Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute

📢 Mark your calendars! On Nov. 5, join us for VCHRI Research Day 2026 & explore how the voices of patients, communities, clinicians & health system partners are transforming health research & driving real-world impact. Secure your spot & stay tuned for event highlights: www.vchri.ca/ResearchDay2...

buff.lyLiving DAGs for Epidemiology: The Example of Cerebral Palsy Etiology | Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & EvaluationDate

22 Sept

Explore the complex network of factors that contribute to cerebral palsy. Join C2E2 on Oct. 5 for a spotlight session with Robert J. Reynolds, a spaceflight epidemiologist & biostatistician: buff.ly/NoFevMp

22 Sept

🙌 Don’t miss #VCHRIResearchDay 2026: Voices that Shape Research on Nov. 5! Join an insightful discussion on how partnerships help build research as care, featuring Drs. Donald Griesdale, Gabrielle Legault, Teresa Tsang, Roger Wong & Stirling Bryan. Register now: buff.ly/wRjUkiy

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vghfdn.bsky.social @t-tsang.bsky.social @stirlingbryan.bsky.social

22 Sept

21 Sept

👏 Congrats to VCHRI researchers Drs. Kristin Campbell, Kathryn Isaac, Janice Kwon, Aline Talhouk & Andrea Neilson for receiving @cancersociety.bsky.social Challenge Grants that will support their innovative research, advancing cancer prevention & improving patient care & outcomes: buff.ly/glHq5qK

@ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @gynecancerinitiative.ca

21 Sept

buff.lyUBC scientists uncover why some Huntington disease patients decline years earlier - UBC NewsNew research from UBC's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute explains why some people with Huntington disease develop symptoms a decade earlier…

21 Sept

New research led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Michael Hayden explains why some people with Huntington disease develop symptoms earlier & points to a promising treatment target: buff.ly/uWVgt1U

buff.lyVideo: Canadian aid worker details Ebola outbreak responseMeaghan Thumath, a registered nurse and public health delegate with the Canadian Red Cross, describes response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is…

20 Sept

As a public health delegate with @redcrosscanada.bsky.social, VCHRI researcher Dr. Meaghan Thumath shares insights from Ebola outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo: buff.ly/fygDwk5 @meaghanthumath.bsky.social

buff.lyHow can you maintain a healthy brain as you age?When it comes to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, it can seem like you either win the genetic lottery, or you don’t. This in turn can fuel anxiety. Will I stay sharp into old…

19 Sept

Think well, live well. 🧠 UBC researchers, spanning neurology, nursing, dentistry, nutrition & psychology, share evidence-based strategies to help reduce the risk for dementia & maintain a healthy brain as we age: buff.ly/Tgv31xZ @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social

centreforbrainhealth.caBeaker Banter: The Road to Spinal Cord Regeneration with Dr. Brett Hilton - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBHBeaker Banter is a science entertainment podcast featuring innovators who are changing the world for the better. We have fun conversations, where

18 Sept

Beaker Banter is a podcast featuring innovators who are changing the world for the better. In this episode, host @mlithopoulos.bsky.social sits down with VCHRI researcher Dr. Brett Hilton to discuss his research on spinal cord injury regeneration: buff.ly/zYH5x6r@dmcb...

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute reposted

Science in Vancouver

@scienceinvancouver.com

18 Sept

⏰ @vchresearch.bsky.social researchers Drs. Aline Talhouk and Andrea Neilson are exploring whether it is possible to identify people at increased risk for #EndometrialCancer long before cancer symptoms are present. Learn more about their work: https://bit.ly/4xyG36n

17 Sept

🧪 Explore the future of clinical trials! This Nov. 6, we are proud to host the N2 Western Regional Meeting, which will spotlight how collaboration, patient & community engagement, equity & innovation are shaping clinical trials ecosystem in B.C. Register today: buff.ly/zwBniWK

vchri.caVCHRI Research Day 2026: Voices that Shape ResearchJoin us on November 5 as we explore how bringing together the voices of patients, communities, clinicians and health-system partners is transforming health research and driving real-world impact acros...

17 Sept

To underscore the connection between clinical research & improved health care & outcomes, this event will be held in conjunction with VCHRI Research Day, taking place on Nov. 5. Learn more & register today: www.vchri.ca/ResearchDay2...

