Strategic Aims – Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health

Strategic Aim 1 seeks to position StFX as a leader in high-quality, interdisciplinary rural health research and innovation that is grounded in the realities, strengths, and priorities of rural communities. This aim emphasizes the generation of research that addresses the social, structural, environmental, and policy drivers of health in rural communities, with the goal of preventing illness, reducing inequities, and strengthening conditions for long-term wellbeing. Through strategic investment in research capacity and relationship-building, this aim will enhance the visibility and impact of rural health research at StFX while ensuring that innovation is co-developed, responsive, and oriented toward real-world rural health challenges.

Goal

Drive high-quality, interdisciplinary research and innovation that responds to rural health priorities and supports healthier rural communities.

Strategic Aim 2 reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that the Institute’s research creates real-world impact. Our goal is to move knowledge beyond academic settings and into the hands of communities, practitioners, and decision-makers in ways that are accessible, relevant, and actionable. We believe research has the greatest value when it informs real decisions, strengthens practice, and supports community priorities.

The Institute is committed to building the skills, partnerships, and platforms needed to translate evidence into impact. This includes equipping researchers with strong knowledge mobilization capacities, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, and creating accessible, high-quality knowledge products that resonate with diverse audiences. By strengthening relationships, building capacity for knowledge translation, and fostering interdisciplinary exchange, the Institute aims to embed evidence into policy, practice, and community initiatives, ultimately contributing to healthier systems, more informed decision-making, and stronger, more resilient communities.

Goal

Ensure evidence generated through the Institute is communicated effectively, widely used, and has clear value for communities, practitioners, and decision-makers.

Strategic Aim 3 seeks to cultivate the next generation of rural health leaders by providing high-quality education, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities for students, trainees, and partners. This aim focuses on interdisciplinary, hands-on learning that connects trainees with real-world rural health challenges and community priorities. Through mentorship, applied learning experiences, and targeted skill development, the Institute will support trainees in building the knowledge, leadership capacity, and collaborative skills needed to advance rural health research, practice, and policy.

Goal

Provide high-quality training, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students, trainees, and partners to lead and collaborate effectively in rural health contexts.

Strategic Aim 4 reflects our commitment to locating community at the centre of all we do and breaking down the traditional silos between academia and community. Our goal is to build, sustain, and deepen equitable partnerships with rural communities, organizations, and health system leaders so that research and innovation are grounded in lived experience and responsive to community-identified priorities. We are committed to fostering trust-based relationships, engaging meaningfully with Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities, and creating shared spaces where partners actively shape research questions, processes, and outcomes. By investing in long-term relationships, building community research capacity, and embedding accountability and mutual learning into our work, we aim to ensure that what we do is relevant, collaborative, and truly matters to the communities we serve.

Goal

Develop, sustain, and nurture equitable partnerships with rural communities, organizations, and health system leaders to ensure research and innovation are relevant, impactful, and co-created.