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Lawson Research welcomes new Interim VP, Lawson Research Institute 

Jeremy Burton, BSc, MSc, PhD, dBA has been appointed as the Interim Vice President of Lawson Research Institute. Burton brings a wealth of experience in both research and administration, making him an excellent fit for this role. He holds the Danone Research Chair in Human Microbiome and Probiotics at Lawson and is an Associate Professor at Western University. Burton has built one of Canada’s leading microbiome research programs, advancing patient care and opening new scientific frontiers. With a career portfolio exceeding $15 million in research funding, multiple patents and over 190 peer-reviewed publications, Burton's contributions to science and innovation are remarkable. His extensive networks with industry and philanthropic partners further accelerate innovation and commercialization. Please join us in welcoming Burton to this important leadership role. 

Leadership update: Director, Research Strategy and Operations, Lawson Research Institute

Andrey Andriets has accepted the full-time role of Director, Research Strategy and Operations for Lawson. Andrey has served as the interim director since July 2024. Over the past year, Andriets led the implementation of a new title and compensation structure for research staff and played a key role in the development of the Institute’s new strategic plan and key priorities. His nine years of progressive leadership experience and collaborative approach have contributed significantly advanced research operations and system-level strategy over the past year, guiding teams through complexity with clarity, confidence and a focus on people and results. Please join us in congratulating Andriets on his continued leadership in this role. 

Lawson Research Institute’s 1st year anniversary celebration 

Help us celebrate Lawson Research Institute’s 1st Anniversary on Thurs. Oct. 16! Drop by one of our celebration booths located across several sites to meet members of the Lawson Operations team, learn more about our research initiatives and how we align with St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Whether you’re curious about what we do or just want to connect with the team, we’d love you to visit us. See dates, locations and time below: 

Oct 16 

• St. Joseph’s Hospital – Livingstone Lounge (E1-112), from 9-11 am 
• Parkwood Institute Main – Main lobby, from 9-11 am 
• Mount Hope – Town Square, from 1-3pm 
• Finch Family Mental Health Care Building – Auditorium (F2-235), from 1-3pm 

And, yes – drop by for a cookie while you are at it! Let’s celebrate a year of growth, collaboration and discovery together. 

A message to our community from Roy Butler, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health Care London 

I know many people at St. Joseph’s as well as members of the public have been anxious to hear an update on the dogs previously involved in research at Lawson Research Institute.   

After the research involving dogs ended on August 11, 2025, ownership of the dogs transferred to Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) as part of the established processes. The ACC then assumed responsibility for the oversight and decisions regarding future placement opportunities for these dogs.   

After careful review and consideration, the ACC has arranged to transfer all eight of the dogs to a trusted and fully accredited organization so they can start the path towards adoption. Six of the dogs went to this organization earlier today.   

They will stay together for the time being – receiving ongoing care, socialization, enrichment and training to ensure they’re ready for family homes. The partner organization has experience with this breed of dog and with animals coming from a research program and they have an adoption rate that is higher than 90 per cent. To protect the wellbeing of the dogs and to increase the willingness of people to adopt them, this partner will remain anonymous.   

The two remaining dogs will be transferred to the same partner organization shortly. These dogs are thriving in each other’s company and will continue to receive excellent care. We will share further updates as they become available.

Gray Centre unveils milestone achievements in latest impact report

The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity based out of Parkwood Institute at St. Joseph’s Health Care London is transforming lives through innovative, clinically driven research and integrated care. The 2024/25 Impact Report highlights breakthroughs in mobility support for individuals with complex movement challenges, showcasing how education, training and collaboration are fueling real-world improvements. From enhanced research, rehabilitation techniques to empowering care teams, the Centre is setting new standards in patient-centered innovation. Curious about the full story? Discover the inspiring achievements and future vision by reading the Impact Report online.  

The Gray Centre is made possible through a generous philanthropic gift to St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation from William and Lynne Gray. 

Safer, smarter cancer treatment: enhancing Quality Assurance Guidelines in Canadian Radiopharmaceutical Therapy  

St. Joseph’s team members were involved in the pan-Canadian Collaboration for Quality Radiopharmaceutical Therapy. This initiative supports patient safety, effective treatment options and the progression of cancer care. Dr Stewart Gaede, a Lawson Scientist, served on the expert panel, bringing valuable expertise to the project. The research-based guidelines ensure they are grounded in the latest scientific evidence and best practices, enhancing the quality of care and advancing the field of radiopharmaceutical therapy. Project executives Stephen Nelli, Jonathan Romsa and David Laidley from St. Joseph’s contributed significantly, highlighting the institution's commitment to excellence in healthcare outcomes. Read the Guidelines and share the contributions of our team members on LinkedIn. 

