SUCCEEDING TOGETHER:

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER 1 REPORT

"In Year 4, we are focused on growing health innovation and critical infrastructure, creating an environment that is attractive to the brightest minds and demonstrating the importance of health research for the economic development of our region. We aim to ignite discovery, reach new heights and live better."

- Dr. Lisa Porter, PhD

WE-SPARK Executive Director

Distinguished Professor,

University of Windsor

GRANT COMPETITION RESULTS 2022

After a review process involving the 19 members of the Multidisciplinary Research Assessment Committee (MRAC), a total of $310,000 was distributed among 15 grant awards.Details of all projects can be found on the WE-SPARK website in September.

Thank you to grant sponsors: Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, the University of Windsor, and the Windsor Cancer Research Group.

ASK THE EXPERT

We continue to grow the ‘Ask the Expert’ program to serve as a trusted resource for our community and showcase the expertise we have in Windsor- Essex. In Q1, we added 3 experts to the series:

Clementa Stan, Mental Health & Addictions Patient and Family Advisory Council, HDGH
Patrick Kolowicz, Director Mental Health & Addictions, HDGH
Laurie Freeman, PhD., Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor

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Clementa Stan, a long-time member of the Mental Health and Addictions Patient and Family Advisory Council at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, is also a caregiver to a loved one and part of the team leading the Caring for the Caregiver project.

INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING & CAPITAL PLAN

Progress continues to be made on research infrastructure planning to continue to grow our academic health research environment. In Q1:

An environmental scan into Health Innovation Parks was completed and submitted to the Steering Committee for review.

We are continuing to grow our network to support our researchers in preparation for the Health Innovation Park – 13 new contacts were made representing a mixture of startups, economic development corporations, innovation support organizations and government.

Completed a review of economic impact models to initiate the development of a health research economic impact that could be adapted to specific audiences.

STUDENT RESEARCH NETWORK

Student Network Coordinator Ryan Palazzolo and UWindsor Student Eddie Grimmett at Science Academy / Biomed Day, July 5th, 2022.

By integrating students in our efforts, we train the next generation of researchers and create a network of students engaged in research and innovation. In Q1, we onboarded 15 new members, including masters, PhD, and medical students.

With many of our students graduating in Q1, we have reached 100 student alumni. Congratulations, graduates!

READ ABOUT THE NETWORK

2022 HEALTH RESEARCH CONFERENCE

Q1 began the organization of the 2022 Health Research Conference to be held on November 11 and 12. This event will bring together researchers, clinicians, students, and trainees to discuss healthcare-based research as well as cutting-edge ideas to improve treatments and patient experience.

Our sponsorship total continues to grow, speaking to the generosity and support of our community towards local health research. Thank you for making the difference!

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