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Home...Osler Research Institute for Health InnovationResearch EventsCelebrate Research Week

Celebrate Research Week

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We’re excited to invite you to join the Celebrate Research Week (CRW) 2025 campaign taking place November 17-21, 2025. This national movement aims to elevate the role of research in shaping health, economy, environment and communities in Canada.

Led by the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI), the 2024 CRW proclamation celebrated the launch of both ORIHI and the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, while highlighting Brampton’s innovators. This year, we are joining with national partners to encourage researchers, academic institutions, health organizations, research networks and innovation hubs across the country to amplify the importance of research in public life, policy and everyday wellbeing with a cross-Canada awareness campaign.

The three pillars of CRW at ORIHI:

  • National awareness campaign - proclaim CRW in your city, host events and promote on social media
  • Science-art exhibition 2025: Space for Grief - an immersive community-based research project to explore grief at Osler by staff, patients and communities
  • ORIHI Research Symposium - academic health and innovation and scholarly work

Why CRW?

  • Raise public visibility and understanding of research
  • Foster collaboration and community
  • Celebrate research impact across Canada
  • 2025 vision: National coordination of research celebrations
Mayor Patrick Brown (left) presents Dr. Frank Martino (right) with the proclamation for Celebrate Research Week in Brampton
CRW proclamation from the City of Brampton

CRW regional events

All events are free and open to the public but you must register starting October 15, 2025.

Day 1: Opening day

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Ceremony at Brampton City Hall (proclamation and media event)
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Tour of innovation district (downtown Brampton)
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Economic development panel
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Research open house (Brampton Civic Hospital auditorium)
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Opening of co-design art project at Brampton Civic Hospital (A Space for Grief)

Day 2: ORIHI Research Symposium

ORIHI welcomes you to the inaugural ORIHI Research Symposium, held as part of CRW 2025. This multidisciplinary event showcases innovative research across health care and community sectors and highlights the importance of sharing research to elevate impact, foster collaboration and advance knowledge.

Agenda (Peel Memorial auditorium and online)

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.: Registration, poster set-up, networking
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Opening remarks and breakfast keynote
Opening remarks

Presenters: Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice-President Quality, Research and Chief Nursing Executive, William Osler Health System; Dr. Veronique Boscart, Chief Scientific Officer, Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation

Keynote address: Advancing responsible AI for societal impact

Presenter: Rebecca Finlay

Rebecca Finlay leads the Partnership on AI (PAI), a global non-profit that brings together over 100 partners across 17 countries to ensure that developments in artificial intelligence advance positive outcomes for people and society. With a career at the intersection of technology and society, Rebecca has held leadership roles in civil society, research organizations and industry. Before joining PAI, she founded the AI and Society program at the Canadian Institute For Advanced Research, one of the first international, multistakeholder initiatives focused on the societal impacts of AI.

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.: Population health session
Population health and cardiovascular care: Clinical excellence with community impact

Presenter: Dr. Shy Amlani, Physician Lead of Cardiovascular Research, William Osler Health System

Dr. Shy Amlani, an interventional cardiologist and physician lead of cardiovascular research at Osler, will discuss how advances in cardiovascular care intersect with population health. Drawing on his extensive clinical, research and academic experience, Dr. Amlani will highlight how innovations in acute heart attack treatment, minimally invasive catheterization and equitable access to care can be scaled to improve outcomes across diverse communities. He will also explore emerging research, novel therapies and evolving models of care that inform both clinical practice and public health policy.

From feedback to framework: Developing a community-guided diabetes education program for Black adults in Peel

Presenters: Julianah Oguntala, Morgan Martin, Kisanet Kebedom (University of Toronto); Joie Shaw (Canadian Black Registered Dietitians Association); Chenai Kadungure (Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario); Dr. Maryam Taghavi (Sunnybrook Research Institute); Dr. Mireille Norris (University of Toronto); Dr. Camille Clarke (Toronto Metropolitan University)

Black communities in Peel region face a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes, yet culturally tailored education programs remain limited. This study developed and refined CHOICES Diabetes, a free, community-based online program grounded in culturally relevant, community-engaged practices. Enhancements include nutrition education, interactive cooking demonstrations and personalized goal-setting. The program presents a scalable model for equitable chronic disease education and improved health outcomes.