Do sex and gender matter in veteran pain research? Lawson scientist seeks to improve care outcomes 

Inclusive research practices lead to better outcomes and more equitable care. For example, recognizing that biological sex influences how individuals respond to opioids – both in terms of symptom relief and side effects – can help tailor pain management approaches for veterans. A new infographic and video from Joy MacDermid, PhD, co-director of the Roth | McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Clinical Research Lab and Lawson Scientist and the Canadian Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) spotlight the critical role of sex and gender in pain research, especially among veterans. This engaging resource simplifies complex concepts. View the handout and watch the video to learn how integrating sex and gender into research and reporting improves pain treatment and management for all Canadian veterans. 

Bridging the heart gap: Global expert shares how sex and gender shape heart health

On July 2, Professor Mark Woodward from the George Institute for Global Health visited St. Joseph’s Health Care London to deliver a powerful talk on how sex and gender influence cardiovascular disease. Hosted by Metabolism and Chronic Diseases Research Unit with support from the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, the hybrid in-person/virtual event drew a wide audience and sparked thoughtful discussion. He revealed how most heart health research has historically focused on men - leading to diagnostic gaps and treatment disparities for women and gender-diverse individuals. Woodward called for inclusive study designs and clinical practices, backed by global data showing significant outcome differences. His message? Equitable care starts with equitable research. To request a copy of the video recording and slides, please contact Lawson Scientist, Dr. Kristin Clemens. 

In the News

Skin cancer awareness: prevention and insights from Dr. Corey Moore 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with one in three new cancer cases in Canada being skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays, whether from the sun or tanning equipment, is a major cause of skin cancer. However, the good news is that most skin cancers are preventable. In the latest episode of the DocTalks Podcast, host Mandi Fields is joined by Dr. Corey Moore, Chief of Otolaryngology at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Lawson Scientist. Dr. Moore delves into the main causes of skin cancer, the risk factors and the crucial steps for prevention. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand more about skin cancer and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. Your health is worth it! 

The DocTalks Podcast, brought to you in partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation and produced by The Pod Cabin and Emily Mackey, offers valuable insights and expert advice. Instagram 

The lowdown on low testosterone according to Dr. Jeffrey Campbell 

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many men experience low testosterone due to varying definitions and study populations, however data suggests that about 2% of men may have low testosterone and another study has estimated that more than 8% of men aged 50 to 79 years have low testosterone. On this episode of the DocTalks Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Campbell, a urologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, joined host Mandi Fields to discuss signs of low testosterone, treatment and why you don’t have to accept and ignore the symptoms as you age.  Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts. 

Lawson LEADS video series – Rehabilitation 

“The breakthroughs we’re making on the research side are being translated into clinical practice as quickly as possible.” In this latest video showing how Lawson LEADS research into mobility and activity, watch how innovations in rehabilitation are helping people recover more quickly from injury, illness and chronic pain. Be sure to recognize and share your colleagues’ successes on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. 

In August 2025, Lawson Research Institute was actively conducting 903 clinical research studies, underscoring its dedication to advancing patient-centered medical innovation. 

Visit Lawson’s Webpage to discover more about our clinical trials and how to get involved. 

A unique way to give back

Leading a company, staying healthy and donating his poop for a good cause – it’s all business as usual for software founder and stool donor Serge Bays. Read more about why Bays is so committed to clinical research leading to better patient care.

FMT program – healthy donors needed

• What is it? Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a way to restore healthy gut bacteria by transferring a donor’s stool, which is then processed into oral capsules to treat a recipient experiencing a range of conditions including autoimmune diseases 
• Eligibility: The FMT program requires healthy stool donors for treatment and research. Suitable donors are healthy adults ages 18-50 who: 
• Have not taken antibiotics in the past six months 
• Are not immunocompromised 
• Do not have chronic gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease 
• Compensation: Eligible donors whose samples are used for research will be compensated for time and travel. 
• For more about eligibility and how to donate: 
• Call: 519-646-6100, ext. 65739 
• Email: Liesl.DeSilva@sjhc.london.on.ca 

The Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada) Pragmatic Trials Training Program offers weekly open-access learning modules covering various aspects of pragmatic clinical trials. Pragmatic trials are a type of clinical trial that tests how effective new medical interventions are in real-world settings like hospitals or medical clinics. In recent weeks, the training program has featured modules on choosing outcomes and endpoints, operationalizing pragmatic trials, considerations for intervention development and delivering the intervention in pragmatic trials. Don't miss these modules if you are a clinician, researcher, or healthcare professional seeking to enhance your knowledge of clinical trial design and implementation! 

