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Lawson LEADS April 2026 Newsletter banner.

RESEARCH IMPACT

The Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program team, bringing together research and care to build trust, improve access, and support patients with complex trauma.

Research in real-world trauma care

The Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program (TVSPCP) was designed to combine care with ongoing learning. Research, evaluation, quality improvement and education are built directly into everyday clinical work. This means the program continuously learns and improves while delivering care. It is based on strong evidence that trauma affects health and it addresses gaps in traditional systems where trauma is often missed. Standardized patient data—such as outcomes, engagement and preventive screening—are collected through the electronic medical record without added burden to care delivery. 

The program uses both quantitative and qualitative measurement to evaluate how well it works. Quantitative data track trauma exposure, psychiatric burden, preventive care gaps and changes over time in well-being and care engagement. Qualitative research focuses on patient experiences, including feelings of safety, trust, relationships with providers and continuity of care. The clinic also serves as a training and mentorship site, studying how to support and sustain a trauma-informed workforce. 

Early results from the first 3.5 months show that the model is workable and meets a high level of need. Among the first 73 patients, 92.3% attended their initial physician visit. Baseline data reveals substantial trauma and psychiatric burden, with a median ACE score of 7 and symptom levels consistent with probable PTSD, moderate to severe depression and moderate anxiety. Early findings also show significant preventive screening gaps at intake, along with improvements in attachment to primary care, care coordination, provider confidence, patient trust and safety, reduced fragmentation of care and better staff satisfaction after trauma-focused training. 

Understanding pain, inspiring change: Inside the kNOw-PAIN Conference

John R. Sylliboy and Dr. Margot Latimer share Indigenous worldviews on pain and hurt, offering powerful insights into culturally inclusive and safe care at the kNOw‑PAIN Conference.

The kNOw‑PAIN Conference 2026 brought researchers, clinicians, trainees and patient partners together on March 26 at Western University to advance knowledge and collaboration in pain research and care. Co-sponsored by Lawson Research Institute (Lawson), this one‑day event highlighted cutting-edge research, lived experience perspectives and innovative approaches to understanding and treating pain across the lifespan. Lawson trainees played a prominent role in the event and highlighting the next generation of pain researchers. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized speakers, including Dr. Hance Clarke, Dr. Margot Latimer, John R. Sylliboy and Dr. Norm Buckley, the conference emphasized interdisciplinary and equity‑informed approaches to pain, Indigenous knowledge systems, safe opioid practices and knowledge mobilization. By strengthening connections across disciplines and communities, the kNOw‑PAIN Conference continues to catalyze impactful research, improve clinical practice and shape the future of pain care in Canada. Interested in becoming a kNOw-PAIN trainee, patient, partner or member? Visit the kNOw-Pain website.

Redefining anatomy education: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Grand Rounds spotlight innovative teaching

Dr. Charys Martin.

At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Grand Rounds on March 23, Dr. Charys Martin presented Beyond Origins and Insertions: Teaching Functional Anatomy in 2026, highlighting how anatomy education is evolving to meet modern medical training needs. The session explored clinically driven, problem‑solving approaches that strengthen learning and retention, emphasize relevant anatomy and integrate knowledge across disciplines. Dr. Martin also underscored emerging priorities, including inclusive terminology and representation, reinforcing research‑informed innovation in medical education. Contact Vanessa Cullen to learn more about PM&R Grand Rounds and to attend the Grand Round featuring Lawson Scientist, Dr. Jaspreet Bhangu, "Building precision care pathways in geriatrics," on April 20 from 8-9am in the Parkwood Main Auditorium. 

In the News

Sisters of St. Joseph Awards

Dr. Steven Macaluso, Lawson Associate Scientist

Each year, the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards ceremony offers a heart-felt reminder of what it means to live out the values of St. Joseph’s and what excellence, reliability, honesty, efficiency, creativity, respect, caring, compassion, empathy and a positive attitude look like in the everyday moments of our work and life. Congratulations to Dr. Steven Macaluso, 2026 award recipient. Read more about Dr. Macaluso and his impact on patients and colleagues.

