Stories October 16, 2024

Improving patient outcomes through research: Introducing London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute 

Stories October 16, 2024

Every day at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), you’ll find curiosity and innovation thriving. As one team evaluates new cancer treatments, another is using artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose rare diseases. Meanwhile, colleagues are developing new surgical techniques, pioneering epilepsy care for children, and so much more. 

With the launch of London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), announced on October 16, 2024, LHSC is introducing a new era in hospital-based research. Aligned to LHSC’s specialized adult and paediatric care programs, LHSCRI will build on our 150-year legacy of innovation by driving forward science that has a direct impact on patient care in Ontario, Canada, and around the world.   

“Through research, we’ll pioneer new discoveries that improve patient outcomes,” said David Musyj, Supervisor, LHSC. “LHSCRI will support our scientists and research teams in pursuing the diagnostics, treatments, and health-care procedures of tomorrow.” 

As one of Canada’s largest research-intensive acute care teaching hospitals, LHSC is dedicated to integrating research directly into patient care. Our teams will work alongside patients, families, health-care providers, and partners like Lawson Research Institute at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Western University to ensure patients have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and research opportunities.  

Research at LHSCRI ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. It includes population health studies, big data, and machine learning with a focus on translating research findings directly to patient care.  

Children’s health is one area of focus. As part of LHSCRI and Children’s Hospital at LHSC, our Children’s Health Research Institute will specialize in understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting babies, children, and youth. 

“Our commitment to children’s health is demonstrated through innovative research tailored to meet the unique needs of younger patients,” said Dr. Kevin Chan, Vice President, Medicine (CME), Research and Academics. “Through each of our specialty research areas, we’ll drive forward improvements that optimize the health and wellbeing of patients of all ages.” 

LHSCRI’s research areas align directly to specialty clinical programs at LHSC. They include: 

In the past year alone, LHSCRI scientists have driven forward numerous groundbreaking discoveries and innovations across each of these areas. This includes using AI to diagnose rare diseases, trialing new devices that could preserve more donor organs, demonstrating consciousness in the intensive care unit (ICU), trialing inhaled sedatives for critically ill children, and introducing mixed reality in the operating room.  

“Through LHSCRI, we’re focused on supporting our researchers to pursue innovation with unbounded curiosity,” shared Dr. Chan. “London, Ontario is home to some of the brightest minds in health care and science. Together, we’ll shine a light on them and usher in the next generation of patient care.”