Visit pragmatictrialstraining.ca for more! 

Central Research Support

Renee Hunt, PhD, is Lawson’s new Research Operations Lead, focusing on WSIB-supported Occupational Injury Prevention and Treatment Research. She supports researchers with operational coordination, grant development and stakeholder engagement, helping teams translate workplace injury research into system-ready solutions. Renee joined Lawson in 2018 as a postdoctoral fellow at the MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre and has since advanced her career with St. Joseph’s, most recently working with MINDS of London-Middlesex. She is passionate about fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience to drive innovative approaches to injury prevention, treatment and support. Outside of work, Renee and her husband spend much of their time at the karate dojo supporting their son’s passion or unwinding playing board games with family and friends. 

Deb (Van Brenk) Flaherty is a Communication Consultant specializing in research storytelling – and one of several members of St. Joseph’s Communication and Public Affairs team working to show the world how Lawson Leads. Having worked as a journalist for decades and then as a communicator in the public and non-profit sectors, she brings to St. Joseph’s a passion for crafting, editing and sharing compelling stories of excellence in health care and research. You can reach her at deb.flaherty@sjhc.london.on.ca, or you can use the intake form to submit story ideas to the Communications team. 

Office of Research Services

Meet our Research Informatics team in the Office of Research Services. The Research Informatics team empowers the Lawson and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) community by providing tools, systems and support for managing research data securely and efficiently. They support electronic data capture using REDCap, as well as data access, storage, analysis, transfer and reporting, while ensuring adherence to security and privacy standards and facilitating research processes.  

• Research Informatics team on intranet site - Research Informatics  
• General contact email address:   

Lawson staff  

• ResearchInformatics@sjhc.london.on.ca  
• REDCap@sjhc.london.on.ca 
• RDM@sjhc.london.on.ca 

LHSCRI staff  

• ResearchInformatics@lhsc.on.ca    
• REDCap@lhsc.on.ca 
• RDM@lhsc.on.ca 

Rupinder Mann, Research Informatics Manager, at the Office of Research Services, is a Certified Health Executive, Professional Software Engineer, Certified Technologist and Project Management Professional. Her advanced background spans over 25 years of experience in health care, engineering and information management. Her prior roles at Lawson include Software Developer and Image Analyst in Lawson Imaging, Project Manager for the Knowledge Translation Lab and Program Manager for Research Informatics, where she has led innovative health research initiatives. Mann currently manages strategy-oriented software projects and platforms, overseeing a portfolio of 1000+ research projects. Dedicated to advancing data management practices and driving system transformation, Mann ensures the confidentiality and security of research data, while enhancing research decision-making and service delivery. 

Gunjan Verma, a Research Data System Developer in the Office of Research Services, holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Computer Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics for Business. Her core competencies include data analytics, software development and system architecture, leveraging Microsoft Power Platform to implement research data reporting and visualization solutions. Verma plays a key role in applying data governance principles, optimizing system workflows, implementing validation protocols and developing educational materials to ensure integrity, reproducibility and support data quality and regulatory compliance. Her work supports institutional research through innovative system design, quality assurance and continuous improvement. 

Diane Love, M.Sc, is a REDCap Support Analyst in the Office of Research Services. She brings over 20 years of hospital experience including 8 years working with REDCap both in her current role as REDCap Administrator and in prior roles in Surgery and Pediatric Neurology. Diane completed her undergraduate studies at McMaster University, her Master’s degree with the University of Leicester and has recently completed biostatistics courses at Western. Love holds a Leadership designation and certificates in Analytics, Training, CQI and Project Management. Diane has served on committees for the OHA, the SW LHIN and the REDCap Consortium and is passionate about improving the quality of research projects and accelerating the time-to-production. 

