LHSC and St. Joseph’s launch new research centres

LONDON, Ont. – London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London have unveiled new research institutes designed to strengthen hospital-based innovation. Lawson Research Institute at St. Joseph’s and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) will leverage each hospital’s unique areas of clinical focus while further integrating research with care, helping to advance discoveries that lead to improved patient outcomes.

The new institutes were announced at a launch event with guided open house tours taking place across LHSC’s Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital and University Hospital, as well as at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Parkwood Institute.

Attendees were able to experience signature research areas, including aging, mental health and microbiome research at Lawson, as well as cancer, children’s and mental health research at LHSCRI.

The day included demonstrations of discoveries that are reshaping care in Ontario and around the world, including a new robotic, body-weight support for people with mobility difficulties and studies using artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose rare diseases.

“When research takes place in a hospital context, scientists have more direct connection to the needs of the patients they serve,” said Roy Butler (pictured), president and CEO of St. Joseph’s. “There’s data to show that patients treated in research-intensive hospitals live longer because they have access to cutting-edge science. All patients benefit, not just those involved in clinical trials – and that’s the power of health research. That’s why this milestone day and the discoveries to come are real cause for celebration.”

The research institutes will build on the legacy of scientific excellence at both organizations. Their launch marks the completion of the transition from Lawson Health Research Institute, a research brand shared between the two organizations since 2000.

“We’re building on our history while introducing the next era in health research excellence, ensuring we will continue to attract the brightest minds in science and that patients will receive world-class, innovative care,” said David Musyj, supervisor, LHSC. “We will continue to collaborate with each other, Western University, and health research partners across the country and around the world, bolstering London’s position as a national hub for health research.”

Research teams across Lawson and LHSCRI will continue to collaborate closely on projects and large scientific initiatives. LHSC and St. Joseph’s will also continue to share administrative support for research activities.

About Lawson Research Institute
Lawson Research Institute, the health innovation arm of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, is committed to making and sharing discoveries that improve lives locally and internationally. Every day, Lawson’s 250-plus scientists work to transform imagination to innovation to patient impact. Lawson leads healthcare research. Find us online at sjhc.london.on.ca/research and on social media @stjosephslondon.

About London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute
At London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), our teams pioneer discoveries that transform the health of adult and paediatric patients around the world. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we conduct research where patient care is delivered, working alongside patients, families, healthcare providers and academic partners like Western University. We are leaders in advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and health conditions through a diverse research program that ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. Our research has a global impact as we build on LHSC’s 150-year legacy of health innovation and drive forward medical breakthroughs that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Find us online at www.lhscri.ca and on social media @LHSCRI.