Local expertise, national impact: Dr. Steven Macaluso supports team Canada's Olympic wheelchair curling team

Team Canada's gold medal winning wheelchair curling team led by Mark Ideson prepares for the 2026 Paralympic Winter games with support from Dr. Steven Macaluso, Lawson Association Scientist.

Dr. Steven Macaluso, Lawson Associate Scientist is featured in recent news and social media stories highlighting his role supporting Team Canada’s wheelchair curling team as athletes prepare for the road to the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Through his clinical and research expertise, Dr. Macaluso is helping advance performance, injury prevention and athlete well-being at the highest level of adaptive sport. We’re proud to see Lawson research making a national impact on and off the ice. Read and share the full news coverage and amplify this work and the incredible Team Canada wheelchair curling team.Instagram feature to amplify this work and the incredible Team Canada wheelchair curling team.

Dr. Verinder Sharma's research is shaping better care for perinatal mental health

Dr. Verinder Sharma, Lawson Scientist.

Lawson Scientist Dr. Verinder Sharma is helping shine a light on the critical connection between sleep and mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A psychiatrist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), Dr. Sharma’s research focuses on how insomnia and sleep disruption can trigger or worsen conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and post-traumatic stress during the perinatal period. Dr. Sharma is a co-author of the recently published book Sleep and Perinatal Psychiatric Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and Researchers, which explores the bidirectional relationship between sleep and perinatal mental health and highlights the importance of early screening and treatment. Learn more and share his work and the book on St. Joseph‘s Instagram page.

Lawson researchers are helping reshape chronic disease care

Dr. Robert McKelvie, cardiologist and Lawson Associate Scientist.

In a recent Western News feature, Lawson Associate Scientist and cardiologist Dr. Robert McKelvie highlights why chronic disease, not acute illness, is the central challenge facing today’s health-care system. Drawing on his expertise in cardiac rehabilitation and proactive disease management, Dr. McKelvie emphasizes the urgent need to redesign care models to better support people living longer with multiple chronic conditions. His work underscores the importance of prevention, team-based care and long-term support to improve quality of life and system sustainability. Read, reflect and share this timely perspective on why chronic disease demands a new health-care playbook.  

Lawson Clinical Trials

Lawson LEADS in developing innovative fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of C. difficile and exploring treatment in other diseases. Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation.

Clinical trials are a vital part of how new treatments, devices and care strategies are discovered, tested and improved for patients. In December and January, Lawson supported 931 clinical research studies, underscoring the dedication to advancing patient-centered medical innovations. Visit Lawson’s Webpage to discover more about our clinical trials and how to get involved. 

How clinical trial participants are protected

Protecting clinical trials participants.

Protecting people who take part in research is a top priority at every stage of a clinical trial. Multiple safeguards are in place before a study ever begins and they continue throughout the research.

First, every clinical trial must be reviewed and approved by a Research Ethics Board (REB). The REB includes researchers, health professionals and community members who carefully assess whether a study is ethical, minimizes risk and respects participants’ rights and well‑being.

Participation is always voluntary. Before joining a study, individuals receive clear, plain‑language information about what the research involves, including possible risks and benefits. This process, called informed consent, ensures participants have time to ask questions and can decide freely whether to participate. They can also withdraw at any time, for any reason, without affecting their care.

During the trial, participants are closely monitored. Researchers track safety, side effects and outcomes. Studies can be paused or stopped if concerns arise. Confidentiality is also protected, with personal information handled securely and shared only when necessary.

Together, these safeguards help ensure research advances knowledge while putting people first.

Explore the world of pragmatic clinical trials with HDRN Canada Pragmatic Trials Training Program

Health Data Research Network Canada Pragmatic Trials Training Program weekly courses

Each week, the Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada Pragmatic Trials Training Program releases open-access learning modules that dive into key aspects of trial design and implementation - from randomization and data analysis to truth and reconciliation in pragmatic trials. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher or health professional, these modules offer practical insights to strengthen your understanding of how trials can improve real-world care. Discover the full series at pragmatictrialstraining.ca

 
St Joseph's mustard leaf

RESEARCH TIP


Sharing your research with the Lawson community

Have research news to share? The Lawson LEADS newsletter is a key way to highlight publications, grants, events, trainee achievements and program milestones across the institute. Submitting content helps increase visibility, foster collaboration and celebrate research excellence. Researchers, staff and trainees are all encouraged to contribute. To stay informed or share an update, subscribe to the newsletter, watch for submission calls, or send your news to Lawson.Research@sjhc.london.on.ca