Justina Diaz Legaspe, PhD, is an Analyst Support in the Office of Research Services, specializing in research data management and REDCap administration. With a strong background in academic and clinical research, as well as higher education, she brings a unique blend of analytical precision and human-centered insight. Prior to joining the Research Informatics team, she worked as a Research Coordinator at LHSC. Justina is passionate about improving research workflows and empowering teams with tools and strategies for data integrity and compliance. She offers tailored guidance at every stage of the research lifecycle, from project design and data collection to analysis, sharing and long-term stewardship. 

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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.

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

Dr. Lilian Barra was awarded funding through the Spring 2025 CIHR Project Grant competition for the study entitled “The role of immune responses to citrullinated and homocitrullinated proteins in rheumatoid arthritis-associated atherosclerosis”, $780,300 over 5 years. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attacks joints but can also injures blood vessels, including those supplying the heart and brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes. The team will assess if RA-specific immune responses cause malfunction of macrophage cells that fail to clear unhealthy fats and dead cells from blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. They will also assess if these responses are a good test for identifying patients at increased risk of heart disease.  

Dr. Robert Petrella was awarded funding through a priority announcement of the Spring 2025 CIHR Project Grant competition for the study entitled “Sport fandom to engage newcomers to Canada in type 2 diabetes prevention: A pilot, cluster randomized controlled trial of a community-based health behaviour change and exercise intervention (FIT for Newcomers)”, $100,000 over 1 year 

Risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) is substantially higher among newcomers to Canada from racialized populations. Fans In Training (FIT) for Newcomers is an eating and exercise program designed with and for newcomers to Canada, using sport fandom to foster reduction in T2D risk. This study will explore whether FIT for Newcomers is effective at improving risk factors for T2D and understand how these results are achieved and can be further improved upon.  

Swati Mehta, PhD, was awarded funding for the study “EmpowerSpine Program: A Multiphase Optimization Strategy Trial” through the CIHR Catalyst Grant: Digital Health - Early to MidCareer Research competition, $94,134 over 1 year.  

Chronic pain affects over 60% of individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), significantly impairing their daily lives and overall well-being. Since traditional treatments provide limited relief and come with unwanted side effects, the Empower Spine program was co-developed as an innovative, online, multidisciplinary pain management solution for individuals with SCI. The study will refine Empower Spine through a trial with participants who evaluate the program's impact on self-efficacy, pain levels and overall quality of life.  

Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso was awarded funding for the study “The Mobility, Exercise and Cognition (MEC) Team: A Novel Approach to Dementia Prediction and Prevention by Integrating Cognitive, Mobility and Exercise Interventions to Combat Neurodegeneration in Aging” through the CIHR Team Grant: CCNA Phase III: Research Teams competition, $267,664 per year for 4 years. 

As people age, they may experience memory and movement changes that can increase their risk of dementia. The Mobility, Exercise and Cognition (MEC) team focuses on using motor skills to create better tools to help predict dementia. Using data from two major studies, they will create a model that includes walking ability, cognitive tests, brain imaging, genetics and vascular health to make more accurate predictions. They will also develop patient-centered exercise and mental training guidelines to delay dementia.  

Sue Peters, PhD, was awarded funding for the study entitled “Cryoneurolysis for spasticity treatment: Quantifying long-term clinical outcomes and exploring mechanisms within the central nervous system” through the Pacira Biosciences Investigator Initiated trials stream, $175,808.10 USD over 2.5 years. 

An overactive stretch reflex after an upper motor neuron injury leads to spasticity. Failure to treat it can result in contracture. Cryoneurolysis is more cost effective than other spasticity management techniques and has longer-term effects. This pilot study will determine whether the CNS is involved in the long-term clinical improvement of decreased spasticity after cryoneurolysis by focusing on CNS functional measures, standard clinical outcomes and brain measures assessed by transcranial magnetic simulation and functional near infrared spectroscopy. 

Check out a few examples of the research published in June-August: 

Son S, Speechley M, Zou G, Montero-Odasso M. (2025). Identifying the optimal combinations of modifiable dementia risk factors to target in multidomain intervention - Three-year longitudinal findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. 