Cardiovascular disease and culturally adapted self-management education and support in Peel region

Presenters: Amrit Thandi (Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto); Joyeuse Senga (Toronto General Hospital Research Institute); Tharsan Kanagalingam(Toronto General Hospital Research Institute); Sebrin Sharif, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University; Prathiga Suthanthirarajan, David Campbell (Department of Medicine, University of Calgary); Kelly Smith (Michael Garron Hospital-Toronto East Health Network); Lorraine Lipscombe (Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital); Raj Pannu (Emergence Creative); Calvin Ke (Toronto General Hospital Research Institute)

An interdisciplinary community-engaged adaptation of cardiovascular disease self-management programs for Punjabi, Tamil and Black/African/Caribbean communities. The project demonstrates robust collaboration and strong support for culturally adapted prevention strategies.

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Health systems session
Equity in cancer care: Lessons from external quality assessment (EQA) biomarker proficiency testing

Presenter: Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Advanced Diagnostics, William Osler Health System

This presentation will highlight findings from the latest Canadian Pathology Quality Assurance report on EQA for biomarker proficiency testing. Dr. Sheffield will discuss the implications of these findings for health system performance, access to equitable cancer diagnostics and the delivery of personalized cancer care across Canada.

Leadership pathways in health care

Presenters: Elizabeth M. Wooster (Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster University); Teresa M. Chan (Toronto Metropolitan University and William Osler Health System)

This presentation explores the essential leadership capabilities required for contemporary health care leaders and examines the factors that support and accelerate their leadership development in today’s complex health systems.

Paired talk – Underserved health system
  • Piloting the health for all partnership (HAP): A nursing student-led clinic for underserved clients
    Presenters: Heidi Siu, RN, BScN, MScN, PhD, Humber Polytechnic; Kelly Gray, RN, BScN, MScN, PhD(c), Humber Polytechnic; Susan Ferri, RN, BScN, Humber Polytechnic; Tracy Docheff, Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto
    This community-academic collaboration explores an innovative nursing student-led, faculty supervised clinic to provide equitable care for underserved clients. Findings demonstrate the potential for nursing education to reimagine and shape health services delivery in ways that directly addresses local community needs and enhances health equity.

  • Closing the gap in service delivery: Evaluating a public health-led PrEP delivery model in suburban and rural Ontario
    Presenters: Carmela Rapino, BHSc (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University); Emma Nagy, MSc, PhD (South East Health Unit, Kingston); Sahar Saeed, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University); Beatriz Alvarado, MD, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University); Nicole Szumlanski, MNSc, RN (South East Health Unit, Kingston); Miriam Kamotho, BScN, RN (South East Health Unit, Kingston); T, Hugh Guan, MD, FRCPC, (South East Health Unit and Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Queen’s University); Jorge Martinez-Cajas, MD, FRCPC (Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Queen’s University)
    Using the RE-AIM framework, this study evaluates a novel HIV prevention service model in rural and suburban regions. The program increases access to PrEP through local public health delivery, offering scalable solutions to address gaps in HIV prevention.

12:00 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.: Lunch, networking and poster session
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Personalized health session
Advancing personalized cancer care through genomics and immunotherapy

Presenter: Dr. Parneet Cheema, William Osler Health System and University of Toronto

As Medical Director of Cancer Care and Head of Cancer Research at Osler, Dr. Parneet Cheema is a leader in precision oncology. Her work focuses on integrating genomic testing and immunotherapy into cancer care, to ensure patients gain access to the latest treatments through global clinical trials. Dr. Cheema founded the Osler cancer immunotherapy program. Dr. Cheema’s talk will highlight how personalized approaches are transforming cancer outcomes and advancing equity in access to innovative therapies.