 

MEET THE TEAM

St. Joseph's Lawson Finance

As the finance support functions provided by the Office of Research Services (ORS) transition to a newly created Lawson Finance team within St. Joseph’s, please reach out to:

  • Research Finance St. Joseph's (researchfinance@sjhc.london.on.ca) - for all inquiries, creating new accounts, revenue/funding invoices and journal entry requests, external grant reporting, etc.
  • Lawson Research Institute Research Procurement (lriprocurement@sjhc.london.on.ca) - for all procurement and expense related requests.
Emily Fairhurst, Manager, Accounting, Reporting and Budgeting support for Lawson.

Emily Fairhurst recently joined St. Joseph’s as the Manager, Accounting, Reporting and Budgeting to support Lawson. Fairhurst holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). She brings more than 10 years of senior leadership experience in public sector finance, with expertise in accounting, budgeting, audit, treasury and financial reporting. Fairhurst is excited to be part of the St. Joseph’s team and to support Lawson through strong financial leadership.

Shekeb Hakam, Financial Analyst in Research Accounting support for Lawson.

Shekeb Hakam is a Financial Analyst in Research Accounting at St. Joseph’s, bringing over a decade of progressive finance experience across health care and international organizations. He specializes in financial reporting, variance analysis and more. Hakam holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce and has completed multiple ACCA examinations, reflecting his strong commitment to professional growth and financial expertise.

Hersh Khokha, Consultant, Financial Analysis and Reporting support for Lawson.

Hersh Khokha, Consultant, Financial Analysis and Reporting, brings 10 years of experience in financial analysis, auditing, accounting, tax and reporting, with a background mainly in the public sector. Khokha is coming from previous employment with Ornge and Middlesex County. Prior to those positions, he earned his CPA designation working in the Assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London and his Bachelor of Commerce with Specialization in Accounting at the University of Ottawa.

LAWSON ASSOCIATION OF FELLOWS AND STUDENTS

Guest speakers at the Integrating Research into Clinical Practice: Rehabilitation Perspectives webinar held on March 26.

On March 26, the Lawson Association of Fellows and Students (LAFS) hosted a lunchtime Microsoft Teams webinar, “Integrating Research into Practice: Rehabilitation Perspectives.” Rehabilitation clinicians from St. Joseph’s, Charlie Giurleo, Shannon McGuire, Penny Welch-West and Alyssa Prangley, shared how they weave research into everyday care. Panelists highlighted how evidence informs clinical decision‑making and patient outcomes, why engaging in research is a form of professional advocacy and practical ways to contribute through collaboration, quality improvement and knowledge translation. The discussion offered trainees and staff clear, real‑world pathways to turn questions at the bedside into lasting research impact. Interested in learning more about this session or attending future development sessions? Contact LAFS by email.

Lawson Association of Fellows and Students upcoming events for April.

Instagram    |     Email     |     Sign Up for TOFS     |     Mailing List     |     Intranet 


DONOR IMPACT

Community support fuels imaging research

Dr. Donna Goldhawk, Lawson Scientist, Research Term Chair in Bacteria Imaging and leader of the Bacteria Imaging Group (BIG).

Lawson‘s upgraded confocal microscope is ready for its close-up. This donor-funded equipment has been a vital research tool for the past eight years. It produces detailed images of tissues and cells, identifying different structures and proteins with bright colours to investigate disease at the cellular level. The confocal now boasts upgrades like a high-speed camera, sophisticated AI software and an illuminator that makes it possible to understand what’s happening at the surface of the cell and actually study living cells in their natural habitat. Savita Dhanvantari, PhD and Steven Back, Research Operations Manager, recently hosted a training session for researchers, trainees and students. From cardiac and diabetes care to the microbiome and ophthalmology, this tool unlocks new research across the spectrum of care.

Stroke rehabilitation research with real-world purpose

Katherine De Lucia, Lawson Trainee and Amanda McIntyre, Lawson Associate Scientist.