Which dementia risks matter most? A new study using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging reveals that targeting combinations of dementia risk factors may be more effective than addressing them one by one. Researchers found that hearing loss and physical inactivity together had the biggest impact on memory decline—especially when combined with hypertension and poor sleep. These findings could reshape how we design dementia prevention programs, helping healthcare providers and policymakers focus on the most harmful risk clusters. If you're working in aging, brain health, or public health, this research is a must-read. #Aging 

Basulto-Martínez M, Khandwala Z, Alotaibi T, Ierides S, Bjazevic J, van Uum S, Clemens KK, Razvi H. (2025). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in calcium oxalate stone formers in Ontario, Canada, and the impact of vitamin D supplementation. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 

Vitamin D and kidney stones: what’s the link? A new Ontario-based study explored how common vitamin D deficiency is among people with calcium oxalate kidney stones—and whether supplements help. Researchers found that nearly half of stone formers had low vitamin D levels. Surprisingly, those who took supplements didn’t have higher rates of stones, challenging past concerns about supplementation. This suggests vitamin D may be safely used to support overall health in this group. These findings are important for clinicians managing kidney stone patients and anyone curious about the role of vitamin D in kidney health. #EndorinocologyMetabolismChronicDiseases 

Mozaffaripour A, Tcherner S, Durom E, Yamashita CM, Svenningsen S, Bhalla A, Serajeddini H, Párraga G. (2025). Pulmonary CT and MRI markers of asthma remission. Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. 

Can lung scans reveal when asthma is truly in remission? Researchers from McMaster University used advanced CT and MRI imaging to compare lung structure and function in people with active asthma versus those in remission. They found that specific imaging markers—like improved airway ventilation and reduced inflammation—could help identify remission more accurately than symptoms alone. This breakthrough could lead to better tools for tracking asthma recovery and tailoring treatment. It’s especially relevant for pulmonologists, radiologists and researchers focused on chronic respiratory disease. #Imaging 

Abidi C, Patten S, Houle SA, Reeves K, Bélanger S, Nazarov A, Wells S. (2025). ‘Trying to fix what is broken’: Experiences of encountering children in armed conflict during military service. International Peacekeeping. 

What happens when military personnel encounter children in war zones? This powerful study asked Canadian Armed Forces Veterans to share their experiences and the emotional toll of these morally complex situations. Using participatory action research, the team uncovered how such encounters—whether witnessing violence or facing impossible decisions—can lead to lasting mental health impacts, including moral injury. The findings highlight urgent needs: better pre-deployment training, gender-sensitive support and long-term care for those affected. This research is essential reading for military leaders, mental health professionals and policymakers working to protect both children and those who serve. #MentalHealth 

Gervasio J, Ein N, Liu JJW, Baker C, Roberts L, Umucu E, …, Nazarov A, Richardson JD. (2025). Drivers and barriers to experience in adaptive sporting events: A systematic review and call for further research. Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health. 

What helps and hinders veterans in adaptive sports? A new review explored what motivates or discourages participation in adaptive sporting events like the Invictus and Warrior Games. Researchers analyzed 156 articles to understand the experiences of injured military personnel and their families. They found that camaraderie, goal setting and witnessing personal growth were key motivators. However, competitive pressure and limited resources often conflicted with the programs’ rehabilitative goals. These insights can help organizers design more inclusive, supportive events that prioritize recovery over competition. This research is essential for policymakers, program designers and anyone supporting veterans through sport. #MentalHealth 

Sharma V, Palagini L. (2025). Sleep and perinatal psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive guide for clinicians and researchers. Springer Nature. This book intends to create an awareness of the ubiquity of sleep loss and insomnia in the peripartum period and its potential role in the onset and exacerbation of various psychiatric disorders. It is available to read starting September 13, 2025. #MentalHealth 

Mehta SH, Barua U, Nugent MM, Hansen KT, Sondhi L, Upper R, Wolfe DL, Loh EY, Sequeira KA, Teasell RW. (2025). Stakeholder perspectives on implementation of internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy in physical medicine rehabilitation setting using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 

Can internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) work in physical rehabilitation? Researchers asked patients, clinicians and administrators for their views using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. They found strong support for iCBT’s potential to improve access and mental health outcomes—but also noted barriers like digital literacy, workflow integration and staff training. Understanding these perspectives is key to making iCBT a successful part of rehab care. This study is a must-read for healthcare leaders, rehab professionals and digital health innovators looking to expand mental health support in physical medicine settings. #Rehabilitation #MentalHealth

Ahmad ZM, Axelrod DE, Comeau-Gauthier M, Bzovsky S, Poolman RW, Frihagen F, …, Schemitsch EH. (2025). How does internal fixation compared with arthroplasty affect quality of life for patients who have suffered femoral neck fractures? OTA International. 

