Research Chairs
Tier 1
- Dr. William Stanford (2011)
Chair in Integrative Stem Cell Biology - Dr. Damien D'Amours (2017)
Chair in Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Architecture - Dr. Julie St-Pierre (2018)
Chair in Cancer Metabolism - Dr. Hanns Lochmüller (2019)
Chair in Neuromuscular Genomics and Health - Dr. Kym Boycott (2019)
Chair in Rare Disease Precision Medicine - Dr. Katalin Toth (2020)
Chair in Neuronal Signalling - Dr. Khaled El Emam (2021)
Chair in Medical Artificial Intelligence - Dr. Armen Saghatelyan (2022)
Chair in Postnatal Neurogenesis - Dr. Mary-Ellen Harper (2024)
Chair in Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Metabolic Health - Dr. Bernard Thébaud (2024)
Chair in Lung Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Tier 2
- Dr. Marceline Côté (2015)
Chair in Molecular Virology and Antiviral Therapeutics - Dr. Simon Chen (2016)
Chair in Neural Circuits and Behaviour - Dr. Mireille Ouimet (2017)
Chair in Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology - Dr. Mireille Khacho (2018)
Chair in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Regenerative Medicine - Dr. Maxime Rousseaux (2018)
Chair in Personalized Genomics of Neurodegeneration - Dr. Shawn Beug (2020)
Chair in Apoptosis in Cancer and Immunity - Dr. Arezu Jahani-Asl (2022)
Chair in Neurobiology of Disease - Dr. Deborah Siegal (2022)
Chair in Anticoagulant Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease - Dr. Hawre Jalal (2022)
Chair in Health Economics - Dr. Zakia Djaoud (2023)
Chair in Virus Host Interactions - Dr. Giulia Fadda (2023)
Chair in Inflammation, Infection and Immunity - Dr. Daniel Myran (2023)
Chair in Social Accountability - Dr. Giorgia Sulis (2023)
Chair in Communicable Diseases Epidemiology - Dr. Vignan Yogendrakumar (2024)
Chair in Stroke - Dr. Yan Xu (2024)
Chair in Thrombosis - Dr. Thirusha Naidu (2024)
Chair in Equity and Social Justice in Global Medical Education
- Dr. Ari Breiner
Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease Chair in ALS Clinical Research - Dr. Ben Chow
Saul & Edna Goldfarb Chair in Cardiac Imaging Research - Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden
Corinne Boyer Research Chair Ovarian Cancer - Dr. Catherine Tsilfidis
Donald and Joy MacLaren Chair for Vision Research - Dr. Ciarán Duffy
Endowed Chair Pediatrics - Dr. Daniel Krewski
NSERC/SSHRC/McLaughlin Chair Population Health Risk Assessment - Dr. David Birnie
Endowed Chair in Electrophysiology - Dr. Dean Fergusson
OHRI/uOttawa Clinical Epidemiology Program Endowed Chair - Dr. Eve Tsai
Suruchi Bhargava Brain & Cord Regeneration - Dr. Frans Leenen
Pfizer Research Chair Hypertension - Dr. Ian Lorimer
A.&E. Leger Memorial Fund for Oncology Research Chair - Dr. Ian Stiell
Research Chair in Emergency Medicine - Dr. Lise Bjerre
Chaire en médecine familiale, Université d'Ottawa et Institut du Savoir Montfort - Dr. Lyall Higginson
Donald S Beanlands Chair Cardiology Education - Dr. Manish Sood
Siv L. Jindal Chair for Kidney Disease Prevention Research - Dr. Marc Ruel
Chair Cardiac Surgery Research - Dr. Marc Ruel
Michael Pitfield Chair Cardiac Surgery - Dr. Marino Labinaz
Chair Interventional Cardiology Leadership - Dr. Michael Schlossmacher
Bhargava Research Chair for Neurodegenerative Diseases - Dr. Pierre Blier
Endowed Chair of Research Mood and Anxiety Disorders - Dr. Rebecca Auer
Evelyn and Rowell Laishley Chair for the OHRI CEO and Scientific Director - Dr. Robert Beanlands
Vered Chair of Cardiology - Dr. Robert Beanlands
Saul and Edna Goldfarb Chair in Cardiac Imaging Research - Dr. Rodney Breau
Urology Oncology Research Chair - Dr. Ruth McPherson
Merck Frosst Canada Chair Atherosclerosis - Dr. Seymour Brownstein
Les Amis Research Chair - Dr. Steven Gilberg
Chair of the Eye Institute - Dr. Sudhir Sundaresan
Wilbert J. Keon Chair of the Department of Surgery - Dr. Susan Lamb
Jason Hannah Chair for the History of Medicine - Dr. Thierry Mesana
Gordon F. Henderson Chair Leadership - Dr. Thierry Mesana
Chair Cardiac Surgery Valve Research
- Dr. Clare Liddy (2020)
University Research Chair in eConsult and Primary Health Care Delivery - Dr. Beth Potter (2016)
University Research Chair in Health Services for Children with Rare Diseases - Dr. Phil Wells (2019)
University Research Chair in Thrombosis Research - Dr. Katey Rayner (2022)
University Research Chair in Vascular & Metabolic Inflammation
Distinguished University Research Chairs
- Dr. Daniel Figeys (2018)
Distinguished University Research Chair in Proteomics and Systems Biology - Dr. Ronald Labonté (2018)
Distinguished University Research Chair in Globalization and Health Equity - Dr. Julian Little (2019)
Distinguished University Research Chair in Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Control - Dr. Stephen Ferguson (2022)
Distinguished University Research Chair in Neurodegeneration
Dre Marie-Hélène Chomienne (2020)
Chaire de recherche en francophonie internationale et santé de l’immigrant ou du réfugié d’Afrique francophone subsaharienne (en français seulement)
The Clinical Research Chair program supports outstanding clinician-scientists at the Faculty of Medicine who are conducting impactful, patient-oriented research. All Chairholders hold a five-year mandate from 2025 to 2030.