Katherine De Lucia, Lawson trainee, is helping shape the future of stroke rehabilitation, thanks to generous donor support. Through the London Life Stroke Rehabilitation Studentship, she is evaluating a virtual memory training program for stroke survivors, generating insights that can strengthen care and improve recovery. Thanks to donor generosity and studentships like this one, students like Katherine can pursue their research and work towards better care outcomes for patients. Read more.

SPIRITUAL HEALTH MOMENT

Spiritual care space at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care in St. Thomas.

Exploring Sacred Moments

We have been exploring the qualities of a sacred moment as a St. Joseph's community. It's those moments of deep connection in our work that can inspire a profound sense of meaning and purpose. In the last Lawson LEADS newsletter, we reviewed the five qualities of a sacred moment outlined by Pargament et al. (2014): transcendence, boundlessness, ultimacy, interconnectedness and spiritual emotions, before unpacking the first quality—transcendence. Today, we explore the second quality of a sacred moment, boundlessness.

 

Boundlessness is noted by Pargament et al. (2014) as having “to do with experiences that are perceived as beyond the limits of ordinary time and space” (p. 249). It is our relationship with clock-time in our society that makes this quality of a sacred moment so different. Historically, Eberle (2003) speaks of the “triumph of the clock” that emerged in the 1300s when public clocks emerged and with it a life defined by the hands of time and clock bells. But in contrast to this more precise view of understanding "time" that our society has largely accepted, Eberle also describes the concept of sacred time where our concept of a moment moves beyond the humanly created clock-time towards a larger connection to our place in the universe expressed by things like heartbeats, seasons or cultural moments. Similarly, Ricoeur (1995) suggests the importance of stories and connection that move our thinking beyond our usual understanding of time where relationships may be bound and closed, toward an experience of boundlessness where our human stories are “open at both ends” (p. 309) that suggests a different understanding of time and a life.

 

This experience of a lack of boundary with regards to time, or a “boundlessness”, suggests a different relationship to time in a sacred moment—beyond the clock, towards an experience where time seems to function differently. Participants in a study on sacred moments (Quinn et al., 2023) described moments "as if time stood still" or when "all distractions seemed to melt away" (p. 2038). It is this quality of boundlessness that further characterizes the uniqueness of a sacred moment that may connect us to different aspects of life in human interaction.

How about you? Have you experienced a sacred moment that seemed to transcend the bounds of time? Did time seem to stand still in an interaction with a client or colleague? Check out our SharePoint Page to learn more about sacred moments with links to podcasts and more resources.


Contributed by: Dale Nikkel, Manager Spiritual Care, Lawson Scientist 

RESEARCH SUCCESSES

We encourage researchers to submit grants, publications and awards for us to showcase. Please provide a one- to two-sentence plain-language description along with the submission.

Lawson research success metrics for April 2026.

Research Grants

We recognize and congratulate some of the recent external funding awarded to our researchers:


Drs. Caitlin Cassidy and David Allison, have been awarded funding from the PSI Foundation for the study “Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for chronic pain in Cerebral Palsy, totalling $247,500 over the next three years.

Chronic pain is highly prevalent in adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP), impacting up to 75%, yet evidence-based treatment options remain limited. This study will evaluate the use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a safe, non‑invasive and non‑pharmaceutical intervention that has shown promise for pain management in other patient populations. By assessing the impact of taVNS on pain in adults with CP, this research aims to determine whether this approach is a safe, effective and appropriate treatment option to address a significant and unmet clinical need.

 

Joy MacDermid, PhD, Lawson Scientist, has been awarded an Arthritis Society Canada – Ignite Innovation Grant for the project, “Enhancing accessibility in arthritis care: Implementation of a remote orthotic fabrication workflow,” valued at $110,000 over two years (January 2026-March 2028). The project is held at Western University with Lawson Scientists Louis Ferreira (co-investigator) and Ruby Grewal and Assaf Kadar (collaborators).

MacDermid and her team are tackling thumb arthritis by enabling remote custom splint creation using smartphone scans, online design and 3D printing. The team will compare remote-made and clinic-made splints for effectiveness. This research aims to improve equity and may lead to a national trial expanding access to custom splints across Canada.

