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Lawson Research Institute ranks in top 20 among Canada’s Research Hospitals

Lawson Research Institute (Lawson), the innovation arm of St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), continues to make big impact beyond its size. A new report from Research InfoSource shows Lawson ranks as the most researcher-intensive institution among mid-sized, hospital-based research centres in Canada. Research InfoSource bases its score in this category on research spending per researcher in 2024. Share this on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Kenneth Tichauer named Dr. Frank Prato Career Research Chair in Molecular Imaging

Lawson is proud to announce that Kenneth Tichauer, PhD, has been appointed as the Dr. Frank Prato Career Research Chair in Molecular Imaging at Lawson, effective January 5, 2026 through January 4, 2031. Supported by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, this prestigious position recognizes Tichauer’s expertise and leadership in advancing medical imaging. A former trainee at Western and Lawson, he has built an impressive career as a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. His innovative research focuses on developing imaging systems and techniques that improve cancer detection and treatment, including fluorescence-guided surgery and personalized medicine approaches. Please join us in congratulating Ken on this significant achievement and welcoming him back to Lawson, where his work will have a lasting impact on patient care.

Donna Goldhawk appointed as Lawson’s new Research Chair in Bacteria Imaging

Lawson is honoured to announce Dr. Donna Goldhawk’s appointment as Research Term Chair in Bacteria Imaging, effective November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028. Supported by St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and the Crawford MacLeod Foundation, this role recognizes Goldhawk’s leadership in advancing medical imaging. As head of the Bacterial Imaging Group, Goldhawk is pioneering ways to visualize bacteria and bacteriophage, helping to improve understanding of gut health, infections and probiotic therapies. Goldhawk, a Scientist at Lawson and Assistant Professor at Western University, has developed innovative imaging techniques using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track bacteria in the body. Her collaborative research aims to improve patient care by translating these scientific discoveries into effective diagnostics and treatments. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Goldhawk on this exciting achievement.

Transforming workplace injury care: PET/MRI renovations begin

Exciting changes are underway at Lawson as renovations kick off for a cutting-edge PET/MRI scanner, thanks to a $65.75 million partnership with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This state-of-the-art technology will advance research and improve rapid diagnosis of workplace injuries and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. According to Steven Back, Lawson Research Operations Manager, “the new PET/MRI isn’t just an equipment upgrade – it's an investment into research and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of workplace injuries and illness.” In December, updates to the injection room at St. Joseph’s Hospital began, with further renovations to the PET/MRI area scheduled through April. The hospital is committed to minimizing disruptions, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for staff, physicians and researchers. Patient care will remain uninterrupted during this transformation. Stay tuned for more updates as Lawson takes another bold step in revolutionizing workplace injury prevention and treatment. 

kNOw – PAIN talk – Marco Loggia

At the November kNOw-PAIN talk, Marco Loggia, PhD, Professor of Radiology and Associate Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, shared how studying inflammation and the brain together can deepen our understanding of chronic pain. Using advanced imaging, his team maps signals that may explain why pain persists and varies from person to person. The discussion highlighted a whole-person approach, combining biology, behaviour and lived experience to guide more personalized care. Insights like these can help hospital-based research at Lawson translate discoveries into practical tools for clinics with the goal of easing pain sooner and improving daily life for patients across our community. Learn more about the kNOw PAIN team and how they are transforming pain research and practice on their website.

Transforming care: Top moments from the Joint Mental Health Research and Innovation Day

The 2025 Joint Mental Health Research and Innovation Day (JMHRID) on November 27 celebrated local mental health research, drawing over 147 participants from diverse fields. Accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the event featured a keynote from Valerie Taylor (University of Calgary) on the gut-brain axis and the microbiome’s role in mental health, emphasizing the importance of biological systems in patient care. The program included engaging poster and oral presentations reflecting the innovative spirit of the community. Four researchers received top honors: Jillian Streef for analyzing emergency providers’ responses to non-urgent cases, Nadine Charania for work on neuroregulation in virtual reality, Kate Al for research on acetate and gut-brain axis modulation and Madeline Chidiac for studies on mirtazapine and akathisia. Lawson congratulates all presenters and participants for making the 2025 JMHRID a resounding success. Their dedication to discovery, knowledge sharing and community engagement exemplifies the spirit of innovation, driving mental health research forward.

