The interRAI research community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Founding President, Dr. Brant E. Fries, on February 16, 2026, following an extended battle with cancer. Brant was not only a visionary scholar whose work reshaped care for vulnerable populations worldwide—he was also a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend. An internationally…
interRAI is delighted to report that interRAI Fellow Prof. Yohana Mashalla has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET). TERNET is a network of Tanzania higher education and research institutions providing network infrastructure and associated digital services for enabling sharing of education and research resources inside…
Following the recent announcement of the retirement of its Founding President, Dr. Brant E. Fries, interRAI is pleased to share important updates regarding its leadership, Board of Directors, and organizational structure. Appointment of New President Effective immediately, Dr. John P. Hirdes, PhD CM FRSC FCAHS, has been appointed President of interRAI. Dr. Hirdes is…
The interRAI Board of Directors announces that Dr. Brant E. Fries, Founding President of interRAI, is retiring from his leadership role. Dr. Fries has the full support of the Board as he focuses on his well‑being, and we express our profound appreciation for his extraordinary global contributions over more than four decades. Dr. Fries…
interRAI is proud to announce that Dr. John P. Hirdes, long-standing Canada Senior Fellow, Treasurer, and global leader in health systems research, has been formally invested into the Order of Canada. The ceremony was held at Rideau Hall and presided over by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada.…
Dr. Shannon Stewart, board member, network lead and fellow of interRAI received the Hellmuth Award for international research excellence in the area of child and youth mental health. For over two decades, Stewart has contributed to transformational improvements and policy change in child and youth mental health. Her research focuses on ways to improve understanding…
interRAI Board Member and Secretary Shannon Stewart was interviewed by Western News on the health and well-being of children, youth and their families across Canada. Following a recent report by Ontario’s auditor general indicating significant risk and limited access to mental health resources and support for children and youth, Western News reached out to Stewart to…
We are pleased to share that interRAI fellow Professor Jason Ferris has been appointed as one of 18 international experts to the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on Alcohol and Drug Epidemiology (TAG-ADE). This advisory group supports WHO’s global work by providing independent advice on alcohol and drug use monitoring, including estimates of…
The Community Health Assessment for Recovery in Mental Health (CHARMH) project aims to enhance access to mental health services globally, including in low resource settings. This pioneering initiative led by the interRAI Network for Mental Health (iNMH) spans more than 25 countries. CHARMH was launched in Fall 2024 with researchers, clinicians, and policy experts…
interRAI is pleased to announce that it has partnered with a Canadian print-on-demand vendor so that all Canadian orders are now printed in Canada. interRAI is also actively pursuing a mechanism for payment in Canadian dollars.