 

Dr. Tom Appleton, Lawson Scientist, has received $450,000 in multi-year funding over three years (2026-2029) from the Arthritis Society of Canada – 2025 Strategic Operating Grants for the project, “Lining and LRRC15+ synovial fibroblasts in knee osteoarthritis.”

Dr. Appleton’s team investigates synovial fibroblasts and their role in osteoarthritis (OA) pain. By examining cellular interactions, metabolic health, obesity, immune cells and gender, their research aims to identify targets for personalized OA treatments. Advanced analyses in humans and animals will help develop therapies that address pain at its source.

Publications

Check out a few examples of the research published in February-March:


Al KF, Jia S, Silverman M, Reid G, Burton JP, Parvathy S. (2026). Prebiotic modulation of FMT donor microbiota enhances MASLD-Relevant taxa and functions in an in vitro gut model. Journal of Applied Microbiology.

Can prebiotics make fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) more effective for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)? Researchers tested two prebiotics (inulin and xylooligosaccharides) with stool from eight screened FMT donors in an in vitro gut model. Both boosted beneficial bacteria and increased acetate. Microbiome and liver-disease researchers will learn how diet-based add-ons could improve FMT consistency. #EndorinologyMetabolismChronicDiseases


Deller G, Liu L, Hicks JW, Narciso L, Wehrli FW, Jaroszynski K, Langham MC, St Lawrence K. (2026). A reference-based PET/MRI method for quantifying activation-induced changes in cerebral oxygen metabolism. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism.

Can we measure how brain oxygen use changes during a simple task without invasive sampling? Researchers used hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) with a fast, reference-based method in 14 adults during finger tapping. They reliably detected regional increases in blood flow and oxygen metabolism. Neuroimaging researchers and clinicians will learn a practical way to link functional MRI signals to underlying brain metabolism. #Imaging


Heard, CP. (2023). Spirituality and Occupation in Living (SOiL) model: Conceptualizing occupational performance through the lens of spirituality. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy.

How does spirituality shape everyday occupation and how can clinicians apply it? In this conceptual paper, Heard develops the Spirituality and Occupation in Living (SOiL) model to guide day-to-day analysis of occupational performance through a spirituality lens. This practical framework supports more holistic, person-centred care. The work has been translated by occupational Therapist, Florence Kranz has translated the SOiL model to German providing readers an initial overview of the model and technical concepts providing an easy and culture/language relevant entrance into SOiL.Occupational therapists, trainees and educators will gain shared language and tools for practice and teaching. #MentalHealth


Shafiee E, Milani Zadeh S, MacDermid JC, Langohr GD, Johnson J, Lu S. (2026). Reliability and validity of using smartphone sensor and photography to measure hand and upper extremity joint range of motion: A systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy.

Can your smartphone accurately measure hand and upper-limb joint range of motion? Researchers systematically reviewed studies using phone sensors and photos to compare results with standard clinical tools. They found many methods show promising reliability and validity, but results vary by joint, app and setup. Clinicians, researchers and trainees will gain guidance for selecting and testing low-cost measurement approaches. #SurgicalSpecialties

Celebrating our people

New Lawson Associate Scientist appointment

Dr. Arlene MacDougall, Lawson Scientist.

Dr. Arlene MacDougall, Lawson Scientist, is the recipient of the 2026 Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Awards of Excellence – Schulich Research Innovation Award: Mid-Career. This award is based on leadership, outstanding contributions and impact on the Schulich Medicine and Dentistry community. It recognizes the tremendous amount of time and energy devoted to making the Schulich a stimulating and rewarding place to learn and work. The award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

 

CALL FOR FEEDBACK

Help shape the new Lawson Intranet

We’re refreshing the Lawson intranet/Sharepoint site to make it easier to navigate and more useful for research, faculty, staff and trainees. We invite you to share your feedback by completing a short 10-minute survey. Your input will help guide what resources we keep, what we add and how content is organized so you can find what you need more quickly. Please click the survey link and complete it by Thursday, April 30. Thank you for helping us improve this important resource.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations are now open for the St. Joseph's President's Awards.