Paired presentation: Wearable devices and personalized health
  • Exploring innovation, ethics and patient impact in wearable health technologies
    This paired talk brings together innovators and clinicians working at the intersection of wearable devices, patient care and health equity. Presenters will share cutting-edge developments in sensor technology as well as ethical perspectives on privacy, autonomy, and the integration of devices into clinical care.
  • Advancing Wearable Technology: High-Sensitivity, Humidity-Resistant Temperature Sensors via Inkjet-Printed PEDOT:PSS on Fabric
    Presenters: Milad Ghalamboran; Judith Castillo-Rodriguez; Camille Anne Javonillo; Sina Tahbaz; Parnian Majd (Fibra Inc.); Bryan Koivisto (Toronto Metropolitan University); Gerd Grau (York University)
    This project presents the development of fabric-integrated temperature sensors designed for wearable applications. By combining affordability, conductivity and biocompatibility, these sensors demonstrate enhanced humidity resistance and sensitivity, showing promise for future health-focused smart textiles.
  • Wearable devices, patient autonomy and privacy
    Presenters: Michelle Fornasier; Carlee Seiler; Téa Christopoulos; Megan Bailey; Dylan McKibbon; Marco Tang (William Osler Health System)
    Drawing on a narrative ethics approach, this work examines how wearable medical devices—from glucose monitors to seizure detectors—impact patient autonomy and privacy. The analysis highlights the importance of informed consent, privacy protections and ethical considerations as wearable and digital health technologies become central to patient care.
Psychological wellbeing and physical symptoms in anorexia cachexia syndrome (ACS)

Presenters: Miran Master (McMaster University); Dr. Martin Chasen (William Osler Health System)

This study investigates the interplay between psychological wellbeing and the physical symptoms of ACS in patients with advanced cancer, emphasizing the need for personalized health approaches. Using validated tools such as the hospital anxiety and depression scale, the patient-generated subjective global assessment and clinical measures including BMI, CRP and resting pulse rate, the research explores how individual experiences of psychological distress can intensify or lessen the severity of ACS. By integrating psychological and nutritional care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, this work underscores the value of holistic, personalized health strategies in oncology practice.

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Lightning talks
A scoping review of strategies to improve access to diabetic foot care, potential ideas to address disparities in Peel region

Presenters: Saba Shariati (University of Toronto); Jason Nie (Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Terence Tang (Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners)

Explores the lived experiences of young adults managing type 2 diabetes, identifying both barriers and enablers to effective self-care. Findings highlight opportunities for tailored interventions, provider support and health system changes to improve outcomes for young people living with diabetes.

Differential effects of alcohol by sex in steatotic liver disease: A time-varying survival analysis of the Canadian longitudinal study on aging

Presenters: Carmela Rapino, BHSc (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, School of Medicine, Toronto Metropolitan University); Jessica Burnside, MSc (Department of Public Health Sciences and School of Medicine, Queen's University); Cindy Wen, BMSc, PhDc (Department of Public Health Sciences and School of Medicine, Queen's University); Giada Sebastiani, MD (Department of Medicine, McGill University); Sahar Saeed, MSc, PhD (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University)

Examines sex-based differences in alcohol-related mortality risk among patients with steatotic liver disease.

Race correction in health care

Presenters: Daniel Dabir (Toronto Metropolitan University); Paula Chidwick (William Osler Health System); Angela Petropanagos ((William Osler Health System)

Race correction—the practice of incorporating racial or ethnic inputs into clinical algorithms—remains common in health care despite mounting evidence questioning its scientific validity and ethical basis. This project aims to list, describe and contextualize race corrections identified in the literature.

Assessing adverse outcomes of delayed ultrasound in ectopic pregnancy

Presenters: Alysha Roberts (Dalhousie University); Michael Butler (Toronto Metropolitan University and William Osler Health System); Mary-Lynn Watson (Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority)

This study reviews outcomes associated with delays in diagnostic ultrasound for ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary ED.

Fitting a square peg in a round hole: Ethics-proofing community-based research into a hospital system

Presenter: Paola Cubillos, MD (Colombia), MHSc Bioethics (C)

Explores the challenges of embedding community-based participatory research within hospital research ethics processes. It highlights tensions and proposes practical solutions to bridge community priorities with institutional standards.