From gut to mind: Mental Health Imaginarium sparks new mental health insights

On Dec. 10, Lawson’s Mental Health Imaginarium welcomed Dr. Elizabeth Osuch for a talk on “The role of the gut microbiome in psychiatric research and practice.” Dr. Osuch traced how gut-brain signaling shapes mood and behaviour, highlighting interventions from nutrition to fecal microbiome transplantation that are now informing care. The hybrid speaker session at Parkwood Institute drew more than 30 scientists, staff and trainees, underscoring a growing appetite for translational insights that bridge psychiatry and microbiome research. Dr. Osuch’s research shows how exploring mental health through a biological systems lens is accelerating innovative, patient-centered treatments and collaboration across Lawson’s pillars.

In the News

Clinical trials are a vital part of how new treatments, devices and care strategies are discovered, tested and improved for patients. In November and December, 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. 

Decoding phases of research: What happens in each stage of a clinical trial

Clinical trials unfold in a series of distinct phases, each designed to protect participants and ensure new medical approaches are safe, effective and evidence-based before they become routine. This structured pathway transforms scientific discovery into real-world care improvements.

In early phases, researchers ask foundational questions. Phase I trials involve a small number of participants and focus on safety and appropriate dosing. At Lawson, this includes early testing of innovative cancer treatments, such as first-in-human immunotherapy studies. For example, Lawson scientists led Phase I trials examining fecal microbiota transplantation alongside immunotherapy, demonstrating safety and paving the way for larger studies. 

Phase II trials expand to more participants, focusing on how well an intervention works. At Lawson, Phase II trials have been conducted examining new therapies to support stroke recovery or improve mental health outcomes, with programs at Parkwood Institute aiming to enhance mobility, brain health and functional outcomes. 

Later stages look at how new approaches compare to existing care. In Phase III trials, treatments are tested against current standards across large groups and multiple sites to determine whether a new treatment should become standard practice. Lawson‑led research often contributes to national and international collaborative trials, helping shape care across health systems. 

Phase IV follows once a treatment, or intervention, has been approved, tracking long‑term outcomes and real‑world use. At Lawson, this includes research following patients after new cancer treatments or chronic disease interventions are introduced into routine care, ensuring benefits seen in trials translate into sustained improvements in everyday clinical practice. 

Together, these phases turn discovery into better care, through collaboration between researchers, clinicians, trainees, patients and community partners.

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

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

Office of Research Services

The Research Health and Safety team promotes a safe, secure environment for all researchers, staff, students, volunteers and visitors. They provide guidance and education, and ensure compliance with federal, provincial and municipal health and safety legislation. Supports include training, laboratory safety, inspection checklists, biosafety, radiation safety and access to health and safety resources. The team enforces standards and policies and offers help with safety briefings for all visitors. For assistance, visit their Health and Safety intranet page. 

General contact email addresses: 

Lawson staff: researchhealthandsafety@sjhc.london.on.ca  

LHSCRI staff: researchhealthandsafety@lhsc.on.ca  

Dayna Collins is the Biological and Radiation Safety Officer in the ORS since 2023. She is a Registered Biosafety Officer and Certified Radiation Safety Officer with over 23 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Public Health and Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories. Collins holds a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and a Certificate in Infection Control & Epidemiology. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, she leads biosafety and radiation safety programs, regulatory compliance, audits, training and research approvals involving biological and radioactive materials.

Kristin Luyten is a Safety Specialist with the ORS, bringing health and safety expertise from both health research and manufacturing environments. She joined the ORS in 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Western University. Luyten collaborates with research teams to identify and mitigate hazards, ensuring compliance with relevant safety legislation. Her responsibilities include conducting various risk assessments and inspections, investigating incidents, assisting with laboratory-specific training and reviewing policies and procedures to promote a safe research environment.

Leslie Ewasko is a Safety Specialist employed with the Office of Research Services since 2019. She is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with over 18 years of Health and Safety experience in the health care sector. Ewasko collaborates with research teams to identify and mitigate hazards, ensuring compliance with relevant safety legislation. Her responsibilities include conducting various risk assessments and inspections, investigating incidents, assisting with laboratory-specific training and reviewing policies and procedures to promote a safe research environment.

