Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.

Tim Stockwell, MA (Oxford), MSc (University of Surrey), PhD (University of London), Director

The mission of the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C. (CARBC) is to create an internationally recognized centre, distributed across B.C., that is dedicated to research and knowledge exchange on substance use, harm reduction, and addiction.

Established at the University of Victoria in 2003 through an endowment from the B.C. Addiction Foundation, CARBC has developed relationships with a large network of addictions-related agencies in B.C. and has formal partnerships with other universities in British Columbia. CARBC sits at arms length from government while working on shared concerns with multiple government departments, including health, police, education, and liquor licensing.

Guided by a comprehensive five year strategic plan, CARBC tracks performance results in four key areas:

• Build research infrastructure and capacity across B.C. for the conduct of research that will increase understanding and support more effective responses to substance use
• Conduct high-quality research that increases understanding of substance use and addiction, and informs effective responses
• Disseminate research findings that increase understanding of substance use and addiction, to increase awareness of related harms, and to identify effective responses
• Contribute to the implementation of evidence-based policy and practice

CARBC maintains a research and administration office at the University of Victoria, and a communication and resource unit in Vancouver, B.C.