St. Joseph’s recognizes exceptional staff, physicians, volunteers and partners who drive the organization forward. The President’s Awards, now resumed and aligned with the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, celebrate achievements in four categories: Excellence in Care: Powered by Discovery, A Vibrant Workforce, Partnering for Impact and Mission in Leadership.



Nominate by April 24. Winners will be honored at the ceremony on June 22. See full details on the President’s Awards intranet..

UPCOMING GRANT COMPETITIONS

For more information about grant opportunities and grant applications please email grantsubmission@sjhc.london.on.ca.

Internal Research Fund Spring 2026 competition.

Research funding for new investigators

Applications are now being accepted for the Lawson and LHSCRI Spring 2026 Internal Research Fund (IRF) Competition.

The Spring 2026 IRF Competition supports new investigators conducting hospital-based research with:

  • Funding to pursue a novel research direction; and
  • Bridge funding as a means to get your research back on track.

Please note: Eligibility criteria for the IRF competition have recently changed. Please read the competition guidelines carefully and contact InternalResearchFund@lhsc.on.ca or InternalResearchFund@sjhc.london.on.ca if you have any questions.



Only new investigators will be eligible to apply to the Spring 2026 Competition

Observer program for investigators: Observer opportunities are avaialble for this competition.

For more information, please contact InternalResearchFund@lhsc.on.ca or InternalResearchFund@sjhc.london.on.ca

 

Application deadline: April 28, 2026

 

Applications must be completed and formatted as per instructions. Submitting an incomplete or incorrectly formatted application may affect your eligibility for grant consideration. Patient partners and scientific reviewers will be notified of these issues and may adjust their feedback accordingly. Apply by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Please visit the research funding announcement page to find out more:

 

Notice of upcoming funding opportunity:  

External funding opportunities: 

Sponsor

Program

Competition

Award Amount

Western/Internal Deadline

Competition Deadline

Social Science Humanities Research Council

Connection Grants

2026 Spring Competition

Award Amount: Varies

Matching Funds: 50% or more, cash and/or in-kind

Institutional Contribution: Not required

2026-04-20

2026-05-01

National Health and Medical Research Council

Ideas Grant

2026 Competition

Award Amount: N/A

Matching Funds: N/A

Institutional Contribution: N/A

2026-04-29

2026-05-06

Arthritis Society

Ignite Innovation Grant

2026 Competition

Award Amount: $50,000/YR for 2 YRS

Matching Funds: N/A

Institutional Contribution: N/A

2026-06-02

2026-06-09

Funding opportunities for trainees: 

These funding opportunities support the next generation of researchers. Trainees and researchers should confirm internal deadlines and application procedures with their institutions (i.e., Western University, Lawson, etc.). 

Sponsor

Program

Competition

Award Amount

Competition Deadline

Cancer Research Society Inc.

Doctoral Research Award

2026

Award Amount: $35,000/YR for 2 YRS

Matching Funds: N/A

Institutional contribution: N/A

Western Internal: 2026-04-22

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Undergraduate Student Research Awards

2026

Award Amount: Refer to application guidelines

Matching Funds:

Institutional Contribution:

2026-06-01

Western Donations, Endowments, Other

Schulich Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

2026

Award Amount: $161,515

Matching Funds: $20,000+ to come from Supervisor stipend/benefits

Institutional Contribution: N/A

Western Internal: 2026-05-06

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Western Clinical Trials Leadership Program.

Reminder - The Western Clinical Trials Leadership Program is now accepting applications

Designed for faculty members at Western University who want to transform their research question into an execution-ready protocol, this program offers end-to-end guidance, structured learning and mentorship from experienced trialists. If you hold a primary appointment with ANY faculty at Western University, this opportunity is for you, whether you are developing an explanatory or a pragmatic randomized trial.

Application deadline: April 30, 2026. Check full eligibility and apply here.



EVENTS

Have your say: Updates to the Responsible Conduct of Research Framework

Have your say: Updates to the Responsible Conduct of Research Framework.

The Panel on Responsible Conduct of Research released proposed updates to the Tri‑Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (2021) and invites the research community’s feedback. Share your comments by April 17, 2026. Learn more.

CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA) Survey

CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA) survey.

Help shape CIHR-INMHA's research priority plan and influence the future of neurosciences, mental health and addiction research funding in Canada.