Joshua Harrison is a Safety Assistant at ORS, leveraging expertise in Clinical Kinesiology and Occupational Health and Safety Management from Western University. Since 2023, he has been instrumental in creating a safe and compliant research environment by coordinating training programs, providing ergonomic support and preparing for audits and inspections. Harrison curates safety resources, collaborates with safety committees and contributes to health and safety reviews for clinical trials. His work reflects a strong commitment to advancing human health through proactive strategies that mitigate risk and empower research teams.

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DONOR IMPACT

Finding solutions to a triple-negative problem

City-wide clinician-researcher Dr. Armen Parsyan is advancing breast cancer care by investigating cancer cells at the molecular level. With support through the Internal Research Fund, funded by donors to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, Dr. Parsyan was able to bring in PhD student Anayra Goncalves to lead one of their long-term projects: finding new biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types. Learn more about Dr. Parsyan and this exciting work here.

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.

Check out a few examples of the research published in November-December:

So I, Bouzigues A, Russell LL, Foster PH, Ferry-Bolder E, ..., Finger EC. (2026). Neurodevelopmental effects of genetic frontotemporal dementia mutations revealed by total intracranial volume differences. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.  

Can genes linked to frontotemporal dementia affect the brain long before symptoms appear? This study examined brain size in people carrying mutations using advanced imaging. Researchers found differences suggesting early brain development changes. These findings may improve earlier detection and research design. Neurologists and researchers in dementia will find this article valuable for understanding how disease-related genes may influence brain development years before symptoms begin. #Aging 

Kay E, Kazi M, Burton J, Parvathy SN. (2025). Therapeutic properties of plant-derived prebiotics in melanoma. Exploration of Targeted Anti-tumor Therapy.  

Can certain plant-based foods or supplements help the gut microbiome work in ways that make melanoma immunotherapy more effective and easier for patients to tolerate? This review explores how plant-derived prebiotics may influence the gut microbiome to boost responses to immunotherapy and reduce side effects. By analyzing existing research, the authors highlight promising, low-risk options to support cancer care. This article is a valuable read for clinicians, researchers, dietitians and supportive care professionals interested in how low-risk, diet-based strategies may enhance immunotherapy effectiveness and improve patient care. 

#EndorinologyMetabolismChronicDiseases

Oyeniran O, Donald K, Orunmuyi A, Karikari TK, Evans TE, Cakmak J, E, Ucheagwu VA, Hicks J, Rosa-Neto P, YI, Akinyemi RO, Ametamey SM, Liu L, Waa S, Udeh-Momoh C, Okonkwo OC, Anazodo U. (2025). Imaging dementia in African populations: Closing the health equity gap. Alzheimer's and Dementia. 

How large is the current gap in dementia neuroimaging research globally, what barriers are driving inequity and what investments and strategies are needed to enable meaningful dementia imaging research across African populations? This study highlights a major global equity gap. Despite a rapidly growing dementia burden, Africa has extremely limited access to PET and MRI imaging for Alzheimer’s and related dementias research. The authors map current gaps, barriers and costs, proposing concrete collaborative solutions to build dementia imaging capacity across Africa. This article is especially relevant for readers who care about equitable, globally inclusive brain health research and those addressing structural inequities. #Imaging 

Vartanian O, Nazarov A, Lam TK, Collins E, Thompson MM, Rhind SG, Silins S, Shiu M, Maceda E, King K, Vallikanthan J, Lad M. (2025). The impact of moral injury-related content on reasoning and its neural correlates: Data from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). NeuroImage: Reports.  

How does moral injury affect thinking during illness and stress? This study explored whether morally distressing experiences change how people reason. Using brain imaging and decision-making tasks with Canadian Armed Forces members, researchers found reduced reasoning accuracy when moral injury themes were present. The findings highlight cognitive impacts of moral injury, with implications for mental health care. Clinicians, researchers and individuals working with trauma-exposed populations will find this article valuable for understanding how oral injury can affect thinking and decision making, with implications for assessment, care and workplace safety.  #MentalHealth 

Unger J, Wiener JC, Patel P, Shakir U, Eng JJ. (2025). Effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation assisted locomotor training on walking outcomes following incomplete spinal cord injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 

Can functional electrical stimulation improve walking after spinal cord injury? This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether adding electrical stimulation to gait training enhances walking outcomes. By pooling results from multiple studies, researchers found meaningful improvements in mobility. The findings highlight promising rehabilitation options for clinicians, researchers and rehabilitation leaders seeking evidence-based therapies. 

