2024-25 Year at a Glance

We're excited to share highlights from the past year — a year shaped by breakthrough discoveries, new approaches to patient care, and the dedication of our teams across Nova Scotia.


From investigator-led studies and clinical trials to behind-the-scenes innovations, our collective efforts are making real differences in health outcomes.


What makes this possible is our growing community — researchers, clinicians, innovators, and partners all working together to turn ideas into solutions that matter.


A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to this work. Together, we’re building a healthier future for Nova Scotians.


Explore the report to see more.

We help turn bold, homegrown innovations into better care for Nova Scotians.

Here’s how we support researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners across the health ecosystem:

✔️ Expert advice from innovation, business development &

implementation pros

✔️ Programs that unlock funding opportunities

✔️ Partnership-building with industry, academia & beyond

✔️ A no-strings-attached Test & Try model for real-world evaluation

✔️ Hands-on navigation through commercialization

✔️ Direct links to research — with 336 clinical trials underway

From discovery to delivery, we’re here to move faster, smarter, and together.

From amputation risk to recovery, wound care innovation bringing hope to Nova Scotians

At 75, Donna Timmons was running out of options. A wound that wouldn't heal had her facing the devastating possibility of losing her leg - until an innovative therapy called DermGEN™ changed everything.

Developed by Halifax-based Decell Technologies Inc., DermGEN™ is made from donated human skin and is giving new hope to patients like Donna who’ve exhausted conventional treatments.

More than just a medical breakthrough, DermGEN™ is helping to restore hope.

Donna’s story is an exciting reminder of how innovation and collaboration are reshaping healthcare in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Read Donna's story.

Innovation Spotlight: a 3D-printed device helping acquired brain injury patients return to music

Nova Scotia Health's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Outreach Team helps clients find a new way forward after a life-changing injury. With a long history of sourcing assistive tools to support independence, this team knows how important it is for clients to return to favourite hobbies—because mental wellbeing plays a pivotal role in recovery.

But sometimes the right assistive device doesn’t exist, so they have to create one.

When a recent client wanted to play guitar again, recreation therapy associate Andy Callaghan turned to the Health Innovation Hub’s 3D-printing test-and-try program with PolyUnity Tech Inc and the CAN Health Network.

The result: StrumAssist—a compact, customizable device that helps people with limited motor function strum a guitar so they can reconnect with something they love.

Today that client plays independently once again. Even small innovations can make a big impact in recovery.

Making Waves award winner - Amanda Vinson


We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Amanda Vinson, a kidney transplant clinician-researcher whose dedication is transforming patient care. 

Dr. Vinson received the Early Career/Emerging Researcher Award in recognition of her impactful work advancing kidney health and improving outcomes for patients across Nova Scotia.

Her commitment to both research excellence and compassionate care is making a lasting difference in our community. 

Read more about Amanda

Making Waves award winner - Conor Newcombe

Conor Newcombe and the artificial intelligence and machine learning operations team in the Department of Strategy, Performance and Analytics were honoured with the Innovator Award.

Their work is pioneering new ways to harness AI and data to strengthen decision-making, enhance patient care, and support a smarter, more responsive health system.

Their creativity and collaboration are setting new standards for what’s possible in health innovation.

Read more about Conor

Research spotlight: Vice President of Research at Nova Scotia Health joins Research Canada Board of Directors

Dr. Jeannie Shoveller, Vice President of Research at Nova Scotia Health has joined the Research Canada Board of Directors.

Dr. Shoveller is a respected leader with deep expertise in health equity, gender equality, social infrastructure and intergovernmental collaboration.

This appointment not only recognizes her outstanding contributions but also amplifies the voice of the Atlantic region in shaping an inclusive and impactful national research landscape.



We look forward to the positive influence she will bring in advancing health outcomes for all Canadians.

The Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub is leading innovation and research within the healthcare system to deliver high-impact solutions for patients and providers. Through strategic partnerships with clinical champions, industry, healthcare foundations, governments and academic partners, we're harnessing the best available evidence and innovative solutions. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.