$16.5M Investment Fuels Four New Research Chairs at Western

A significant investment of nearly $16.5 million from the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) and Western University will establish four new research chairs aimed at transforming patient care. This funding will support groundbreaking research into persistent health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and neurological disorders, fostering advancements at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI).

The funding comprises $8.2 million in donations from LHSF, which will be matched by Western, enabling researchers to tackle some of the most challenging health issues faced by patients. According to Western President Alan Shepard, “These investments made through the London Health Sciences Foundation will change the lives of patients locally and around the world.” The partnership between LHSF and Western University enhances the potential for innovative solutions in health care.

Advancing Neurosurgery and Cardiovascular Care

The establishment of the Charles G. Drake Chair in Neurosurgery Research, supported by $1.5 million in donations from LHSF, will focus on developing advanced surgical treatments for complex neurosurgical disorders. This chair honors the legacy of the late Dr. Charles Drake, a prominent local neurosurgeon and Western alumnus. Dr. David Steven, who will hold this chair, emphasizes the critical need for ongoing research in neurosurgery, which can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life.

In parallel, the new Chair in Cardiovascular Clinical and Translational Research, financed by $2.5 million in philanthropic support, aims to enhance clinical research and innovation in cardiovascular care. With approximately 2.6 million adults in Canada living with heart disease, this chair will train emerging leaders in the field and bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical patient care.

Transforming Kidney Care and Orthopaedic Surgery

Kidney disease remains a pressing health issue, contributing to early mortality worldwide. The Kay Family Chair in Transformational Kidney Care has been established to address this challenge, with Dr. Amit Garg appointed as its inaugural holder. This chair, funded through contributions from the Kay family and the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance Canada, will focus on preventing kidney failure and improving health outcomes for patients reliant on dialysis or transplant.

Additionally, the Chair in Orthopaedic Research and Innovation, backed by another $2.5 million donation from LHSF, will spearhead advancements in hip and knee joint replacements. Given that over 100,000 hip and knee surgeries are performed annually in Canada, this chair will work on improving the safety and effectiveness of these common procedures.

The establishment of these four research chairs marks a transformative step in advancing patient care across multiple medical disciplines. Dr. Chris McIntyre, interim vice president of research at LHSC and scientific director of LHSCRI, stated, “These chairs will advance patient care outcomes and accelerate life-changing treatments through scientific exploration.”

The new chairs are part of a broader initiative at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, which has seen the establishment of 18 endowed chairs in recent years, thanks to the generous support of local donors. The collaboration between the university and its community reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering innovative research that benefits patients both locally and globally.