Piloting health justice education: Impacts of the iHuddle curriculum

Presenters: Arany Sivasubramaniam, Cathleen Blanchard, Shalini Pattabiraman, Yasir Khalid, Chidinma Uzoh (William Osler Health System)

Examines health justice–focused staff education through Osler’s iHuddle program. The curriculum integrates anti-racism and cultural safety principles, offering early insights into workforce transformation.

South Asian immigrant parents and children's mental health

Presenter: Veena Rani (William Osler Health System, Paediatric Nursing)

Examines South Asian immigrant parents’ views on their children’s mental health and access to culturally sensitive care.

The prevention of error-based transfers (PoET) southwest spread project

Presenters: Jill Oliver, Paula Chidwick, Henry Siu, Shuaib Hafid, Dawn Elston, Theresa Nitti (William Osler Health System; McMaster University)

The PoET project is an initiative involving 54 long-term care (LTC) homes across Ontario. It seeks to reduce transfers from LTC to hospitals by strengthening decision-making processes and ensuring care is consistent with residents’ wishes and the Health Care Consent Act. The project’s implementation has led to a documented reduction in unnecessary hospital transfers.

ORIHI Research Symposium posters
  • Anti-Black racism in health intervention modeling
    Jannat K. Thind (Yale School of Medicine)
    Examines how anti-Black racism is embedded in health intervention modeling, with implications for equity-focused system redesign.
  • Black women, maternal mental health and barriers to accessing care
    Myesha Senior; Folu Alawoya; Enid Montague; Myrtede Alfred (University of Toronto)
    Explores barriers Black women face in accessing maternal mental health care, using patient journey maps to identify opportunities for equity-focused improvements.
  • Breast cancer: Cultural safety and gender inclusion in South Asian communities
    Manisha Pahwa, Ananya Banerjee, Ananya Chandra, Mahak Arora (McGill University); Priya Chopra (William Osler Health System); Keerat Kaur, Ansjyot Kapoor (Punjabi Community Health Services); Joshna Hirani (Sher Vancouver)
    Examines cultural and gender barriers to breast cancer care in South Asian communities, emphasizing culturally safe and inclusive approaches.
  • Co-designing health professions education to support health equity for integrated stroke care
    Sue Bookey-Bassett, Sherry Espin (Toronto Metropolitan University)
    Explores the co-design of health professions education to support equity-informed, integrated stroke care delivery.
  • Development and evaluation of an intake and navigation hub for team-based diabetes education services in Brampton
    Ipsita Banerjee (Sunnybrook Research Institute); Kimberley Floyd (WellFort Community Health Services); Baiju Shah (University of Toronto)
    Presents the design and evaluation of a coordinated diabetes education hub to improve access, outcomes and system efficiency.
  • Feeling safer: Implementing an innovative CBT approach for adults with psychosis
    Aidan Torrens (University of Toronto, IBH); Michelle Free (Trillium Health Partners), Deborah Scharf (Trillium Health Partners; OISE)
    Preliminary evaluation of individual and group-based CBT for adults living with psychosis, highlighting outcomes that support broader adoption of this approach.
  • Gender-affirming care: Patient education modules
    Erin Ziegler (Toronto Metropolitan University); Tayyaba Mawani (Queen Square Family Health Team)
    Introduces patient education modules on gender-affirming hormone therapy to improve access and equity in primary care.
  • Human–AI collaboration in patient safety events
    Deenar Virani, Victoria Yeung, Liuzhouyu Shi, Myrtede Alfred (University of Toronto)
    Assesses how AI can support the analysis of patient safety events to enhance reporting, learning and prevention strategies.
  • Legal implications of mental health and empowerment of nurses
    Anjali Geetha, Shashi Bharangar, Carlo Pangilinan, Bassaam Salim (William Osler Health System)
    Explores the link between legal responsibilities and moral distress in nursing, informing workplace policy and support systems.
  • Patient-centered care and the nursing shortage: The demand for skilled nurses
    Charissa Cordon, Desa Dlugosz, Gurleen Bunger, Karen Sedore, Shiniqua Keating, Tiziana Rivera (William Osler Health System); Natalie Boudreau (Ministry of Health); Tracey DasGupta (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre); Alexandra Harris, Jane Topolovec-Vranic (Unity Health Toronto); Beth Morris (Brightshores Health System); Suhani Patel (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre)
    Highlights the impact of the nursing shortage and explores workforce innovations like collaborative staffing partnerships.
  • Peel region: Type 2 diabetes in young people
    Matthew Adams, Carlo Chan (University of Toronto Mississauga); Vanita Varma (Humber Polytechnic); Maryam Niapour (Sheridan College), Cillia Mejia-Lancheros (Trillium Health Partners)
    Investigates rising rates of type 2 diabetes among youth in Peel region, focusing on risk factors and early intervention.
  • Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency and hospitalized patients
    Isma Akram, Julia Sciacca, Suheera Siddiqui, Denis Patel, Viththeagan Yohathasan, Mike Butler, Michael Polischuk (William Osler Health System)
    Analyzes how POCUS improves clinical decision-making, reduces diagnostic delays and supports patient management.
