Allan English, ably assisted by PhD candidates Sonia Dussault and Matthew Barrett, led a workshop on culture and diversity and the mental and physical health of military personnel at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) Forum 2017 in Toronto 24-27 September. The conference had over 700 participants from Canada and many other counties. CIMVHR is a network of academic researchers from across Canada and around the world that serves as a focal point for 43 Canadian universities who have agreed to work together in addressing the health research requirements of the Canadian military, veterans and their families. It acts as a conduit between the academic community, government organizations, industry and similar international organizations to foster research related to the health needs of military personnel, veterans and their families. CIMVHR also provides many opportunities for networking in multidisciplinary settings where historians can establish beneficial collaborative relationships with those from other academic disciplines and establish contacts with potential employers and sources of funding.
This year’s Forum was timed to coincide with the Invictus Games, an international Paralympic-style, multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry of Wales, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans compete. Prince Harry spoke at the CIMVHR opening session and congratulated its researchers on the work that they are doing to improve the health and lives of wounded military personnel, veterans and their families. Five members and former members of the Department have contributed to CIMVHR’s work. Allan English is a member of CIMVHR’s College of Peer Reviewers, Conference Scientific Planning Committee, and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health. Robert Engen is also a member of its College of Peer Reviewers and like Matthew Barrett has presented at CIMVHR Forums and published his work in peer reviewed journals. Claire Cookson-Hills and Sonia Dussault have presented at CIMVHR research events. Please contact any of us if you would like to know more about how historians can take advantage of the many opportunities for career enhancement that CIMVHR offers.