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vghfdn.bsky.social @clh-lunghealth.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social @gynecancerinitiative.ca @agingsmart.bsky.social @scienceinvancouver.com @cantrain.bsky.social @healthresearchbc.bsky.social

17 Sept

vchri.caAsk an expert: How can I strike a healthier balance with my daily habits?When we think about healthy movement, exercise is often the first thing that comes to mind. But growing research is looking at how the way we move, sit and sleep throughout the entire day may…

16 Sept

As students head back to campus and settle into new routines, VCHRI researchers Dr. Guy Faulkner & Meijun Hou share new research findings on how the way you move, sit & sleep throughout the day affect your physical & mental health: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026...

vchri.caN2 Western Regional MeetingJoin us for a full-day regional meeting exploring how collaboration, patient and community engagement, equity and innovation are shaping the future of clinical trials.

Highlighting the vital link between clinical research & improved health outcomes, VCHRI Research Day will be held alongside the Network of Networks (N2) Western Regional Meeting on Nov. 6. Learn more & register today: www.vchri.ca/events/n2-we...

vchri.caMoving endometrial cancer prevention upstreamEndometrial cancer is the most common gynaecologic cancer in Canada, and its incidence continues to rise. Most cases are diagnosed only after symptoms develop, which is most commonly abnormal vaginal…

14 Sept

This #GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth, discover new research led by VCHRI researchers Drs. Aline Talhouk & Andrea Neilson, exploring new pathways to identify people at increased risk of endometrial cancer long before cancer symptoms appear: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026...

@ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @gynecancerinitiative.ca @cancersociety.bsky.social

14 Sept

13 Sept

As a community-engaged researcher, Dr. Heather McKay designs, tests & scales programs that promote health through physical activity, mobility & social connectedness across the lifespan: buff.ly/dhFQNuI @healthresearchbc.bsky.social

vancouversun.comShould B.C. hospitals ditch the Jell-O and meatloaf? UBC research suggests increasing plant-based mealsUBC researchers tested a plant-based menu in hospitals and found high satisfaction rates, decreased waste and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

12 Sept

🥗 With support from a VCHRI grant, researchers evaluated a plant-based menu in hospitals & found high satisfaction rates, decreased waste & reduced greenhouse gas emissions: buff.ly/FGmHztB @vancouversun.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @vchhealthcare.bsky.social

centreforbrainhealth.caPsychology of Bipolar Gambling: Why Mania Makes You Risk It All with Dr. Luke Clark - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBHAward-winning gambling researcher Dr. Luke Clark breaks down the science on why bipolar disorder and gambling are so closely linked, why gambling can feel

11 Sept

VCHRI researcher Dr. Luke Clark breaks down the science on why bipolar disorder & gambling are so closely linked & shares evidence-based strategies to reduce gambling-related harm: buff.ly/naWqiLJ @lukeclark.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

vancouversun.comHow SFU researchers found a way to use AI to discover new drugsThe new AI tools could reduce the amount of time it takes to discover and manufacture drugs used to treat diseases, such as cancer.

10 Sept

In collaboration with the Vancouver Prostate Centre, researchers at @sfu.ca are developing innovative AI tools that could transform the discovery of new drugs to treat cancer & other diseases: buff.ly/IaB8s7U

vchri.caImproving respiratory protection for wildland firefightersWildland firefighters are frequently exposed to harmful compounds found in wildfire smoke, making the use of respirators for airway protection particularly important.

9 Sept

🧑‍🚒 To improve respiratory protection for wildland firefighters, VCHRI researcher Dr. Renelle Myers investigates the many particles trapped in respirators used in active wildfires: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026... @clh-lunghealth.bsky.social

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute reposted

Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)

@dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

8 Sept

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, MonoUNet, spearheaded by DMCBH member and @vchresearch.bsky.social researcher Dr. Ilker Hacihaliloglu could expand the early detection and treatment of knee osteoarthritis, making it easier for clinicians to measure changes associated with osteoarthritis.

centreforbrainhealth.caExpanding access to knee osteoarthritis imaging - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBHAn AI-powered platform could give clinicians greater access to tools to prevent, monitor and treat knee osteoarthritis. A new artificial intelligence (AI)

mosaic.ubc.caPatient and Partner Advisory Committee – MOSAICWhat is the Patient and Partner Advisory Committee (PPAC)?

