On March 28, 2017, at the sixth annual London Health Research Day, young researchers showcased scientific work to help answer emerging questions in human health.
More than 750 participants, judges and guests attended this year’s event. Students, trainees, clinical fellows, residents and postdoctoral scholars presented research spanning all areas of health.
For example, Dr. Andrea Di Sebastiano and her team pioneered a new electrotherapeutic strategy that utilizes implantable hardware to deliver chronic, targeted therapy for a brain cancer called Glioblastoma. Another presenter, Tana Saiyin, and her team showed for the first time that maternal exercise during pregnancy may be an effective way to mitigate negative effects of diabetes on the offspring.
“As the largest event of its kind in Ontario, London Health Research Day unites talented young researchers and highlights the region’s leadership in health research and education,” says Dr. David Hill, Scientific Director, Lawson Health Research Institute. “Every year I am impressed by the innovation, quality and scope of the work showcased and look forward to seeing more from the participants in the years to come.”
Together, the presenters represent medical labs from across Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, including London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Robarts Research Institute. For the first time, presenters from Western University’s Faculty of Health Sciences also participated in the event.
Doug Jones, Chair for the London Health Research Day Academic Committee and Vice Dean, Basic Medical Sciences at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, recognized the importance of celebrating Canada’s 150th year as a nation at this year’s event. Scientific discoveries in the health sector not only contribute to London’s legacy, but on a larger scale, they also contribute to our country’s legacy. This year’s event was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of investing in tomorrow’s leaders and the future impact they will make on the world stage.
Participants presented poster or platform presentations, with a portion selected for judging. Attendees also participated in the LHRD Poster Passport program, introduced this year. For each poster presentation they listened to and provided feedback on, they received a sticker to add to their passport. If they collected five they were entered into a draw for a chance to win prizes such as an iPad or Fitbit.
The Lucille and Norton Wolf Health Research Lecture Series 2017 keynote presentation was given by Dr. Paul Thagard on “Explaining Mental Illness.” Dr. Thagard is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Waterloo, where he founded the Cognitive Science Program. His main research areas are philosophy of science and medicine, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind.
Three workshops by industry leaders and an awards reception completed the day.
The full list of award winners and photos from the event are available on the London Health Research Day website. You can also check out photos from the event on the Lawson Facebook page.
London Health Research Day is presented in partnership by Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