#Rehabilitation 

Silverman M, Thandrasisla P, Lam M, Forchuk C, Rudnick A, Lee K, Koivu S, Lodhi R, Guarasci E, Serrato J, Knauer M, Anderson K. (2025). Prevalence of methamphetamine/amphetamine usage and demographics of users in Ontario based on laboratory drug screen results. Canadian Journal of Addiction.  

How common is stimulant use among surgical patients and why does it matter? This study examines how often methamphetamine and amphetamine use appear in patients receiving anesthesia, using hospital data to explore patterns and outcomes. Findings highlight important safety and care-planning implications. Anesthesiologists, perioperative, hospital leaders and those interested in caring for patients who use methamphetamine and amphetamine will want to read more. #SurgicalSpecialties

UPCOMING GRANT COMPETITIONS

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

The Gray Centre Catalyst Grant Program aims to strengthen the competitiveness of novel research for external funding (e.g., CIHR, Praxis, Heart and Stroke). Catalyst grants provide seed funding to establish feasibility and lay the groundwork for larger programs of research that can secure external funding within three years. For 2025-2026, the total funding envelope is $100,000, with applicants able to request up to $25,000 through a justified budget.

Applications are due January 18, 2026. Terms of Reference are available online. For more information contact Jeff Weiler.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant Spring 2026 Competition has officially launched. 

The Grants Development team at the Office of Research Services (ORS) would like to know if you are planning to submit an application to this competition. Please email grantsubmission@sjhc.london.on.ca, if you are considering applying to this round. 

You can find competition details on ResearchNet. 

CIHR Deadlines: 

1. Registration Deadline: February 4, 2026, 8 pm (please reach out if you need our help with this stage). 
2. Application Deadline: March 4, 2026, 10 am. 

Internal Deadlines: 

1. For enhanced review/proof-reading and editing of your application (optional), please send your full proposal by February 13, 10 am. 
2. For mandatory administrative reviews, please submit via ResearchNet by February 20, 10 am. We will download your application package and return it to you via ResearchNet to continue working before the deadline. 

When indicating your Institution Paid on ResearchNet, please select Lawson Research Institute if you are based at St. Joseph’s. 

Please complete the Request for Institutional Approval Form when submitting your application to our office and send all materials and inquiries to grantsubmission@sjhc.london.on.ca. Following a final review on ResearchNet, the Office of Research Services will electronically approve and submit your application to CIHR on your behalf. 

Please visit our sharepoint for templates, tips and resources for the following sections: proposal, summary, summary of progress, budget and budget justification (you will need VPN access for all our files on SharePoint). You can also attend the webinar(s) CIHR will host to support participants with this funding opportunity's requirements and answer questions. To find out more information and to register, visit the Webinars page.

Additional CIHR funding opportunities

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

• CIHR Health System Impact (HSI) Embedded early career researcher award 
• CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) early career transition award 2025 
• Operating Grant: European partnership on one health antimicrobial resistance joint transnational call 2026 
• Operating Grant: Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ health through research 
• Operating Grant: Leadership award for vaccine research 
• Team Grant: Health effects of ultra-processed foods
• Team Grant: Beyond treatment – advancing cancer survivorship 
• Team Grant: Healthy youth (2025) 

Notice of upcoming funding opportunity:  

• Team Grant: GACD 2026: Implementation science to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Maximizing collaboration and coordination with and beyond the healthcare system

CIHR Reviewer in Training Program 

The Spring 2026 CIHR Reviewer in Training Program has launched and the Grants Development Team at the ORS would like to connect with Early Career Researchers who are considering applying. If you are, please email us at grantsubmission@sjhc.london.on.ca. 

