Online forum focused on public health improvements and efficiencies

UWindsor researchers are pushing public health forward — and inviting the community along. Last week, over 50 participants from across regional public health organizations took part in an online forum presented by WE-Spark Health Institute.

The Think Tank, WE-Spark’s second such forum this year, offered an opportunity for researchers, students, health-care professionals, and community organizations to come together to solve local health related problems and work together to move ideas forward.

Presenters looking for community input included University of Windsor’s Catherine Vanner and Ziad Kobti, along with Roger Fordham, Coordinator & Founder of Feeding Windsor Essex.

Fordham’s presentation focused on how community partnerships and research can support sustainable food programs with the ultimate goal of working with partners to submit a Trillium Grow Grant.

Dr. Kobti shared the University of Windsor’s capacity for supporting local healthcare organizations through better data utilization, predictive analytics, and increased system efficiency. The next step will be to invite participants to visit the computer science facilities and respond to local needs.

Lastly, Dr. Vanner introduced her project which is seeking a national grant, focusing on recent graduates’ experiences of sexual violence in secondary schools. The study will span five sites across Ontario, including Windsor-Essex. The Think Tank was a critical step in connecting with community members who will be part of an advisory board to inform all stages of the grant.

Online attendees actively participated in the discussions. WE-Spark developed the Think Tank series in the hopes of fostering meaningful collaborations that will drive impactful health research initiatives forward.

WE-SPARK invites all members of the community to participate. A third Think Tank event will take place in October. For more information, visit wesparkhealth.com.

By John-Paul Bonadonna. Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-06-26/online-forum-focused-public-health-improvements-and-efficiencies