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:

Movement of personnel and new positions continue to be added to research teams across the partner organizations. ESHC has created a new research coordinator position with the successful candidate beginning May 1st HDGH hired a new research assistant, applied for funding for a full-time research coordinator dedicated to clinical trials has a new student research intern starting May 1st. WRH had some movement within the hospital with Dr. Gina Bulcke now overseeing the corporate office of Research, taking over for Jessica Bennett and Dr. Caroline Hamm is moving forward with recruitment for a Breast Cancer Fellow The University of Windsor has added a new Director of Research Partnerships and have announced the new VPRI Dr. Shathi Johnson who will be starting on July 1st. SCC is excited to expand their research personnel and have new members added to all WE-SPARK committees.

Major projects across the partners continue to connect with conversations focused on building infrastructure and services that better serve our region. Play for a Cure exceeded fundraising goals with their efforts tied to a research institute infrastructure. WRH is embarking on new research with the Windsor Family Health Team in collaboration with the mental health department and Ernst and Young was awarded the contract for the Health Innovation Park.

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

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

• HDGH – 15 active research projects are currently underway with 13 funded

• SCC – submitted a Mobilize Grant with the goal of supporting SCC research department to increase partnerships and student training in all research areas.

• UWIN – Submitted 6 CIHR grants and are a major partner in one of the 5 federal research hubs, Canadian BioMedical Research Fund

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

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. Q4 saw the Masters of Science in Translational Health Sciences students showcase research projects included members from across the partnership.