Lawson Health Research Institute is again ranked eighth in the country according to the 2020 edition of “Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals List” by Re$earch Infosource. This strong national position has been maintained by Lawson for the past seven consecutive years and keeps the Institute within the top five in Ontario.
Lawson, the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, has also maintained the top ranking for research intensity among the large tier institutions with $600,000 of research spending per researcher.
“Now, more than ever, people are understanding the critical importance of hospital-based research and its impact on health care,” says Dr. David Hill, Lawson Scientific Director and VP, Research for London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
“We have remarkable people right here in London working on solutions for health challenges that have a worldwide impact. Their knowledge, creativity and dedication never fail to astound.”
The top 40 list analyzes hospital-based research institutes from across the country on several metrics, including total research income from the previous fiscal year. The ranking looks at funds received from all sources, including both internal and external, to support research at the organization. According to the report, Lawson received $118,796 million in research income in 2019. Despite representing a 4.0 per cent drop from the previous fiscal year, Lawson has maintained its rankings on the national list.
Hospital-based researchers belong to a health system at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. With close proximity to patients and access to samples, they have mobilized to address COVID-19. Many Lawson research teams are implementing pre-clinical, clinical observational and clinical trial studies to prevent or soften the worst effects for patients with COVID-19. They are also studying the long-term and mental health impacts related to the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be one of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” notes Dr. Hill. “Lawson excels in rapid response research and is uniquely positioned to tackle health problems from within hospital walls.”
Quick summary of Lawson's ranking
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Rank in Top 40 Research Hospitals 2020: 8 (same as 2019)
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FY2019 research spending: $118,776 million
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FY2018 research spending: $123,790 million
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Percentage change 2018-2019: -4.0%
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Research intensity: $600,000 per researcher
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Research intensity - percentage of total hospital spending: 7.0%