What’s better for quality of life after a femoral neck fracture—internal fixation or hip replacement? Researchers analyzed data from two global trials involving over 1,200 patients aged 50+. They compared outcomes for those treated with internal fixation (screws) versus arthroplasty (hip replacement). While internal fixation patients reported slightly more stiffness at two years, overall function and quality of life were similar across both groups. For patients under 70, there were no significant differences. These findings help guide treatment decisions and are especially relevant for orthopedic surgeons, rehab teams and patients weighing their options. #SurgicalSpecialities 

Celebrating academic excellence: Dale Nikkel earns PhD 

Dale Nikkel, Coordinator of Spiritual Care at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, has successfully defended his PhD at the University of Ottawa. His dissertation research explored the ethical and spiritual dimensions of moral distress among healthcare professionals, offering insights into resilience and meaning making in clinical settings. Nikkel is a dedicated contributor to Lawson Research Institute, serving on the Lawson Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging committee - championing inclusive research and compassionate research environments. Click here to read Dale’s full dissertation and explore his important contributions to healthcare. 

FAREWELL

Celebrating Dr. Edith Arany on her retirement

Recognizing Dr. Peter Prior's retirement

Research funding for established investigators 

Lawson Research Institute (Lawson) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) are pleased to jointly offer the Internal Research Fund (IRF) competition. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 IRF Competition supporting researchers at Lawson and LHSCRI. 

The Fall 2025 IRF Competition supports established 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 established investigators will be eligible to apply to the Fall 2025 Competition.  

Guidelines and application forms are available on the Office of Research Services (ORS) intranet 

Observer program for investigators: Observer opportunities are available for this competition. For more information, please contact InternalResearchFund@lhsc.on.ca or InternalResearchFund@sjhc.london.on.ca 

Application deadline: September 30, 2025 

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 Sept. 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm.  

Apply now for the Fall 2025 IRF Competition 

Alzheimer Society Research Program Competition Opens 

The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) 2025 competition officially launches on September 8, 2025, at 8 am ET. Researchers across Canada are invited to apply for funding opportunities including Doctoral, Postdoctoral, New Investigator and Proof of Concept grants. The application deadline is November 3,2025 with results announced Spring 2026 and funding commencing July 2026. For eligibility details and application guidelines visit the ASRP website or contact research@alzheimer.ca 

For funding information, tips and frequently asked questions please visit the Alzheimer Society Research program resource page. 

AHSC AFP Innovation Fund call for proposals Fall 2025

Closing date: October 31, 2025

The AMOSO Innovation Fund Fall 2025 Call for Proposals is now open. Submit your proposals by October 31, 2025, 11:59 PM to amoso@lhsc.on.ca.

The Innovation Fund is intended to support the development of new and innovative practices in health care delivery (both quality initiatives and research projects), and to support leadership and the dissemination of knowledge across the healthcare system.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The Provincial Proposal Forms and Guidelines for the 2025-26 funding competition have changed. Please refer to the AMOSO website for application forms, instructions/guidelines and information on the adjudication process.

Ensure approval from the Financial Management Committee (FMC) for the Lead Project Sponsor’s AFP Practice Plan before submission. All required documents must be completed and submitted in Microsoft Word format.

To access the AMOSO website use the following generic log-in information.

Username: amoso     Password: afpfunding

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 Research Institute, etc.). 

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new tri-agency Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program (CGRS D) and the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award Program (CPRA) competitions. These are part of the new harmonized Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). The annual value for these awards is $40,000 at the doctoral level and $70,000 at the postdoctoral level.

For details including eligibility criteria, application deadlines and instructions refer to the CGRS D and CPRA web pages. We invite you to follow the agencies on social media for the latest updates, amplify our posts and share this news within your institutions. 

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF HEALTH RESEARCH

Join CIHR's Standing Committee on Science and Shape the Future of Health Research! - CIHR 

Interested individuals should submit the following documents to CIHR's Governance Branch at governance-gouvernance@cihr-irsc.gc.ca by September 19, 2025: 

• A letter of interest (maximum 1000 words) detailing your qualifications, expertise and the perspective you would bring against the competency criteria above. 
• A curriculum vitae. 
• A completed self-identification questionnaire (to be completed upon application submission). 

Join us in shaping the future of health research and making a lasting impact on global health! 

The Quality Assurance and Education Program, Office of Research Services invites you to attend its next Workshop Session. 