  • Pharmacist-led hypertension program: A single-centre retrospective analysis
    Bajinder Reen (William Osler Health System, Nephrology)
    Evaluates the impact of a community-based, pharmacist-led hypertension program on patient outcomes.
  • Understanding how families access resources in the NICU
    Seshini Mahabir, Parmpreet Kang, Esha Kuddu, Andrea Delera Lagrada, Darius-Vasile Caimac, Zhen Zhou, Navdeep Kaur, Satwinder Singh, Chanpreet Kaur, Fawzia Adan (Humber Polytechnic)
    Explores how NICU families navigate hospital resources, with implications for communication, access and equity.
  • Youth, COVID-19 and mental health recovery needs
    Adriana Salvia, Vanita Varma (Centre for Innovation in Health and Wellness, Humber Polytechnic); Shannon Brown (Faculty of Social and Community Services, Humber Polytechnic)
    Explores youth mental health post-pandemic and the role of community-based supports in recovery.
  • Cardiac and neurological complications of COVID-19 among Chinese and South Asians: Waves 1, 2 and 3
    Joseph Y. Chu (Consultant Neurologist, William Osler Health System; Assistant Professor of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto)
    This study extends prior research on COVID-19’s impact by analyzing cardiac and neurological complications among Chinese and South Asian Ontarians across the first three waves of the pandemic.
  • Ambulatory screening to identify persons with dementia at risk for behavioural problems
    Dr. Shailesh Nadkarni (William Osler Health System); Dr. Christopher Haddad (Toronto Metropolitan University SOM); Beyza Kara (Toronto Metropolitan University); Jaspal Brar (William Osler Health System); Sinthu Panchadcharadevan (William Osler Health System); Dr. Sudip Saha (William Osler Health System)
    This study evaluated brief screening tools to identify behavioural risks in patients with dementia in ambulatory care. Results showed strong correlations between emergency department visits and admissions, with variable wait times by provider and clinic. TAGA and its disruptive behaviour subscales proved practical for timely assessment and triage to appropriate services.
  • Designing a community referral pathway to Trillium Health Partners’ child and adolescent mental health urgent response service (CA-MHURS)
    Juliana Podobnik (University of Toronto; Trillium Health Partners); Pamela Freitas (Trillium Health Partners), Karen Petruccelli (Trillium Health Partners); Beverly Daosouk (Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners); Deborah Scharf (Trillium Health Partners; OISE)
    This study identified evidence-based screening criteria and clinical indicators to guide a sustainable community referral pathway to Trillium Health Partners’ CA-MHURS, aiming to improve access, ensure referral appropriateness and reduce reliance on emergency departments.
  • Annual MRI monitoring in multiple sclerosis: Toward personalized care
    Daniel Pourrahimi, Samira Ghorbani (University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology)
    Explores the benefits and challenges of implementing annual MRIs to monitor MS progression in Canada.
  • Strengthening patient safety: Closing the loop on incident reporting
    Deenar Virani, LaShawn Murray (University of Toronto); Krishna Jain, Elysia Semella, Komal Mazhar, Nimrah Kiyani (William Osler Health System)
    Identifies barriers and solutions to improve the feedback loop in patient safety incident reporting systems.
  • MEG biomarkers in adolescent concussion: Insights from CAMBY
    Nikou Kelardashti, Rouzbeh Zamyadi, Jaehyun Sur, Phillip Johnston, Pavreet Gill, Alexa Irvin, Andrea Hickling, Anne Wheeler, Shannon Scratch, Benjamin Dunkley (SickKids; Holland Bloorview; University of Toronto)
    Uses MEG to identify neural biomarkers in adolescent concussion, highlighting altered brain activity and complexity.
  • Reframing Canada’s opioid crisis: A supply and demand approach to public health
    Maia Klatt-Sautner (University of Toronto, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology); Leslie Boehm (University of Toronto, Trinity College; Dalla Lana School of Public Health)
    Canada’s opioid crisis, declared a public health emergency in 2016, continues to escalate due to complex social and systemic factors. This research proposes a dual framework that addresses both the toxic drug supply and societal demand for opioids. Drawing on historical context and global comparisons, the study highlights gaps in early policy response and the influence of pharmaceutical marketing. A supply-demand lens offers a clearer path for coordinated public health interventions and long-term solutions.
  • Investigating equity challenges that Black women and birthing persons face in maternal care
    Tosin Akintunde, Myrtede C. Alfred (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto)
    Black women and birthing persons (BWBP) in Canada face higher risks of adverse maternal outcomes, yet equity challenges in care remain underexplored. This study investigates prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum experiences using the reproductive justice framework. Through interviews and thematic analysis, it identifies barriers to equitable care and informs improvements in maternal health services to promote safety and equity for BWBPs in Ontario.
  • Addressing racial disparities in multiple sclerosis: A call for inclusive research and early intervention