To highlight the scope and ambition of each Chairholder’s work, we have included the executive summary they submitted as part of their application.
Tier 1
Dr. Aurélien Delluc – Tier 1 Chair in Innovative Strategies in Venous Thromboembolism
As a clinician-scientist based at the University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) since 2018, I am leading two large, CIHR-funded international randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as nominated principal investigator: SOME2 and SAVER. These two trials lie at the heart of my research program and reflect my vision of expanding the frontiers of venous thromboembolism management by investigating strategies that go beyond anticoagulation. The Chair will also support my collaborative roles as co-principal investigator in two complementary trials, AIRPORT-MPN and RADIANT. Together, these studies represent a major opportunity to reshape the standard of care in thrombosis.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Benjamin Chow – Tier 1 Chair in Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Dr. Chow (>330 peer-reviewed publications, H-index=57) is internationally recognized with many clinical and research ‘firsts’ which has gained international recognition and put the University of Ottawa at the forefront in Cardiac Imaging research. His research program is focused on 1) the establishment of new cardiac imaging modalities to enable early detection of disease and guide therapies that impact patient outcomes and 2) using advanced imaging to validate and guide therapeutics to improve care. Within these 2 themes, he has expanded to include: artificial intelligence, medical education, racial and sex and socioeconomic inequities and randomized clinical trials.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Christian Vaillancourt – Tier 1 Chair in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation
Over the next 5 years, while holding the Chair in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation, my research activities will include the training of the next generation of cardiac arrest researchers, and the completion and initiation of innovative/practice-changing projects with the ambition to double current cardiac arrest survival. I will: • Study the impact of the National implementation of an educational program for 911 call takers, • Develop AI-applications for use in both the prehospital and in-hospital environment, • Create a Canadian network of excellence for in-hospital cardiac arrest research and initiate the build of a National in-hospital cardiac arrest registry, •Implement/lead International research initiatives.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Claire Kendall – Tier 1 Chair in Strengthening Primary Care for Integrated Health Equity*
The proposed research plan will establish a transferrable framework that supports policymakers and health system leaders in addressing the current crisis in equitable health service delivery. Building on strong intersectoral partnerships and findings from my 2020–2025 Tier 2 Chair, which examined primary care from both the supply and demand sides, it will examine social determinants of health, measure the impact of community engagement on population health, and explore ways to develop, implement and evaluate practices, programs and policies aimed at optimizing health services using place-based data and innovative methods.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, BHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
*Conditionally AwardedDr. Daniel McIsaac – Tier 1 Chair in Innovative Perioperative Care
My proposed Tier 1 Chair in Innovative Perioperative Care will accelerate uOttawa’s standing as an international leader in practice-changing research. Building on established expertise in epidemiology, translational research, data analytics, and innovative, practice-changing clinical trials, planned research will drive improvements in brain health, cardiovascular outcomes, and patient-centered care through innovative and high-impact approaches to optimizing surgical patients and the healthcare system. Leveraging the success of my Tier 2 Chair, we will continue to inclusively engage patient partners and train the next generation of highly qualified personnel in cutting-edge techniques that will further strengthen uOttawa’s global standing.
Supported by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Dariush Dowlatshahi – Tier 1 Chair in Patient-Oriented Cerebrovascular Disease Research
I am a Full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Senior Scientist at OHRI, and stroke neurologist at The Ottawa Hospital. I have gained international recognition for my research in stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. My contributions in the field include over 325 peer-reviewed manuscripts, yielding 57,591 citations with an h-index of 65 and an i10-index of 185. I have secured over $8.5M in external peer-reviewed funding as PI/co-PI, including an active CIHR grant of $1.3M as nominated PI (2024–2027). In addition, I teach for UGME and PGME and supervise graduate students through the School of Epidemiology and Public Health.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Darryl Davis – Tier 1 Chair in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine
In the next five years, we will pioneer biological therapies for inflammatory and aging-related heart conditions, bridging basic science and clinical application. Our program focuses on innovative models of cardiac sarcoidosis, miRNA-based therapies to combat cardiac aging, and extracellular vesicle treatments for atrial fibrillation. By identifying biomarkers, refining disease mechanisms, and advancing acellular interventions, we aim to improve patient care and spark commercial innovation. Through collaborations with patients, industry partners, and regulatory agencies, we will translate our discoveries into clinical practice. This includes training and mentoring diverse trainees, thereby creating future leaders in cardiovascular research and biotechnology for global health.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Douglas Manuel – Tier 1 Chair in Precision Medicine for Disease Prevention
My chair will advance precision disease prevention by developing next-generation predictive analytics and decision tools that bridge clinical and population approaches. Building on an established foundation of big data analytics and AI, this renewal will extend my team’s work implementing validated tools to assess health inequities and system inefficiencies. Our program's strength lies in leveraging individually-linked Canadian health data—an unparalleled resource for equity-focused research that addresses algorithmic bias concerns. The next phase will move beyond traditional single-disease risk prediction to provide a life-course perspective on multiple conditions, assessing whether preventive interventions lead to longer and healthier lives—positioning Canada as a global leader in evidence-based disease prevention.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Gonzalo Alvarez – Tier 1 Chair in Working with Inuit Towards TB Elimination
The Inuit TB incidence rate is more than 400× that of the Canadian population. The federal government has set a goal of eliminating TB across Inuit regions by 2030. Historically, community-wide screening to find and treat cases significantly reduced Inuit TB incidence. However, it is labour-intensive, costly and could take decades to complete. More efficient early detection tools are urgently needed. My proposed research program will leverage two funded CIHR grants. The first will establish a wastewater-based TB surveillance and screening system and the second will develop a risk score to focus screening efforts on high-risk TB households.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Guy Trudel – Tier 1 Chair in Space and Rehabilitation Medicine