** Limited spaces available. Please register only if you plan to attend** 

TITLE : Clinical Trial Application Process for Drugs, Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals 

WHEN: Workshops will be held from 8am-12pm on the following dates: 

• Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at St Joe's Hospital 
• Friday, September 19, 2025 at VH 
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Parkwood 
• Thursday, October 16, 2025 at UH 

WHERE: Multiple sessions are planned. Please indicate your preferred location of attendance in registration form 

COST: Free     

REGISTRATION: You can register here.  

Objectives: 

• Determine when your research requires Health Canada Authorization. 
• Identify forms and documents needed to complete a Clinical Trial Application using the electronic non-eCTD format. 
• How to submit to Health Canada. 
• Managing parallel Health Canada and REB submissions. 

Note: 

• Continuing Education (CE) credit is available for members who attend. 
• This is a hands-on workshop, please bring your personal computer. 

If you have any questions or require more information, please contact researchqualityandeducation@sjhc.london.on.ca

Celebrate REDCap’s 10-Year Anniversary with Us! 🎉 

The Office of Research Services is excited to announce that this month marks 10 years since REDCap (Research Electronic Database Capture tool) was first deployed by Research Informatics at our organization! To celebrate this significant milestone, Research Informatics is hosting an in-person anniversary event and we would love you to join us. Please save the date: 

📅Date: Sept. 23, 2025 

🕒 Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm 

📍 Location: VH C3-301A/B 

More details to come. Looking forward to seeing you there! 

Please reach out to REDCap@sjhc.london.on.ca if you have any questions. 

Research Quality and Education team is inviting you to join upcoming education opportunities: get ready for R3

The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) released the updated E6 Good Clinical Practice guideline (R3) on Jan. 6, 2025. In anticipation of Health Canada adoption of E6(R3), the Research Quality and Education team in collaboration of the Network of Networks (N2) is inviting you to the following education sessions: 

✅ Oct. 1 

R2 to R3 Comparison Session 

This session will outline key changes between R2 and R3. 

This session will outline key changes between R2 and R3. 

📜 Attendance confirmation certificates will be available for live viewing (session will also be recorded). 

📍 Virtual 🕐 2 pm -3 pm EST 

Register here 

St. Joseph’s Tribute Dinner will be held on October 9 between 6:00-10:00 p.m. at RBC Place London. Featured guest will be Canadian Tim Caulfield, PhD. Dubbed the nemesis of pseudoscience by the Globe and Mail, Caulfield is an unrivalled communicator and research champion. Tribute 2025 will also honour Bill and Ann Fleming, for their contributions over the past four decades. and celebrate Lawson, where researchers revolutionize health care through discoveries that transform lives. All funds raised will support the Spirit of St. Joseph’s Fund supporting highest priority care, education and research needs across St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

Purchase your tickets online today: Tribute Dinner | St. Joseph's Health Care London

Join us at the Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity’s Coffee Lunch on Oct. 10, where Dr. Sue Peters will present her research that was recently published in The Lancet Neurology—one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. This work has direct implications for stroke clinical care and will be of interest to many.  A description of the presentation is below.  The presentation begins at 12:15 p.m. in Parkwood’s main auditorium.  As always, coffee, tea and light snacks will be provided. Hope to see you there! 

Title: The Walk ‘n Watch Trial 

Walking practice is a cornerstone of recovery after stroke, yet most rehabilitation programs still provide less than what clinical guidelines recommend. To address this gap, researchers developed Walk ’n Watch, a structured walking protocol designed to be integrated into everyday inpatient rehab. The protocol requires at least 30 minutes of walking activities per session, with intensity increasing based on heart rate and step counts. In a Canada-wide clinical trial involving more than 300 stroke patients across 12 rehab units, those in Walk ’n Watch improved their walking endurance by 44 meters more than usual care after just four weeks—enough to make a real difference in daily life. These patients also showed meaningful gains in walking speed, balance, mobility and quality of life. This talk will share how Walk ’n Watch was successfully implemented across multiple hospitals and what it could mean for improving outcomes for stroke survivors. 

Please contact Jeff Weiler if you have questions about the Gray Center for Mobility and Activity Coffee Lunches or this event.

The 2025 AGE-WELL 10th Annual Conference will be held on October 22 - 23, 2025 in Montréal, Québec.

This October, AGE-WELL marks ten years in AgeTech leadership. The conference brings together researchers, trainees, industry professionals, policymakers, older adults, caregivers and partners to highlight advancements shaping the future of aging and technology. Visit the AGE-WELL conference website to learn more and register.

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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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