Adrian Guta named Canada Research Chair in Health Disparities and Public Health

Dr. Adrian Guta has been appointed Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Health Disparities and Public Health.

[DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor]

The University of Windsor is celebrating the appointment of Dr. Adrian Guta as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Health Disparities and Public Health — a prestigious national honour recognizing both his exceptional contributions and the University’s growing leadership in public health research. 

A professor of social work and one of Canada’s leading scholars in HIV, sexual health, substance use, and harm reduction, Guta has spent the past two decades advancing evidence-informed and community-engaged public health.  

His work addresses urgent local to national priorities, including the toxic drug supply, safer supply initiatives, and decriminalization. 

Guta partners with people with lived experience and community collaborators to design research that responds to the complex challenges communities face.  

As Canada Research Chair, he will integrate substance use health approaches with community-based methods to examine how social determinants and structural inequities shape health disparities across Canada. 

Vice-President, Research and Innovation Dr. Shanthi Johnson says Guta’s appointment represents an important milestone for the University of Windsor.  

“His leadership in health disparities and public health is advancing practical, equitable solutions that improve connection and care for communities experiencing persistent health inequities,” says Johnson.  

“His work reflects the type of bold, community-engaged research that strengthens our impact and addresses Canada’s most pressing health challenges.” 

Through this Chair, Guta and his team will develop integrated models of care linking community outreach, primary care, emergency services, and acute care, expanding interventions that increase access, reduce preventable deaths, and guide transformative public health solutions. 

Guta’s appointment strengthens the University of Windsor’s public health research ecosystem and its commitment to bold, socially engaged research, scholarship, and creative activity.  

The University continues to advance discovery, collaboration, and innovation that expands knowledge and shapes a healthier, more equitable future for communities locally, nationally, and globally. 

The University thanks the Canada Research Chairs program and federal investments, which attract, retain and support outstanding researchers and strengthen Canada’s talent and capacity to address critical scientific and social challenges. 

Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-11-27/adrian-guta-named-canada-research-chair-health-disparities-and-public-health