The Chair for Space and Rehabilitation Medicine aligns with FoM strategic priorities in Epidemiology and Immunity, with a multidisciplinary focus on Clinical and Translational Research—a FoM cross-cutting initiative. Participation in public and private human space missions will yield original epidemiological analyses and clinical/translational studies on space immunity and anemia, end-organ damage from persistent hemolysis, and marrow adipose tissue. These outcomes apply to patients with limited mobility or who are bedridden and require rehabilitation care. The Chair features rare and privileged access to exceptional international infrastructure and will produce world-level advances aligned with FoM strategic priorities, alongside extensive media coverage.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. James Downar – Tier 1 Chair in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
People with advanced illness experience physical and psychological suffering that affects their quality of life. Our means of treating this suffering are of limited effectiveness and have changed little in decades. In the past 5 years, I have led research programs to identify promising, novel therapies for different types of suffering. Building on this work, and with the help of a $6 million grant from the Canadian Cancer Society, in the next 5 years I will lead a pan-Canadian effort to build a research platform to facilitate efficient, practice-changing clinical trials for treating suffering in advanced illness.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, BHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Jeff Perry – Tier 1 Chair in Emergency Neurological Research*
I am a Full Professor in Emergency Medicine, cross-appointed to the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. As Acute Care Research Program Director at OHRI, I oversee research for multiple hospital departments. I am internationally recognized for emergency research. Nationally, I have held key leadership roles within the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP). I have supervised numerous trainees and published over 280 papers, including many in top journals. I have secured over $16M as principal investigator and more than $25.5M as co-investigator, including a highly competitive CIHR Foundation Award. I have delivered 72 invited talks and received the 2024 CAEP Award of Merit.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
*Conditionally AwardedDr. Jess Fiedorowicz – Tier 1 Chair in Bipolar Disorders and Metabolism
The proposal establishes the University of Ottawa as a leading international research site through the leadership of Jess Fiedorowicz, a renowned senior physician-scientist specializing in psychiatry and obesity medicine. The application supports a promising program now boosted by a groundbreaking grant, providing $3–7 million for Ottawa to join the BD2 Integrated Network, funding a large longitudinal cohort study and the development of a learning health system to improve the care of patients across the region. The Chair in Bipolar Disorders and Metabolism supports a diverse program of research, including interdisciplinary teams spanning multiple institutes and sites under the uOttawa umbrella.
Supported by the Department of Psychiatry, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Jonathan Angel – Tier 1 Chair in HIV Cure Research
To address the overarching goal of finding a cure for HIV, I will continue to focus on developing oncolytic viruses (OVs) as an approach to kill latently HIV-infected cells. Employing viral sensitizers to enhance OV-mediated killing, the most promising combinations will be used in attempts to eliminate the HIV reservoir in HIV-infected humanized mice. While working to advance this approach to human studies, clinical work during this Chair will include: (i) future HIV cure clinical trials, (ii) advancing cure research around the time of death, and (iii) continuing to provide human tissues to support HIV cure and other research activities.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Leanne Ward – Tier 1 Chair in Pediatric Genetic and Metabolic Bone Disorders
I will focus on developing effective therapies for children with rare bone disorders. Drawing on extensive experience and innovation in clinical trial preparedness and execution, I will create a registry to enhance patient identification, diagnosis, and phenotypic characterization; advance novel, clinically relevant endpoints to quantify skeletal health outcomes via standardized skeletal imaging; and test the efficacy and safety of novel drugs in multi-centre trials. My overall goal is to abrogate the functional consequences of rare bone diseases during childhood. Awards carried over to this Chair cycle include $2.6M in peer-reviewed funding as PI/co-PI and $6.5M from industry (plus $2.6M under review – CIHR).
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Luc Mertens – Tier 1 Chair in Pediatric Cardiovascular Science
Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) is used as a tool to assist neonatologists in therapeutic decision-making for patients who are hemodynamically unstable. The performance of TNE includes measurements of cardiac function, output, and pressures. Given the smaller size of the newborn heart, measurement variability can be significant and result in inaccuracy. The aim of the current project is to develop a fully automated AI-based hemodynamic tool for TNE measurements. The development of these models will greatly enhance the reproducibility, accuracy, and clinical utility of TNE in the NICU.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Peter Liu – Tier 1 Chair in Brain-Heart Interconnected Advances
This Brain-Heart Interconnected Advances (BHIA) Chair will explore key mechanisms that mediate the crosstalk between the brain and heart. Investigations of novel mechanisms such as accelerated senescence/inflammaging will enable the discovery and validation of unique biomarkers for early diagnosis of brain and heart (B-H) conditions. These biomarkers also present excellent biotargets for developing novel therapies for B-H diseases ready for validation. Finally, we will validate the concepts of diagnosing and mitigating disease early—before symptoms appear—in unique Canadian longitudinal cohorts. The BHIA Chair will provide training and mentorship excellence, incorporating EDI principles, to transform the care of brain-heart patients.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Roger Zemek – Tier 1 Chair in Pediatric Concussion
Over the next five years, I will continue to lead the TRANSCENDENT Concussion Research Program to transform how we diagnose and treat concussion across the lifespan. Guided by priorities identified through our James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership and through ongoing partnership with our diverse TRANSCENDENT Community Advisory Committee, our world-leading cohort will expand to 5,000+ participants with deep biopsychosocial, biomarker (physiological, fluid, neuroimaging), and treatment data. Our work embraces IDEAS principles of inclusion, open science, and equitable data-sharing via OBI’s Brain-CODE. I will mentor early-career scientists and champion patient-centered research that translates discoveries into improved care at the bedside.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Smita Pakhale – Tier 1 Chair in Equity & Patient Engagement in Vulnerable Populations
