MSFHR 20th Anniversary Campaign
The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) is British Columbia’s primary health research funding agency. They have shaped health research in B.C. for 20 years and partnered with Be the Change Group to develop a campaign that could capture their rich history and future path.
Our campaign brought to life a variety of compelling stories and provided an opportunity for MSFHR to prepare their community for the consolidation of MSFHR and the BC Academic Health Science Network (BC AHSN) into what is now known as Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Our campaign brought to life a variety of compelling stories and provided an opportunity for MSFHR to prepare their community for the consolidation of MSFHR and the BC Academic Health Science Network (BC AHSN) into what is now known as Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Sector
Services
IMPACT
The change
71%
of employees said the campaign provided insight into the consolidation
94%
of employees said the campaign helped them better understand the Foundation’s 20-year journey in health research
Background
Highlighting history and innovation
To mark MSFHR’s 20th anniversary and strengthen understanding of their organization ahead of a consolidation, MSFHR was seeking a partner to develop a campaign that would capture their rich history and highlight how the organization has helped shape health research in B.C. The campaign would celebrate B.C.’s health researchers and their work as global leaders who are driving innovation in our health system and improving the health of our populations.
process
We start with focused research to inform campaign strategy and tactics, which include: a review of past MSFHR anniversary campaigns and library archives; group discovery sessions with MSFHR’s leadership and board; a market review of other research organizations that recently celebrated an anniversary; and survey consultations with select staff to ensure the stories were representative of the diverse researchers, regions, and MSFHR’s research priorities.
Through our discovery sessions and review, we saw MSFHR’s 20th anniversary as an opportunity to bring forward their history of supporting equitable, diverse, and inclusive health research.
Through our discovery sessions and review, we saw MSFHR’s 20th anniversary as an opportunity to bring forward their history of supporting equitable, diverse, and inclusive health research.
Our Solution
20 years of stories
Our virtual campaign centred around a simple strategy: 20 years, 20 stories. It was light and human-focused, touching on key milestones in MSFHR’s 20-year history through storytelling.
recognition
Award-winning campaign
We were honoured to receive the 2022 IABC Gold Quill Award of Merit in the Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication—an award that has recognized excellence in strategic communication globally for over 40 years—together with our partners at Michael Smith Health Research BC. The project was also recognized with an Honourable Mention in the Digital Community Engagement category for PR Daily’s 2022 Social Media & Digital Awards.
"This project is a benchmark in professional standards."
– Judge testimonial, International Association of Business Communicators for the Gold Quill Awards