Dr. Phillip Karpowicz Awarded $460,000 Grant for Groundbreaking Research on Circadian Rhythms and Colorectal Cancer In 2024, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) formed a groundbreaking partnership with Worldwide Cancer Research, a UK-based organization, to offer Canadian researchers a unique opportunity: access to international competition for funding to support their innovative cancer research projects. We are now witnessing the fruits of this collaboration. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Phillip Karpowicz from the University of Windsor stood out among numerous applicants from several countries and has been awarded a $460,000 grant over three years for his pioneering research on the role of circadian rhythms in colorectal cancer. This funding, made possible through international contributions and the support of our organization, will directly help advance cancer research here in Canada. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and its incidence is increasing at an alarming rate among younger adults. In this context, Dr. Karpowicz is exploring an under-researched area: the influence…
WE-SPARK Partnership Renewal Paves the Way for Continued Health Research Excellence Mike Silvaggi, President St. Clair College; Andrea Steen, Vice President Medical Affairs, Quality, and Research and Chief of Staff Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare; Robert Gordon President & Vice-Chancellor University of Windsor; Kristin Kennedy, President & CEO, Erie Shores HealthCare; Karen Riddell, Acting President & CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital WE-SPARK Health Institute is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership agreement, reaffirming the commitment of Windsor-Essex’s leading healthcare and academic institutions to advancing local health research, innovation, and education. On April 28, 2025, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital signed a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement continues the collaboration that has positioned WE-SPARK as a catalyst for transformative health research in our region. Since officially launching on March 9, 2020, WE-SPARK has…
International health research conference proves a hub for innovation and collaboration Sara Santarossa, Paige Coyne, Ashley Redding, and Maya Zreik discuss a poster presentation at the International Health Research Conference hosted by the WE-Spark Health Institute. The third annual International Health Research Conference, hosted by the WE-Spark Health Institute at Caesars Windsor Convention Centre on March 22, brought together more than 350 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students from across Canada and the United States to engage with experts, foster collaboration, and explore the latest advancements in health research. Representatives from Erie Shores HealthCare, St. Clair College, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital attended, alongside other esteemed institutions such as the Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER), Integrated Network for the Surveillance of Pathogens (INSPIRE), McMaster University, University of Calgary, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University, Henry…
'Saints Strong: Marching Forward' event showcases the power of community collaboration Student researchers and Research and Innovation staff present their Safety Village digital twin project at the 'Saints Strong: Marching Forward' event on March 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College) At the heart of every thriving community lies the spirit of collaboration, and the Saints Strong: Marching Forward event proved to be a living testament to this. The event, held at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on March 28, 2025, was hosted by the Research and Innovation team and saw students, the local community, and industry leaders come together to share, learn, and grow. The theme, "Marching Forward," embodied the College's commitment to not only educating but also to making a meaningful impact where it matters most: the community. Through interactive sessions, podcasts, and live discussions, more than 120 attendees had the chance to engage with a diverse range of speakers, each reflecting the College's vision of thriving together. "This event…
Health researchers discuss findings in Windsor-Essex Health researchers gathered in Windsor over the weekend, sharing their latest discoveries in three key topics. Health researchers arrived in Windsor over the weekend, ready to discuss their newest discoveries. The WE SPARK Health Institute hosted the event on Saturday, inviting experts from its partner institutions, including the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, the Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores HealthCare, and Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. The research displayed had a heavy focus on three key topics. “Cancer research, mental health, and community health as well,” said Dora Cavallo-Medved, WE SPARK Health Institute’s director. “We’ve been able to see that partners coming together to advance in these fields and actually make some changes in our policies, better caring for patients and their outcomes.” The conference was back after missing last year. Courtesy: https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/health-researchers-discuss-findings-in-windsor-essex/
Join the growing Windsor-Essex health research community at WE-SPARK After Dark Networking Event Connect with the dynamic and expanding network of health researchers at WE-SPARK Health Institute’s monthly networking event. This is a great opportunity to engage with others passionate about health research through both casual conversations and structured networking. WE-SPARK After Dark takes place from 5–7 p.m. on April 3rd at Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa St., in Windsor. Whether you're an active member of the health research community or simply curious to learn more, this informal gathering provides a welcoming space to build meaningful connections. The first hour will focus on meeting like-minded individuals with an interest in health research. Registration is encouraged but not required—feel free to bring a friend or colleague you’ve been wanting to connect with. Click here to register.
Fueling Innovation: WE-SPARK Health Institute Launches 2025 Grant Call WE-SPARK Health Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 Igniting Discovery Grants Program, aimed at fostering early-stage, innovative health research and education projects in Windsor-Essex. These grants provide crucial funding to support research across all health domains. In addition to the core Igniting Discovery Grants, researchers may also apply for specialized funding opportunities sponsored by community and institutional donors, including: Black Scholars Institute Health Research Grant (Black Scholars Institute, University of Windsor) Brain Tumour Research Grant (Connecting for a Cause Community Group) Cancer Research Collaboration Fund Grant (Play for a Cure/Cancer Research Collaboration Fund) Childhood Cancer Research Grant (ChildCan) Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Research Grant (Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association) Seeds4Hope Grants (Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation) Tayfour and Emara Research Grant (Dr. Fouad Tayfour & Dr. Barry Emara University of Windsor…
Study seeking volunteers to explore prevention and treatment of high blood pressure among Black populations Kinesiology professors Cheri McGowan, Kevin Milne, and Paula van Wyk are conducting research on isometric handgrip training as a treatment for high blood pressure among Black populations. One in five people has high blood pressure or hypertension, increasing their chances of heart disease and even death. Black populations are at an increased risk of having high blood pressure, and of having more severe complications. Yet individuals who identify as Black remain under-represented in research for high blood pressure. WE-Spark core principal member Paula van Wyk and her co-investigators in the Department of Kinesiology, Cheri McGowan and Kevin Milne, invite interested individuals to volunteer as a participant exploring the effectiveness of isometric handgrip exercise as an approach to preventing and treating high blood pressure among Black populations. They are looking for volunteers to come to the Physical Activity & Cardiovascular Research Laboratory in the Human Kinetics Building to complete…
March networking event to bring together Windsor-Essex Health Research Community Connect with the dynamic Windsor-Essex health research community at WE-SPARK Health Institute’s monthly networking event. This is a great opportunity to engage with others passionate about health research through both casual conversations and structured networking. WE-SPARK After Dark takes place from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, at Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa St. Whether you're an active member of the health research community or simply curious to learn more, this informal gathering provides a welcoming space to build meaningful connections. The first hour will focus on meeting like-minded individuals with an interest in health research. Registration is encouraged but not required—feel free to bring a friend or colleague you’ve been wanting to connect with. Click here to register.
