WINDSOR, ON, August 22, 2022 - WE-SPARK Health Institute has released its 3rd Annual Impact Report covering May 2021-April 2022.

“In the span of three years, we have achieved remarkable results. Our local health researchers have attracted almost $30M in external funding to our region, included our local patients in clinical trials, engaged in almost 700 collaborations, and provided training opportunities for over 1,000 St. Clair College and University of Windsor students on research projects. Through the WE-SPARK grants program, 52 local grants have been awarded totaling almost $1M. These, and many other accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate our commitment to the health of our region and the values of WE-SPARK Health Institute - accountability, excellence, collaboration, innovation and sustainability. We truly are succeeding, together.” – Board of Trustees.

2021-22 highlights include:

• grew membership to 860 members;
• facilitated 13 clinical professorships;
• created a plan to connect and grow industry engagement in preparation for new health research infrastructure for Windsor-Essex
• established a robust student network; and
• delivered 24 events with over 700 participants.

“For the past three years we’ve been focusing on establishing a strong common vision, uniting our strengths and accelerating our research activities and the progress is exciting,” said executive director Lisa Porter. “I’m very proud of our team, and thank our four supporting partner agencies, and the clinicians, researchers, students, community supporters and donors for making this all possible.

“As we look forward to our fourth year, we continue to support the people that drive health research in our community, and accelerate research ideas to become successfully funded projects. With the new hospital system moving forward and a joint commitment to a health innovation hub, WE-SPARK is 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-SPARK Health Institute is supported by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor and Windsor Regional Hospital. It is directed by a Board of Trustees made up of its leaders President & CEO Bill Marra, President Patti France, President & Vice-Chancellor Robert Gordon and President & CEO David Musyj respectively.

The full report can be found here.

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