Overall goal is to improve the health and quality of life (QoL) of unhoused, unstably housed, low-income, racialized, including Indigenous peoples using the Bridge ModelTM, comprehensively addressing health system and socio-economic/structural barriers. Over the next 5 years, I aim to continue my focus on health equity using Patient Engagement and Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) approaches by co-creating patient-centered, evidence-based, sustainable, integrated community-based healthcare delivery solutions. Exploring prevalence and burden of chronic diseases disproportionately impacting marginalized people, we will continue to co-create and co-implement person-centered solutions. We will also continue to practice and promote engaged scholarship through research and advocacy.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy – Tier 1 Chair in Cardiovascular Emergencies
We established the world’s largest emergency department (ED) syncope (fainting) research program, created the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS), and a care pathway which is used internationally. During the next five years, we plan to complete three CIHR-funded multicentre studies: two randomized trials for pathway implementation and arrhythmia identification using remote cardiac monitoring, and the third to prospectively validate a prehospital syncope tool for paramedics. We are developing artificial intelligence algorithms for ED syncope and chest pain care that will be faster, safer, and patient-centered (pilot studies underway). We strongly believe that our research will deliver world-class cardiovascular emergency care.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Tier 2
Dr. Albert Wu – Tier 2 Chair in Translational Stem Cell Research in Ophthalmology
This research applies regenerative medicine to develop personalized, lab-grown corneal organoids from a patient’s own stem cells to treat corneal blindness. These organoids represent an innovative therapeutic alternative to donor transplants, especially for complex cases like bilateral LSCD and rare pediatric diseases such as ocular Epidermolysis Bullosa. We will study how these mini-organs form, test their ability to repair eye damage in animal models, and create disease-specific models using gene editing. The ultimate goal is to provide safe, effective, and accessible regenerative therapies to restore vision and advance treatment for currently untreatable corneal diseases.
Supported by the Department of Ophthalmology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Andrew Hall – Tier 2 Chair in Competency-Based Medical Education
For the past 15 years I have built a robust and impactful program of research in the field of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). This involves global, national and local collaborations, engagement in multiple organizations and communities, and an incredible local research support structure in the Department of Emergency Medicine in Ottawa, which has positioned me for future success. This program of research aims to measure the outcomes of CBME implementation across contexts and understand what adaptations are required to CBME systems moving forward to optimize training, address our diverse population needs, and ultimately improve healthcare in Canada and worldwide.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, CiMED, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Arun Radhakrishnan – Tier 2 Chair in Primary Care AI, Innovation and Implementation
Canadian healthcare faces critical workforce and access to care challenges, disproportionately affecting equity-deserving groups. Addressing these challenges requires bold innovations to increase healthcare capacity. This proposal aims to develop a systematic understanding of how to optimally implement, scale and sustain promising innovations for primary care focusing on: Adaptive Mentoring Networks to support continuing professional development, and artificial intelligence tools. Using implementation science (IS), developmental evaluation, and human factors methodologies my research will develop a framework for successful and broad utilization of these novel solutions in primary care to meet the access and workforce challenges.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, BHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Darine El-Chaâr – Tier 2 Chair in Perinatal Epidemiology and Immunity
This research program aims to advance knowledge in maternal immunization through three key objectives. First, it will evaluate the impact of the Ontario Infant RSV Immunization Program on maternal and infant health. Second, it will investigate how COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy influences maternal immune responses and health outcomes in offspring. Third, it will support the development and implementation of clinical trials for maternal vaccines. Together, these efforts will generate critical evidence to guide public health policy, improve maternal and infant health, and inform future vaccine strategies, ultimately strengthening immunization programs for pregnant individuals and their children.
Supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Derek MacFadden – Tier 2 Chair in Antibiotic Use and Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing health threat in Canada and globally. My research program will focus on AMR, antimicrobial use (AMU), and antimicrobial adverse effects. This work will encompass a number of FoM priority areas, including: (a) Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation; (b) Epidemiology and Public Health; and (c) Translational Research. My planned research program is structured as follows: (1) advancing our understanding of AMR including transmission and climate effects; (2) studying the interplay of AMU on AMR; and (3) developing evidence for interventions that could improve AMU/AMR. Throughout these aims, I will integrate health equity and patient-oriented research.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Hana Alazem – Tier 2 Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation
The primary aim of the Motion and TEC lab is to standardize, improve, and provide access to cutting-edge treatments that enable patients with physical disabilities to live their best life. Our first objective is to create a consensus guideline for pediatric hypertonia management in Canada, with experts in pediatric rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic and plastic surgery. Our second objective is to test and improve cutting-edge technologies that assess and treat hypertonia/movement difficulties, to facilitate timely access to life-changing technologies for children and youth who need it most.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Hesham Abdelbary – Tier 2 Chair in Prosthetic Joint and Bone Infections
Advancements in total joint replacement (TJR) have revolutionized treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies, such as arthritis and bone cancer. Despite this positive impact, a devastating complication is prosthetic joint infection (PJI) which compromises function and may lead to loss of limb or life. My research program is composed of two arms which focus on translating the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages (phages) to improve treatment outcomes for PJI: the basic science arm develops pre-clinically relevant in vivo PJI models to study disease pathogenesis and novel treatment strategies; and the clinical research arm translates phage treatment strategies from the bench to the bedside.
