Horizon Health Network is creating a new institute to drive health research and innovation in New Brunswick.

The organization says the institute will focus on improving patient care and outcomes across the province.

“This is a defining moment for health system renewal in New Brunswick,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s president and chief executive officer.

She said the institute will connect clinicians, researchers and partners to deliver tangible improvements for patients.

The institute is fulfilling a commitment from year one of Horizon’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.

This initiative aims to improve healthcare by bringing together clinicians and researchers to address important health challenges.

It also seeks to attract new funding, partnerships, and talent to the province.

Horizon said the institute will expand access to decentralized clinical trials, allowing patients in rural and remote areas to participate.

Partnerships have already been established with the University of New Brunswick and AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company.

UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Paul J. Mazerolle said the collaboration will connect researchers and students with Horizon’s clinical teams.

“By linking the expertise of our researchers and students with Horizon’s clinical teams, we can advance discovery, strengthen health outcomes and create new opportunities for innovation across New Brunswick,” he said.

Rami Fayed, Vice President and General Manager of AbbVie Canada, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to working with health system leaders.

The partnership will focus on improving outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, advancing stroke recovery, and transforming ovarian cancer care through earlier detection and personalized treatment.

The institute will be co-led by Jennifer Sheils, Horizon’s vice president of strategy, transformation and chief innovation officer. It will also be led by Dr. Susan Brien, senior vice president of medical, academic and research affairs.

“This represents a major step toward Horizon’s goals of delivering advanced patient care through innovative approaches and emerging treatments, and positioning our organization as a national leader in health research,” Sheils said.

The announcement comes as Horizon expands its role in health transformation.

Melanson was recently appointed to the Health Policy Council of the C.D. Howe Institute, a national think tank focused on modernizing health care.

Horizon also received the CAN Health Network’s Edge of the Year Award for its work in scaling Canadian innovation, which will be further developed through the new institute.