Build Capacity

BUILDING CAPACITY - REGIONAL RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

A key strategic objective of WE-SPARK is to create efficiencies across the health research ecosystem, increase the critical mass of health researchers and create an environment that allows the health research environment to grow within organizations and as a collective. Every quarter, WE-SPARK’s Executive Committee meets to report on committee progress, ensure transparency and agree on metrics to be reported. They also provide reports on institutional research progress. A few highlights are provided:

New positions continue to be added to research teams across the partner organizations HDGH is particularly excited about a full-time research position dedicated to the Regional Children’s Centre. The University of Windsor is adding a new Director of Research Partnerships position, are anticipating the announcement of a new VPRI and have requested submissions for Canada Research Chair positions, many in the area of health

Major projects across the partners are connecting with conversations focused on building infrastructure and services that better serve our region, including the new hospital system, positioning of an accelerator for boron neutron capture therapy, a Health Innovation Park and re-location of WECHU.

Increased research activity continues including collaborative grant submissions, upcoming funding announcements and award nominations. A few noteworthy updates:

• WRH – 25 independent clinician led projects, development of a research mentorship program and progress towards achieving academic status

• HDGH – 5 funded grants received in the past year, 200 patients consented to participate in research, 25 research projects were supported, 4 manuscripts were published and 5 conference presentations. A regular monthly research feature has been added to staff communications

• SCC + UWIN – collaborated and submitted a proposal to Ministry of Colleges and Universities for an International Student Mental Health Call

• UWIN – Successful OICR and CIHR grants (over $1M), 2 nominations were submitted for the Royal Society of Canada

• ESHC – initial steps being taken to capture the research activity already taking place and creating standardized pathways to support future growth

More clinicians are involved in research and taking on leadership roles

• Increased number of clinician led publications

• Presentations at high profile, international conferences being reported

Student involvement in research projects continues with important contributions being made to publications and conference presentations. The mix of undergraduate, graduate and medical students on project teams provides a rich learning environment for all.