Supported by the Department of Surgery, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Ian Paterson – Tier 2 Chair in Cardio-Oncology
During the next 5 years, my research program will enhance the characterization of the cardiovascular risk of patients with cancer through opportunistic imaging-based analyses (Study 1) and a population health study of vascular events (Study 2). Data from Study 2 will be used to identify patients with cancer at high risk for vascular events and form the basis for a multicentre, randomized clinical trial of low dose anticoagulation (Study 3). Outputs from these studies will be clinically impactful and paradigm changing as we broaden the focus of cardio-oncology to include cardiovascular disease beyond the heart.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Jenna Gale – Tier 2 Chair in Fertility
As a fertility specialist and clinical researcher, my work is grounded in advancing inclusive, evidence-based reproductive care. My program is anchored in three pillars: (1) improving diagnosis and outcomes for fertility patients with endometriosis through novel ultrasound protocols and registries, (2) addressing fertility care disparities in transgender and gender-diverse populations, and (3) optimizing frozen embryo transfer protocols to enhance outcomes and equity. My research leverages SGBA+ and promotes inclusivity across all projects, with strong translational and patient-oriented components that aim to drive national practice change and support the next generation of reproductive health researchers.
Supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Jodi Warman-Chardon – Tier 2 Chair in Biomarker Discovery and Socioeconomic Outcomes in Neuromuscular Disease
Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) affect over 70,000 Canadians, causing progressive disability and significant socioeconomic burden. Despite emerging therapies, the absence of robust, validated biomarkers severely limits our ability to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment efficacy. This research program will apply advanced proteomics and state-of-the-art quantitative MRI to identify novel blood and imaging biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response. Concurrently, we will assess the financial impact and health-related quality of life for individuals with NMD and their caregivers. These findings will accelerate biomarker-driven clinical trials and inform health policy to improve care and access for people living with NMD.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Juthaporn Cowan – Tier 2 Chair in Immunization in Patients with Compromised Immunity
Over the next five years, I will build on my national leadership in passive and active immunization for immunodeficient patients. My research has led to practice-changing insights on immunoglobulin therapy and vaccine response. I collaborate extensively with national and international colleagues and am committed to training highly qualified personnel and applying age, sex, and gender-based analyses. As Chair, I will advance equitable, evidence-based immunization strategies through: 1) validation of switched memory B-cells as biomarkers for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT) discontinuation, 2) an international randomized control trial on IGRT and antibiotic strategies in secondary antibody deficiency, and 3) evaluation of MMR vaccine safety in immunosuppressed children.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Kamila Premji – Tier 2 Chair in Universal Access to Comprehensive Primary Care
Primary care is the foundation of Canada’s healthcare system and essential for achieving health equity and cost-effective care. A crisis has emerged, with 6.5 million Canadians lacking a regular primary care provider due to shifting demographics, declining interest in family medicine, and workforce pressures. As the Clinical Research Chair in Universal Access to Comprehensive Primary Care, I will produce and mobilize research that guides equity-oriented policy responses. Leveraging an integrated knowledge translation approach and an IDEAS framework, my research will engage patient partners and decision-makers to improve primary care access through local, provincial, and national reforms.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, ISM, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Kimmo Murto – Tier 2 Chair in Child Health Innovative Research: Perioperative Care & Patient Blood Management
The CHIRP2 for Kids is a practice-changing research program advancing perioperative care and integrating patient blood management (PBM)—a patient-centered approach to preserve one’s own blood, through predictive modeling, AI-driven analytics and personalized care strategies. Focusing on adenotonsillectomy, perioperative anemia, life-threatening massive hemorrhage, and hemovigilance, we address care inequities via validated readmission risk-prediction tools, precision analgesia (e.g., celecoxib), and transformative PBM protocols. By leveraging linked health-administrative data, prospective pharmacokinetic/analgesic trials, anemia-screening/blood-conservation strategies/hemovigilance and mechanistic inflammation studies, CHIRP2 will enable benchmarking, service redistribution, and reduced hospital transfusion reliance, by implementing evidence-based, equitable and optimal care for children in surgical or high-acuity settings.
Supported by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Krishan Yadav – Tier 2 Chair in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a top 10 reason for emergency department (ED) visits, yet evidence to guide optimal treatment is limited. This contributes to treatment failure, unnecessary hospitalizations, and increased costs. My research program aims to improve SSTI care by reducing treatment failure, hospital admissions, and negative patient experiences. To achieve this, I will conduct randomized trials evaluating (1) oral antibiotic agents and dosing strategies, (2) single-dose intravenous antibiotics, and (3) adjunctive therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications. This work will directly inform clinical decision-making for SSTIs and enhance patient care in the ED.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Kristin Kernohan – Tier 2 Chair in Genomics and Newborn Screening
Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program that tests treatable rare diseases (RD) at birth, saving thousands of lives annually. My research program is focused on new technologies for screening and diagnosing RD. Pilot programs globally are exploring DNA sequencing in NBS (genomic NBS – gNBS) to enable rapid expansion of NBS conditions. I was recently awarded $12M from Genome Canada to collaborate internationally to establish the first gNBS program in Canada. My future work will focus on this, as well as new approaches for RD diagnosis. Ultimately, my research aims to ensure all children receive optimal care.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Lana Castellucci – Tier 2 Chair in Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Safety
Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Safety is a research program aimed to evaluate the safest treatments for blood clots in the leg veins and lungs, and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. All blood thinners have a risk of bleeding and the studies in this program will help determine safest treatments with the fewest bleeding complications. These studies will be more inclusive of patients with diverse presentations and focus on vulnerable and underrepresented groups to gain better understanding of bleeding risks. We will use these findings to create standards of care for treatment of blood clots in Canada and internationally.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Lisa Caulley – Tier 2 Chair in Clinical Decision Analysis Research
Healthcare systems are facing mounting challenges as demand for services grow while resources remain constrained. Decision analysis provides a critical framework for evaluating clinical and economic trade-offs, offering a structured approach to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions. My research develops decision models that integrate evidence synthesis, advanced statistical models, and economic evaluations to guide clinical decision-making. By quantifying the benefits, risks, and costs of interventions, this program ensures that healthcare resources are allocated efficiently to maximize patient outcomes. It fills a crucial gap to support stakeholders in making evidence-driven decisions that optimize both patient care and economic sustainability.