    Julia Li (Unity Health Toronto, St. Michael’s Hospital); Nandita Vas (Unity Health Toronto, St. Michael’s Hospital); Lilyana Amezcua (Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California); Dalia L. Rotstein (University of Toronto, Department of Medicine)
    Multiple sclerosis affects diverse racial and ethnic groups, with earlier onset and faster disability progression observed in Black, Hispanic/Latinx and South Asian populations. Underrepresentation in clinical trials limits understanding of treatment efficacy across these groups. This study underscores the impact of social determinants on diagnosis, access, and outcomes and calls for inclusive research and early, high-efficacy treatment to advance equity in MS care.
  • Building trust, bridging gaps: Culturally responsive recruitment for diabetes prevention in Black communities
    Leila Hammond, University of Toronto; Asli Nur, University of Toronto; Dr Mireille Norris, University of Toronto; Dr. Camille Clarke, Toronto Metropolitan University; Chenai Kadungure, BPAO; Brihana Carey, Dr. Maryam Taghavi, Toronto Metropolitan University
    This project implements a multimodal recruitment strategy to strengthen culturally tailored diabetes prevention for Black communities. Grounded in trust, partnerships and accessible engagement, it highlights the role of community leadership and culturally responsive approaches in advancing health equity.
  • Building health equity: Strengthening community-based care for sexual and gender-diverse women
    Erin Ziegler, PhD, NP-PHC (Associate Professor, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University)
    Sexual and gender-diverse women in Canada face major barriers to culturally competent health care. This study explored how to build health promotion capacity within community agencies through stakeholder interviews across six provinces. Findings highlight the need for sustainable funding, diverse and representative staffing, and intersectional, community-led approaches. Strengthening these organizations is critical to advancing equitable care for underserved populations.
  • Implementing national standards to transform long-term care in Canada
    Henri Vandemoortele, Stephen Cross (University of Waterloo); Mark Dager (Oxford County); Samir Sinha (Sinai Health System); Dr. Veronique M. Boscart (Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation, University of Waterloo)
    Canada’s long-term care (LTC) sector faces systemic challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Health Standards Organization created a national LTC service standard to guide high-quality care. This CIHR-funded project examined strategies for implementing the standard through stakeholder engagement and policy development. While the Standard is widely accepted, full adoption remains challenging. Implementation is key to improving resident outcomes and supporting the LTC workforce.
  • Planning for health: Brampton’s bold shift toward sustainable transportation
    Kayle McMillen, MPH (Peel Public Health); Richa Dave, RPP (City of Brampton)
    This project evaluates Brampton’s 2051 Mobility Plan, which transitions from car-centric design toward health-oriented, sustainable transportation. In collaboration with Peel Public Health, the plan uses the World Health Organization’s HEAT tool to assess the benefits of walking and cycling across multiple scenarios. The initiative represents a shift toward integrating public health in urban planning to promote long-term community wellbeing.
  • Evaluating a knowledge translation podcast
    Adam Pariag (Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University); Elena Koning (Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University); Dure Khan (Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University); Alessia Cataudella, (Department of Psychology, Queen’s University); Martha Macdonald-Roach (Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University); Elisa Brietzke (Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University; Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University)
    This study evaluated how effectively Think Twice, a graduate student-run neuroscience podcast, translates scientific knowledge for diverse audiences.
  • System engineering improvement at Brampton Civic Hospital
    Kejah Bascon (Toronto Metropolitan University); Mattea Powell (Toronto Metropolitan University); YiFei Zhou (Toronto Metropolitan University); Amrutha Kumar (Toronto Metropolitan University); Ahmed Ali (Toronto Metropolitan University); Komal Mazhar (William Osler Health System); Nimrah Kiyani (William Osler Health System)
    This project applies systems engineering to analyze and enhance quality improvement processes at Brampton Civic Hospital.
  • Maternal cannabis use, prolactin levels and breast milk production: A preliminary investigation
    Abjot Kaur Basra (BHSc, MSc Global Health Student, McMaster University); Dr. Leticia Hernández Galán (PhD, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton); Nataly Ayoub (BHSc, McMaster University); Cinthya Moshtagh (MPH, PhD(c), McMaster University); Dr. Sandeep Raha, PhD (Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University); Dr. Alison K. Shea, MD PhD (Department of Obstetrics, McMaster University)
    This study seeks to explore the impact of cannabis exposure on lactation outcomes, addressing a gap in the current literature amid rising cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Day 3: Quality improvement and partnerships

