Cheers to Hope on November 5: An Evening Supporting Local Health Research WE-SPARK Health Institute invites the community to Cheers to Hope on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Ambassador Golf Club. The evening will bring together researchers, supporters and community members to connect, celebrate and help launch the next round of funding through WE-SPARK’s Grants Program.Guests will have the opportunity to meet local researchers and learn how their work is helping address health challenges in Windsor-Essex. It’s a chance to get to know the people behind the research and help turn promising ideas into new discoveries.Funds raised will support WE-SPARK’s Grants Program, helping researchers explore innovative approaches to improving health and care in our region. Community support gives local research teams the opportunity to develop ideas, build evidence and take the next steps toward discoveries that could benefit patients and families.Event detailsDate: Thursday, November 5, 2026Time: 5:00–7:30 p.m.Location: Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue,…
University of Windsor ranks 2nd in Ontario for Research Impact and Graduation Rate Ranked 2nd in Ontario and 6th in Canada, the research impact ranking reflects the reach and significance of discovery and innovationat the University of Windsor. (FILE/University of Windsor)Maclean’s 2027 University Rankings The University of Windsor is earning recognition among Ontario’s midsized universities, ranking among the top institutions in the province for research impact, graduation performance and achieving a strong provincial ranking for student-to-faculty ratio. Maclean’s annual University Rankings, released their 2027 results with UWindsor placing at the top in three categories: Second in Ontario and sixth in Canada for research impactSecond in Ontario and fourth in Canada for graduation rate Third in Ontario for student-to-faculty ratio Together, these results highlight critical dimensions of the University of Windsor experience: advancing research that makes a difference and supporting student achievement. “These rankings reflect the priorities that matter…
Science researchers take top honours at inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship Dr. Dan Xiao won the inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship. Pictured with Dr. Shanthi Johnson (L) and Tom Schnekenburger (R). (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor) Three University of Windsor Faculty of Science researchers earned top honours in the inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship for projects with potential applications in poultry farming, cancer treatment and chemical detection.Dr. Dan Xiao, Dr. Brian DeVeale and PhD student Nathan Drouillard were among 10 fellows from across the University who spent 14 weeks learning how to turn their research into viable business ventures.The program culminated in a pitch showcase where participants presented their ideas to a panel of investors, government partners and business leaders, competing for cash prizes and additional mentorship.Xiao, a researcher in the Department of Physics, claimed first place and a $10,000 prize for her proposal to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to identify infertile chicken eggs before they…
WE-SPARK Invites Applications for Cancer Research Program Leads WE-SPARK Health Institute is inviting applications for two Cancer Research Program Leads, one academic and one clinical, to help shape the future of cancer research in Windsor-Essex.Working in partnership, the Program Leads will bring researchers and healthcare professionals together to advance cancer research across the region. They will advance strategic priorities, foster collaborations, attract new opportunities, and help continue to build a vibrant and sustainable cancer research ecosystem.“Building a strong and sustainable cancer research ecosystem takes dedicated leadership, collaboration and a commitment to bringing people together around common goals,” says Dora Cavallo-Medved, Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “We’re grateful to the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund and Play for a Cure Pro-Am with funds stewarded at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation for investing in these roles and the future of cancer research in our region.”Applications are due November…
Terry Fox Research Institute’s Dr. Jim Woodgett to Speak in Windsor on October 30 About the Next Generation of Cancer Care How is precision oncology transforming cancer care, and what role is Windsor-Essex playing in this national effort?Join Dr. Jim Woodgett on October 30, 2026, for The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network – The Next Generation. Everyone is welcome to attend.Dr. Woodgett is President and Scientific Director of the Terry Fox Research Institute, Senior Investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Professor of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto.He will share how the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network is advancing precision oncology, an approach that uses the unique characteristics of a person’s cancer to help guide treatment. The presentation will also explore Windsor-Essex’s contributions to the network and how this collaboration is helping bring cutting-edge cancer research closer to home.Event detailsDate: Friday, October 30, 2026Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m.Location: Toldo Health Education Centre, Room 200, 455 California Avenue, Windsor, OntarioPlease…
WE-SPARK awards $522,000 to advance 33 local health research projects From wearable technology that could help detect movement disorders earlier to improving emergency care in rural communities, 33 newly funded research projects are exploring ways to improve health and healthcare in Windsor-Essex and beyond.WE-SPARK Health Institute and its funding partners celebrated this year’s grant recipients at an awards ceremony on September 16 at the Ambassador Golf Club. The grants total $522,000 and involve 203 researchers and trainees across the region.The investment includes 19 Igniting Discovery Grants, 11 IDEA Grants, one Incentive Grant and two Student Research Training Grants. It brings the total awarded through WE-SPARK’s grants program to more than $2.8 million since its launch in April 2020.“These grants provide research teams with the opportunity to explore new ideas, build partnerships and generate the early evidence needed to move important projects forward,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Director, WE-SPARK Health Institute. “The range of projects…
Share Ideas and Make Connections at WE-SPARK’s October Think Tank WE-SPARK Health Institute’s next virtual Think Tank takes place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Topics include managing chemotherapy side effects, improving access to care for older adults, and using data to solve healthcare and community challenges.Think Tanks bring researchers, healthcare providers, students and community partners together to exchange ideas and help move research forward. Anyone who enjoys solving problems is welcome to take part.This month, three presenters will lead the following discussions. Participants are invited to choose one breakout session based on their interests and expertise. Biology, Prevention, and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced NeuropathyPresenter: Vikas Garg, MD, Windsor Regional HospitalChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and often persistent side effect of certain chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Garg will introduce a research program at Windsor Regional Cancer Centre focused on improving its prevention, early…
Foundation funds cancer research WE-SPARK Health Institute received $150,000 to help advance research focused on cancer prevention, cancer risk, survivorship and youth engagement in cancer care. Pictured from left to right: Houida Kassem, Dr. Ayman Sayyed, Dr. Vikas Garg, Dr. Kathy Pfaff, Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Dr. Lisa Porter and Dr. John Hudson. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor) Five WE-SPARK Health Institute members are receiving funding from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation to advance research focused on cancer prevention, cancer risk, survivorship and youth engagement in cancer care.The investment, provided through the Dr. Hakam Abu-Zahra Research Fund, is part of a $150,000 commitment to support locally led projects selected through WE-SPARK Health Institute's 2026 Igniting Discovery Grants competition.At UWindsor, the funding will support projects led by Dr. Phillip Karpowicz and Dr. Lisa Porter from the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Dr Joanne Tay from the Faculty of Nursing.Karpowicz will…
Connect with the Health Research Community at WE-SPARK After Dark WE-SPARK Health Institute invites the Windsor-Essex health research community to connect at its next WE-SPARK After Dark on Thursday, October 1. This monthly gathering offers a relaxed setting to meet new people, exchange ideas and start conversations that could lead to future collaborations. Everyone is welcome.Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026Time: 5–7 p.m.Location: The Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa Street, WindsorThe event is free. Registration is encouraged but not required. Please click here register.