Supported by the Department of Otolaryngology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Luke Lavallée – Tier 2 Chair in Urologic Oncology
A Tier 2 Research Chair will position me to expand my programs in patient-centered urologic oncology research which aim to improve quality and equitability. My programs are broad in scope, supported by patients, have focused objectives, and are feasible. As a current Junior Research Chair in Surgery, I was able to leverage support from the University of Ottawa into a CIHR grant – laying the foundation for a multicenter randomized trial I designed with colleagues in thrombosis and medical oncology, called PREVENT-GU. This trial, together with my patient decision aid program, ensures the Tier 2 Chair will be impactful.
Supported by the Department of Surgery, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Manoj Lalu – Tier 2 Chair in Innovative Translational Research
My proposed Tier 2 Clinical Research Chair in Innovative Translational Research will strengthen the path from preclinical discovery to early-phase clinical trials through a structured, multi-pronged approach. I will build on my successful research in multilaboratory studies, patient engagement, and trial design. This work has addressed gaps in rigour, inadequate evidence assessment, and misalignment with interest holders. I will integrate these approaches through a Blueprint for Translation that spans exploratory research, preclinical methodological reform, multilaboratory studies, and early-phase trial planning. Two cross-cutting methods—knowledge synthesis and interest holder engagement—will support this work. The research aligns with Faculty of Medicine priorities and aims to enhance the efficiency of biomedical research.
Supported by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Marco Solmi – Tier 2 Chair in Evidence-Based Mental Health
One-third of Canadians will experience a mental illness. The literature on treatments for mental illnesses grows exponentially, with the need to regularly contribute to, update, and translate it into a usable and accessible format. As Chair in Evidence-Based Mental Health I will conduct living systematic reviews and fill evidence gaps on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of treatments for mental illnesses, co-designing practice-changing platforms translating knowledge for diverse audiences, establishing uOttawa as the global hub for an international network on evidence synthesis and knowledge translation in mental health, ultimately bridging the gap between evidence and clinical care of mental disorders.
Supported by the Department of Psychiatry, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Mark Norris – Tier 2 Chair in Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are among the most destructive and complex mental health disorders. A second five-year term will allow completion of biologically oriented studies of youth with EDs, including brain imaging studies as well as studies of metabolic, inflammatory, genetic, and microbiome biomarkers. During my first term, we completed pilot studies investigating and demonstrating the feasibility of study protocols in this area. Over the next term, we will expand our sample size and methodology to incorporate fMRI scans as well as genetic studies. This will provide data across the continuum of treatment, which will provide insight into mechanisms of disease and treatment opportunities.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Michel Shamy – Tier 2 Chair in Clinical Research Ethics
I am a stroke neurologist and clinician-scientist with a strong track record of publications (>130 papers, >60% first/last author) and mentorship (>20 trainees). My goal is to ensure that clinical trials are conducted as ethically, equitably, and efficiently as possible. With this research chair, I propose to continue my innovative work in clinical research ethics by: (i) developing novel methods to assess clinical trial justification and structure consent practices for emergency trials, (ii) evaluating these methods in the real world, (iii) and implementing them as the ethics lead for the ACT-GLOBAL trial, the world's first international platform adaptive trial for acute stroke treatment.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Munir Boodhwani – Tier 2 Chair in Thoracic Aortic Disease
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), an indolent but deadly disease, has an outsized impact on mortality and morbidity. Current guidelines are based on poor-quality evidence leading to treatment variability, uncertain therapeutic value, and unknown cost-effectiveness. The proposed research program addresses this critical gap through a large, multi-national network (TITAN) to accelerate clinical trials in TAA. TITAN has 30 sites, 4 active trials and is supported by a research methods center, an imaging core lab, Biobank, and patient partners. Over the next 5 years, this Clinical Research Chair will generate high quality, guideline-defining evidence and make important strides in personalizing TAA treatment.
Supported by the Department of Surgery, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Naista Zhand – Tier 2 Chair in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is an understudied area in research. Considering the burden of illness and heterogeneity of current treatments, research in the field of schizophrenia is of critical importance. This Chair provides a unique opportunity to foster a sustainable research program, engage partners and trainees and contribute to knowledge translation in an understudied area of psychiatry. It’s in line with strategic priorities of the FoM and will drive improvements in clinical care and quality of life of this underrepresented population. The clinical chair will support physician researchers who have a crucial role in bridging the gap between clinical practice and scientific discovery.
