Reaching Our North Star

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The 2023 UHN Research Report focuses our ambition on Our North Star—creating A Healthier World.
Posted On: November 10, 2023
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The 2023 report features discoveries and achievements from across UHN’s research institutes and foundations: (pictured clockwise) Drs. Michael LaFlamme and Stephanie Protze (Senior Scientist and Scientist, McEwen Stem Cell Institute), staff from project UHN Cares, two students from Dr. Tony Lam’s lab (Senior Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute), Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova (Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Research), Dr. Mojgan Hodaie (Senior Scientist, Krembil Research Institute), and Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva (Scientist, KITE).

November 10 marks the annual World Science Day for Peace and Development, a day to celebrate the importance and impact of science in our everyday lives. In recognition of this day, UHN is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 UHN Research Report, Reaching Our North Star.

This year’s World Science Day theme, Building Trust in Science, highlights the impact of trust in shaping science perception and strengthening science-based policy. As the world continues to struggle with pressing healthcare challenges, more trust is put on the promise of science to deliver safe and transformative solutions.

Our North Star—Creating A Healthier World—is a vision that unifies TeamUHN by creating a common purpose, strengthening trust, collaboration and determination to empower researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and take on some of the world’s most complex challenges. 

With the launch of our 2023 UHN Research Report, we showcase the transformative power of UHN’s breakthroughs that echo worldwide. Through a dynamic multimedia website, this year’s research report features research advancements, milestones, awards and other highlights from across UHN’s research institutes, including the following:

● KITE researchers investigate the impact of traumatic brain injury on patients, caregivers and their relationships, emphasizing the importance of inclusive rehabilitation and gender-sensitive care for enhanced recovery outcomes.  

● Artificial intelligence is helping Krembil Research Institute scientists unveil the connections between chronic pain conditions and accelerated brain aging. 

● A McEwen Stem Cell Institute project was awarded $23.6M to transform the landscape of heart disease therapies.  

● Cancer researchers from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre explore critical factors in cancer development and treatment effectiveness. 

● A Toronto General Hospital Research Institute team unlocks the key to weight loss and obesity therapies. 

● Researchers at The Institute for Education Research launch a mental health support program, UHN CARES, in response to heightened stress and demanding conditions faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The report also highlights how we have engaged tens of thousands of listeners through our award-winning, science-focused podcasts and recaps the generous support of our donor community, facilitated by the dedicated teams at UHN Foundation and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

All of these achievements would not have been possible without our partners at the University of Toronto, non-profit organizations, the private sector, the government and our foundations.

Join us as we reflect on a year of remarkable achievements and look ahead to forging a path to a boundless future.

Click here to read the full report. Previous reports can be found here