Three research projects at UHN have received a combined total of over $4 million to support research on increasing the number of suitable donor lungs for transplantation, building innovative MRI technology for neurological disorders, and understanding muscle health and the mechanisms of osteoarthritis.
The Ontario government has invested more than $92 million across the province in research projects at universities, colleges, research institutes, and research hospitals through the Ontario Research Fund.
The recipients of this funding include the following UHN Researchers:
●Dr. Ian Connell, Affiliate Scientist at KITE Research Institute, and Dr. Taufik Valiante, Senior Scientist at Krembil Research Institute, received $1.9 million from the Research Excellence program to develop advanced MRI technology for neuromodulation therapy—the use of implanted devices to precisely treat neurological disorders. They are partnering with medical device company Synaptive Medical to transform care for conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson disease. Dr. Connell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto (U of T). Dr. Valiante is also a Professor of Surgery at U of T.
● Drs. Shaf Keshavjee and Bo Wang, Senior Scientists at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), received $2 million from the Research Excellence program to develop advanced technologies to increase the availability of life-saving donor lungs. They will use artificial intelligence (AI) to find solutions for human lung preservation and assessment. Dr. Keshavjee is also a Professor of Surgery at U of T and Dr. Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Computer Science and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at U of T.
●Dr. Andy Kin On Wong, Scientist at TGHRI and Schroeder Arthritis Institute, received $275,000 from the Small Infrastructure Fund. This funding will go toward the Sarcopenia and Musculoskeletal Interactions (SaMI) Collaborative Hub. Dr. Wong will study how knee osteoarthritis is related to muscle strength, activity, and balance by using functional testing equipment. His team also aims to broadly investigate the interaction of muscles, bones, and fat using imaging to better understand joint health and pain during stair climbing. This project was co-funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). Dr. Wong is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at U of T.
This funding will help institutions cover the costs of their research operations and facilities, including building, renovating, and equipping research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories.
“When we invest in research, we invest in our province’s future,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "These critical investments will ensure Ontario’s researchers can continue making discoveries that drive key sectors, create good-paying jobs, and improve the lives of all Ontarians.”
Congratulations to all recipients at UHN!
To read the announcement, click here. To see a full list of funded projects in 2024, click here.