Supported by the Department of Psychiatry, Royal, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Natasha Kekre – Tier 2 Chair in Canadian-Made Cellular Immunotherapies
My solution to improving Canadian access to cellular immunotherapies (treatments that boost the immune system against disease) is creating a pipeline that translates lab research to patients. While these therapies show promise, access is limited by costs and infrastructure. My “Canadian Led Immunotherapies Collaborative” platform decentralizes CAR-T manufacturing to make treatments more affordable and build Canadian innovation. Key projects include made-in-Canada CAR-T immunotherapies for 1) blood cancers, 2) autoimmune diseases, 3) solid tumours, and 4) newer T-cell therapies for melanoma/biliary cancers. The platform is anchored in equity and inclusion, ensuring therapies are accessible to all Canadians in need.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Sanjay Murthy – Tier 2 Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Collaborating with two national IBD research consortia and international experts in trial methodology overseeing my pragmatic trials leaders’ development program, I aim to advance multiple studies that I am leading/co-leading in IBD, including three multi-provincial population-based studies of cancer risks and health care utilization, two multicenter pragmatic trials assessing novel strategies for colorectal neoplasia detection during colonoscopy, and multicenter development and impact analysis of a risk prediction model for colorectal neoplasia to guide the timing of colonoscopy surveillance. These studies will significantly impact knowledge and practice and establish me as a global leader in IBD clinical research and pragmatic trials.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Sharon Johnston – Tier 2 Chair in Primary Care Learning Health Systems: PREMs, AI, and Data Integration
My proposed Tier-2 Chair program will transform how primary care will use patient-generated data and digital tools to promote equity, personalized care, and health-system integration. Anchored in three pillars—AI-generated patient education, digital collection of patient-reported outcomes, and real-world testing in concussion care—it will build and evaluate bilingual, and scalable innovations. The program combines human-centred design, implementation science, and AI to improve patient-engagement and system-planning. It supports training the next generation and aligns with key priorities in Practice-Changing Research for primary care, AI innovations, Brain and Mind, and Francophone health-equity, contributing to a more connected and responsive health system.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, ISM, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Sonny Dhanani – Tier 2 Chair in the Science of Organ Donation
Dr. Sonny Dhanani is a world leader in organ donation whose work advanced the science, ethics, and technology underpinning circulatory death determination and organ recovery. One person dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. More transplants are needed. The five-year research program as Chair in the Science of Organ Donation will accelerate AI-supported clinical tools, transform clinical practices, and enable policy and system-level change across Canada that will increase transplantation. By uniting leading investigators, patient partners, and national organizations, this program will maximize the impact of Canada’s organ donation and transplantation system through evidence, innovation, and ethical leadership.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Susan Humphrey-Murto – Tier 2 Chair in Medical Education Research
My five-year research plan tackles three priorities, building on past work while exploring new directions. First, I aim to improve resident well-being by extending previous research that exposed equity gaps in assessment and by amplifying the untapped role of program administrators—laying the groundwork for national reform. Second, I will strengthen research quality by continuing to lead in the rigorous use of consensus methods, including Delphi and Nominal Group Technique, and by addressing the inconsistent implementation and reporting of thematic analysis. Finally, I am deeply committed to building research capacity—mentoring future medical education scholars into confident, successful researchers.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska – Tier 2 Chair in the Population Health Program in Sleep Medicine in Ontario
I will use big data and advanced methods—such as artificial intelligence and predictive modeling—to continue building the Population Health Program in Sleep Medicine in Ontario. Over the next five years, I will lead projects to better define sleep disorders and their treatments using big data, study how well treatments work and their safety, and explore how sleep affects chronic diseases, mental health, and conditions like heart and lung disease. This research will help find people at higher risk and improve care. Working with researchers, healthcare providers, and patients, the program will support better policies and more equitable care.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Tiago Mestre – Tier 2 Chair in Parkinson's Disease
Encouraged by the foundational research in the last 5 years, the Clinical Research Chair in Parkinson’s disease program (CRC-PD) will generate high-quality evidence for innovative integrated care (Strategy 1), through a national cluster randomized trial, the refinement of an AI-powered digital self-care tool (eCARE-PD) and a first-ever co-creation of system-level care networks for PD. The development of novel clinical outcomes measures fit for disease-modifying trials in early clinical PD (Strategy 2), and innovative trial design for disease-modification therapies (Strategy 3) complete a comprehensive program focused on improving the PD lived experience NOW and in the future.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Tzu-Fei Wang – Tier 2 Chair in Cancer and Thromboembolism
My research program aims to reduce the burden of thrombosis (blood clots) among patients with cancer, a frequent and important complication of cancer and its treatments, by optimizing the use of anticoagulant therapy. My research program focuses on three main areas of unmet need: (i) Treatment of thrombosis in patients with cancer: Determining the optimal anticoagulation strategies for patients at high risk of complications (e.g. thrombocytopenia [low platelet counts] or drug-drug interactions); (ii) Prevention of thrombosis in patients with cancer: Optimizing prevention strategies in patients with cancer and central venous catheters; and (iii) Improving care in linguistic minorities with cancer.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Junior
Dr. Aisling Clancy – Junior Chair in Pelvic Floor Disorders
This research program focuses on the health care use, specialist care provision, and optimal treatment strategies among women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). My proposal can be divided into three research goals: (1) to evaluate the quality of life, health care use, and timely access to specialist care among women with POP with an emphasis on identifying inequities among subpopulations; (2) to identify predictors of success and complications of subspecialty surgical procedures for POP; and (3) to evaluate methods to mitigate barriers to adopting conservative (non-surgical) and preventative treatments for POP in appropriate candidates.
Supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Alexandre Tran – Junior Chair in Trauma and Critical Care Research
My research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with traumatic injury or critical illness. My team studies how to prevent dangerous blood clots in these patients as well as how to better recognize and manage life-threatening bleeding. The three main programs—PrOVE-iT, PrOVE-ICU, and CAN-BLEED—aim to design and validate novel risk scores, which we in turn incorporate into innovative clinical trials that match treatment decisions to the individual needs of each patient based on those personalized risk assessments. These studies also prioritize diversity, patient input, and real-world solutions to improve care for injured and critically ill patients across Canada.
Supported by the Department of Surgery, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Andrea Evans – Junior Chair in Data-Driven Child Health and Policy
This chair will capitalize on the analytic potential of population-based data with novel linkages to characterize the health of children facing adversity. The goal of this research program is to accelerate healthcare equity for underserved children and youth across Canada and will (1) connect academics, national agencies, the health and social and immigration sectors to novel reliable and valid national and provincial data (2) provide policy-relevant research addressing salient questions for equity-deserving populations (3) train the next generation of culturally sensitive epidemiology researchers in big-data analytics and (4) improve the health outcomes of underserved children through evidence-based decision-making.
