The initial funding topped $300,000, and by April 1981, the MHRC awarded its first grants to scientists in disciplines that included medicine, engineering, psychology and nursing.

[9] Most recently, funding for the MHRC topped $6 million, a sum dedicated to grants, fellowships, awards and other research programs.

[13][14] The MHRC's mission is to support, coordinate and connect the health research community in the province through its funding programs, as well as to advise the Ministry of Innovation, Energy and Mines on key policy issues.

[15][16][17] In the fall of 2005, the Government of Manitoba asked MHRC to lead a provincial strategy for health research in consultation with the community, which included the Creating our Future Summit.

More than 140 people attended the conference in May 2006, spanning the health disciplines and including academics, business, non-profit organizations, front line workers and government.

"[15][18] Along with the strategic plan came stable, increased funding, and a clear mandate to promote the growth of health research in the province.

The MHRC offers a wide range of high-profile grants and awards to both emerging and established health sciences researchers in the province.