Take the survey

Dialogue for the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Dialogue Series

Register for the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Dialogue Series.

Join the national conversation to help shape IMHA’s research priorities! Thirteen in-person and virtual sessions will bring together people from across the musculoskeletal health research community for meaningful discussion to advance research in all aspects of IMHA’s mandate. Register to attend

BioNext: SR&ED Funding Lunch and Learn Workshop.

Founders and Innovators: Join us for a Lunch and Learn Workshop to gain practical, hands-on insights into how Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) strategies can support company growth across different stages. Led by experts with over 17+ years of experience in SR&ED, we will cover the basics of SR&ED and options for non-dilutive funding. 

📅 Date/Time: April 16, 11:00 AM - 1:00 pm

📍 Location: Convergence Centre, 999 Collip Circle

🎟️ Free: All are welcome to attend!

🍽️ Format: Lunch & Learn (refreshments provided)

2026 London Health Research Day.
39th Annual Geriatric Medicine Refresher Day banner.

39th Annual Geriatric Medicine Refresher Day

39th Annual Geriatric Medicine Refresher Day will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Geriatric Medicine Refresher Day is the largest multidisciplinary gathering in Southwestern Ontario of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, social workers, personal care workers, educators, managers and researchers working in geriatric care. It regularly sells out, drawing 500 participants each year from hospitals, long-term care homes, home and community care programs and family health teams.

Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026

Time: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Location: RBC Place, London, Ontario

Mental Health Research Pillar Imaginarium Series event May 6.
Breakfast of Champions returns on May 8, 2026.

Breakfast of Champions returns on May 8, 2026

This year’s Breakfast of Champions will feature Bailey Parnell, a leading voice on digital well-being and Carol Todd, founder of the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, who will present on Mental Health in the Digital Age.

 

Together, they will share compelling stories and insights on navigating online pressures, building resilience and fortifying mental health. Join us on Friday, May 8 at RBC Place London for a timely conversation with real-world impact. Get your tickets today.

Nursing Council presents The Nursing Summit.
Nursing Summit QR code.

The Nursing Summit will take place on May 12 and 13, during Nursing Week. The Nursing Summit will feature interactive activities and presentations about our St. Joseph’s Values: Respect, Excellence and Compassion. Presenters include:

  • Kathleen Ledoux
  • Cheryl Forchuk
  • Care Partners
  • Spiritual Care
  • Atlohsa/Biigajiiskaan
  • Lawson Research Institute
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
  • Decolonization, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Committee (DARAO)
  • And more...

 

Register: Online or by scanning the QR code.

Translating knowledge across disciplines and policy contexts.
Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre St. Joseph's Health Care London logo.

Shoulder trauma: From fixation to functional recovery

Date: May 29

Time: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Location: St. Joseph’s Hospital

 

This is a one-day conference for health professionals that focuses on shoulder trauma (fractures/dislocations) from fixation to functional recovery. Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb surgeons, physiotherapists and kinesiologists will share their expertise on traumatic shoulder injuries with an opportunity to watch a re-live surgery and participate in a live panel.

 

Speakers:

  • Dr. George Athwal, MD, FRCSC
  • Dr. Yousif Atwan, MD, MSc, FRCSC
  • Andrea Carey, PT
  • Dr. Darren Drosdowech, MD
  • Tracy Elliott, PT
  • Dr. Kenneth Faber, MD, MHPE, FRCSC
  • Catherine Lane, PT
  • Dr. Marie-Eve LeBel, MD, MHPE, FRCSC
  • Chris Pizzimenti, R.KIN
  • Melanie Werstine, PT

Share your news with us!

We want to hear about your latest projects, grants, publications, awards and events!

Send news to lawsonresearch@sjhc.london.on.ca

Lawson LEADS health research that improves lives here and around the world.

268 Grosvenor Street | London, ON N6A 4V2 CA

Lawson Research Institute, the health innovation arm of St. Joseph's Health Care London, is committed to making discoveries that improve lives. Every day, Lawson scientists work to translate their ideas into innovations that improve patient care. Lawson LEADS health research. Find us online at LawsonResearch.ca and on social media @stjosephslondon

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