Supported by the Department of Pediatrics, CHEO-RI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Eduardo Portela de Oliveira – Junior Chair in Stroke Imaging
This Clinical Research Chair aims to establish a program to integrate cardiac imaging into acute stroke protocols to address a critical gap in the early detection of cardiac sources of embolism. The program intends to improve diagnostic precision, accelerate targeted interventions, and enhance patient outcomes by incorporating rapid cardiac CT angiography during initial stroke assessment. The initiative combines neuroradiology, cardiac imaging, and neurology expertise to validate this innovative approach through a prospective clinical trial. Outcomes from this work are expected to inform practice guidelines, reduce stroke recurrence, and advance secondary prevention.
Supported by the Department of Radiology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Gayatri Saraf – Junior Chair in Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutics in Bipolar Disorders
My multifaceted research program at uOttawa focuses on advancing the understanding of bipolar disorder using neuroimaging and rational therapeutics. My key clinical leadership roles, current grant funding, collaborations across institutions and high-impact knowledge translation initiatives position this for success. The work proposed in this program seeks to establish and consolidate uOttawa as a site for cutting-edge research in bipolar disorders, with the help of state-of-the-art advances in neuroimaging and clinical trials investigating novel therapies.
Supported by the Department of Psychiatry, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Jamal Alkadri – Junior Chair in Perioperative Cardiac Surgical Outcomes
Many cardiac surgery patients still experience major complications largely driven by the injury that the heart itself sustains during surgery. Surprisingly, this perioperative myocardial injury remains incompletely characterized. This research program aims to leverage machine learning and predictive analytics to examine large clinical and administrative databases holding procedure-specific biomarkers and imaging data to describe perioperative myocardial injury and dysfunction after cardiac surgery. A comprehensive understanding of this perioperative myocardial injury will be foundational for future work examining interventions aimed at its mitigation.
Supported by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Kevin Boczar – Junior Chair in Cardiac Inflammation
Our research program is at the forefront of understanding inflammation as a central driver of disease across diverse conditions. Inflammation is a driver for many cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and pericarditis. It is also both a driver and byproduct of an array of other systemic health conditions. By leveraging advanced cardiac imaging, molecular biomarkers, and clinical phenotyping, we aim to transform cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment. These advanced biomarker techniques allow us to explore the interplay between these systemic conditions, the brain, and the heart.
Supported by the Department of Medicine, uOHI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Kheira Jolin-Dahel – Junior Chair in Digital Implementation and Innovation in Family Medicine
This program proposes a transformative approach to clinical care and medical education in family medicine by designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-enabled tools that are practical, equitable, and scalable. Led by Dr. Kheira Jolin-Dahel, the program spans clinical decision support, microlearning, simulation, and AI-driven feedback. Each project is co-designed with end users and embedded in real-world settings, ensuring relevance and sustainability. By aligning with the faculty’s strategic priorities, this program positions uOttawa as a leader in digital innovation, while also training a new generation of clinicians and researchers prepared to engage with AI in everyday practice.
Supported by the Department of Family Medicine, ISM, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Kianoosh Keyhanian – Junior Chair in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Alterations in the PTEN gene/protein contribute to the formation of multiple different cancer types, including endometrial (from lining of uterus), breast and ovarian cancer. The molecular method for identification of PTEN and the immunohistochemical PTEN stain do not correlate well, and instead, best used as complementary for uncovering mutations. Targeted therapies are being developed aimed at PTEN and its overall pathway including one drug currently approved in treatment of breast cancer. Our objective is to explore correlation of molecular method and immunohistochemistry (with special attention to mutation types) in endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer to maximize mutation detection.
Supported by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Mona Koaik – Junior Chair in Ophthalmology
This is a translational research project done in collaboration with the Ottawa Heart Institute. The team is working on adapting an injectable corneal collagen biomimetic (LuzCornea) created by the Dr Emilio Alarcon’s lab for use in reshaping thinned out corneas due to keratoconus. Initial in-vitro and animal model studies demonstrated its ability to rebuild the corneal stroma in a customizable fashion increasing its thickness, improving its curvature while maintaining transparency. The study aims to further this research by scaling the production of LuzCornea in compliance with medical device regulations and demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in a clinically-relevant large animal model in preparation for regulatory applications.
Supported by the Department of Ophthalmology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Nathan Yang – Junior Chair in Psychometric Properties of Clinical Assessment Tools in Rhinology
Clinical assessment tools are instruments used for the evaluation of a patient, and are crucial for research and clinical care as they allow for standardized assessments, facilitate communication and documentation, and measure disease severity and treatment response. Although most clinical assessment tools have evidence of validity and reliability, the quality of such evidence may vary from one tool to another. Hence, the objective of this research chair is to critically appraise the evidence of validity and reliability, and review the psychometric properties of clinical assessment tools in rhinology to improve data measurement for patient care.
Supported by the Department of Otolaryngology, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of MedicineDr. Shawn Chhabra – Junior Chair in Emergency Medicine Health Economics
There is no question that our healthcare system is strained, particularly when it comes to emergency departments. Granting agencies and journals are commonly requesting a health economic analysis to be completed alongside a clinical trial. I aim to develop a research program in health economics that will complement the world leading emergency medicine research from Ottawa. I seek to lead primary studies that focus on the economic and quality of life impact of interventions, that seeks to promote health system sustainability.
Supported by the Department of Emergency Medicine, OHRI, OVPRI, and the Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Jean-Claude Béïque
Chair in Synaptic and Network DynamicsDr. Ian Colman
Chair in Intersectional Mental Health EpidemiologyDr. Morgan Fullerton
Chair in Cardiovascular ImmunometabolismDr. Marc-André Langlois
Chair in Pandemic Viruses and Preparedness ResearchDr. Meghan McConnell
Chair in Medical Education Research