SickKids Hospital
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is among the leading paediatric hospitals in the world. With an integrated network of care, research, and education, SickKids receives almost 300,000 visits in their clinics alone each year. It is considered one of the most research-intensive hospitals in Canada.
A cohesive team with diverse skill sets make up the foundation of this teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. Over 800 researchers work together in a spectrum of disciplines, from cell biology to neuroscience. Clinicians and scientists search for innovative solutions and technologies that would provide the best care for children.
SickKids is a global leader in medical research and is recognized internationally for its discoveries. It is also home to many Canadian firsts, including the first successful separation of conjoined twins, first bone marrow transplant program, and first living-donor kidney transplant in the paediatric population.
MaRS
Bringing together an interdisciplinary group of entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and scientists in a centre of innovation, MaRS is on a mission to transform ideas into a ground-breaking reality.
MaRS provides a platform of commercialization for scientific discoveries: entrepreneurs get access to capital, mentorship, and laboratories to experiment with their designs and inspirations; and corporations are able to invest in talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
In partnership with its stakeholders, MaRS has developed several programs to help its clients access the market. Current initiatives include the Advanced Energy Centre, Building Future Leaders, Data Catalyst, MaRS Catalyst Fund, MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, MaRS EXCITE, MaRS Solution Lab, and Studio Y.
MaRS empowers entrepreneurs, which is why the impact of its discoveries resonates beyond its glass walls.
Gairdner Foundation Awards and Talks
The Canada Gairdner Awards, valued at $100,000 each, distinguish seven top scientists for their contributions to medicine, global health, and scientific leadership. As the most esteemed medical award in Canada, they are presented annually in October at a black tie gala hosted by the Royal Ontario Museum.
The Gairdner Foundation hosts National and Student Outreach Programs, where current and past awardees tour the country and speak with the next generation of scientists at over 20 universities. An annual symposium is also held in Toronto to further explore the themes presented in research by current Canada Gairdner Awardees.
University Health Network
Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute make up the University Health Network (UHN).
As teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, the UHN provides education and medical training. It is at the forefront of research and patient care with over 1,000 trainees; it’s known for the mentorship and support system it provides for the next generation of researchers.
There are currently five research centres based in these hospitals that cover the spectrum of translational, clinical, and basic science research. From cardiovascular sciences to population health, the UHN is consistently on the edge of new discoveries. Just this past year, the UHN performed the world’s first triple-organ transplant of the liver, pancreas, and lung in a single operation.
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
The Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH) at U of T is a leader in public health, with world-renowned experts training hundreds of graduate students each year. The field of public health encompasses the prevention of disease and injury through education, policies, and research.
The DLSPH’s HIV Studies Unit has pioneered the social and behavioural approach to HIV research. Its faculty members have worked in overcoming health crises, such as the 2003 SARS outbreak. DLSPH graduates continue to apply their education beyond the school. Alumni have gone on to academia at Harvard University and biosciences with the Canadian Armed Forces.