Overview: 

• The CIHR Reviewer in Training (RiT) program offers Early Career Researchers (ECRs) a learning opportunity to gain a better understanding of the elements of high-quality review and the peer review process through direct participation in the Project Grant competition.  
• 2 streams are available: 
• Mentee Stream: ECRs that want to gain exposure to CIHR’s peer review process with the guidance of a Mentor can apply to the Mentee role. 
• ECR Reviewer Stream: ECRs who hold federal (or equivalent) funding and want to gain direct peer review experience can apply to the ECR Reviewer role. 

How to apply: 

• For eligibility and to apply for this opportunity, please visit the CIHR-RiT program website. 
• The CIHR-RiT program's application requires a letter from the Institute attesting that you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Timeline to apply: 

• January 21, 2026: Deadline to contact grantsubmission@sjhc.london.on.ca to obtain institutional letter 
• February 4, 2026: Deadline to apply 

Free to Play 2026 Competition 

The Free to Play initiative is a competition aimed at supporting community projects that promote outdoor play for children. The competition is open to organizations in various communities across Canada. The initiative is a collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada and is supported by the Waltons Trust, the Lawson Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The goal is to invest in projects that help children move, create and connect away from screens, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The competition is open to registered charities, non-profits, Indigenous organizations and other qualified groups serving children and families. Organizations can apply for funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, with a total available funding of $806,500 for this round. For more information, review the Applicant Guide and attend webinars and information sessions hosted by Community Foundations Canada.  

Western Research Office Internal Deadline: 2026-02-19 

Call for Research Grant Proposals

WeRPN invites applications for Research Grants up to a maximum of $25,000. The purpose of the one-year Research Grant program is to:

• Generate high-quality ethical research co-designed and co-implemented with one or more Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and others, including academic and/or industry partners
• Align with WeRPN’s strategic directions
• Enhance the representation of RPNs in research-driven literature, and
• Demonstrate how RPNs add meaningful value across diverse health settings, and throughout the continuum of care, in both health and illness

Note: The proposal application should only be submitted once satisfied that it is complete and reflective of the proposed project. If errors or corrections are required prior to the March 31 deadline, please contact: research@werpn.com.

Click here to review our guidelines for details about the application process.

2026 Spring Competition 

The Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP) offers eligible Canadian degree-granting institutions the opportunity to nominate a diverse cadre of outstanding researchers for professorships in areas that will further the institution’s strategic research plan and enable them to maximize their contributions as centres of research and research training. 

Eligible postsecondary institutions receive a set number of chair allocations based on the funding received by their researchers from the three federal research granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR); the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council (NSERC); and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) (the agencies). See Method of Allocating Chairs for more information. 

Institutions subsequently submit Chair nominations to one of the program’s deadlines for peer review in order to fill their allocations. Note that individuals cannot apply to the program directly. Western Research Internal Deadline: 2026-04-14 

Tier I CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC  

Award amount: $200,000 annually for seven years 

Tier II CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC 

Award amount: $100,000 annually for five years 

Application and Guidelines are available at: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx 

In January, the Weston Family Foundation, through the Weston Brain Institute, will be launching the Rapid Response 2026 Program. 

The Rapid Response program is designed to provide seed funding to catalyze novel, high-risk, high-reward translational research to combat neurodegenerative diseases of aging. As the field evolves, we acknowledge that obtaining a timely diagnosis is one of the major drivers to enable patient access to novel innovations and support services for neurodegenerative diseases of aging. This is why the 2026 program will focus on the development of biomarkers, with the goal of accelerating innovative diagnostic tools with high potential to scale that can transform early detection and timely diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases of aging for Canadians.   

Further details, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, will be shared when the program is launched. Researchers are encouraged to begin considering potential projects and collaborations aligned with this important theme.

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.). 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

EVENTS

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is hosting Resident Research Day on January 19 from 8 am to 12 pm at Parkwood Institute Main Building Main Auditorium (B2-109). Join us for a series of presentations from residents in the program as they discuss their research. The half-day event will open with keynote speaker, Mark Bayley MD MSc FRCPC, delivering the Teasell Lecture titled ‘Adventures in Stroke Rehabilitation Research: Confessions of a Recovering Investigator.’ All are welcome to attend.

Measuring what matters: Patient experiences with medications

DocTalks with Dr. Tom Appleton

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 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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