts from around the world, who shared innovative approaches to population health. Notable presentations included Sophie Howe’s work on future generations legislation, Dr. Sarah Lindberg’s strategies for translating research into policy, and Dr. Sandra Magalhaes’s research on dementia prevention in New Brunswick.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jennifer Russell, the Executive Director of the IPH, outlined the Institute’s plans to address pressing issues like hypertension and workplace health. The future is bright for the IPH, with a strong foundation already laid through successful research funding and collaboration across sectors.