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – QI academy hosted talks
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Research open house (Peel Memorial auditorium)
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Brampton Board of Trade panel

Day 4: Community initiatives showcase

12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Research open house (Etobicoke General lobby)
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Wellfort panel (virtual event)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Sheridan College (AI health care)

Day 5: Education and the future of medicine

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine tours

Science-art exhibition: Space for Grief

Hosted in the Brampton Civic Hospital courtyard, Space for Grief is an immersive, community-based research project, and public art installation.

Attendees can explore and share how grief is expressed, understood, and supported, with a focus on Osler. This is phase I of this research project that will be co-created with staff, patients, and community members, to foster healing, dialogue, and help to inform support solutions.

A Space for Grief installation at the Toronto Reference Library
A Space for Grief installation at the Toronto Reference Library

Research community partners

Thank you to the organizations that have already endorsed and are participating in CRW 2025. To add your logo to the toolkit, please contact us.

Community-Based Research Canada logoLife Sciences Ontario logoCity of Brampton logoResearch Canada logoToronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine logo

How to get involved

  • Download the CRW toolkit
  • Host a CRW event
  • Request a municipal proclamation
  • Promote on social media
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Brampton Civic
Hospital

2100 Bovaird Drive East,
Brampton, ON L6R 3J7
Phone: 905-494-2120
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101 Humber College Boulevard,
Etobicoke, ON M9V 1R8
Phone: 416-747-3400
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20 Lynch Street,
Brampton, ON L6W 2Z8
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Etobicoke, ON M9N 1N8
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135 McLaughlin Road South,
Brampton, ON L6Y 2C8
Phone: 905-456-3500
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