8 Sept

The MOSAIC study team invites individuals with lived experience of heart health conditions, family caregivers, people from diverse communities, community advocates & health professionals to join its Patient & Partner Advisory Committee. Apply by Sep. 14: buff.ly/QQbqmIS

7 Sept

This summer, VCHRI welcomed participants from the VCH summer camp for a behind-the-scenes look at health research. Students visited @agingsmart.bsky.social, the Ovarian Cancer Research Centre & ICORD, where they explored innovative research & discovered careers in health research help improve lives.

ctvnews.caYoung people are drinking less. So why are some embracing ‘tanmaxxing’ and smoking?Health experts are raising concerns as trends like “tanmaxxing” and cigarette smoking gain traction among some young people, despite growing awareness of their links to cancer.

6 Sept

Avoid prolonged sun exposure & wear sunscreen, protective clothing & wide-brimmed hats. 👒 VCHRI expert Dr. Sunil Kalia encourages people to practice #SunSafety strategies instead of following the social media trend of tanmaxxing: buff.ly/3Zlvji0

vchri.caNavigating breastfeeding after spinal cord injuryIn Canada, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, with continued breastfeeding encouraged into the toddler years. Yet, for women with spinal cord injury…

5 Sept

This #SpinalCordInjuryDay, learn how research led by VCHRI clinician-scientist Dr. Andrei Krassioukov is helping women with spinal cord injury navigate their breastfeeding journeys more easily & comfortably: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026...

4 Sept

Canada’s mRNA vaccine pioneer Dr. Pieter Cullis breaks down how cancer vaccines work & what they could mean for the future of cancer care: buff.ly/dlt2y9S @ubcmedicine.bsky.social

centreforbrainhealth.caImaging the retina: a non-invasive, accessible way of studying Alzheimer's disease - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBHThe eyes are often called “the windows to the soul” — but what if they could also be windows to the brain? Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related changes have

3 Sept

👁 The eyes are often called “the windows to the soul” — but what if they could also be windows to the brain? VCHRI researcher Dr. Joanne Matsubara explores how the retina can be used to detect & monitor Alzheimer’s disease: buff.ly/5xwIMwc @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

innovation.ubc.caBuilt at UBC: the world’s largest emergency medicine research hub to accelerate health crisis responseA pandemic-born network of Canadian emergency physicians, hosted at the University of British Columbia, has become the world’s largest emergency medicine research infrastructure and is now ready to…

2 Sept

A pandemic-born network of Canadian emergency physicians co-founded by VCHRI investigator Dr. Corinne Hohl has become the world’s largest emergency medicine research infrastructure & is now ready to combat health emergencies in a fraction of the time: buff.ly/neaV865

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @stirlingbryan.bsky.social @actionade.bsky.social

2 Sept

vchri.caA new possible treatment for severe bipolar depressionA first-of-its-kind study for bipolar depression is an encouraging first step toward the discovery of an effective therapy for patients with the condition.

1 Sept

A first-of-its-kind study for bipolar depression led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez is an encouraging step toward the discovery of an effective therapy for patients with the condition: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026...

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social @ninetlab.bsky.social @braincanada.bsky.social

1 Sept

vchri.caEmpowering harm-reduction behaviour with drug checkingSeeing a list of the unexpected active substances in their drugs empowered individuals to take harm-reduction steps, according to a study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher…

31 Aug

This #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay, learn how discovering unexpected substances in drugs empowered individuals using a drug-checking service to take harm-reduction steps, according to a new study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Lianping Ti: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026... #EndOverdose #IOAD2026

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @overdoseday.bsky.social

31 Aug

healthresearchbc.caHealing hearts: Shaping the future of cardiac care | Michael Smith Health Research BCImagine your doctor testing heart medications on a 3D-printed replica of your own heart before you ever take a pill. Dr. Zachary Laksman is working to make this a reality.

30 Aug

🫀 What if your doctor could test heart medications on a 3D-printed model of your heart before prescribing treatment? VCHRI researcher Dr. Zachary Laksman is exploring new pathways to turn that possibility into reality: buff.ly/BlKAoyg @laksmanlab.bsky.social @healthresearchbc.bsky.social

blogs.ubc.caEpisode 8 – The Knowledge Exchange: A Partnership-in-Action Podcast“But as a service provider, I can adjust my practice. I can listen to communities, individuals, and population groups about what is important to them in receiving healthcare, and through that I can…

29 Aug

In a new episode of the UBC Knowledge Exchange podcast, Sandra Fox from the VCHRI Indigenous Health Research Unit & Rebecca Hargreaves reflect on community-engaged research, cultural humility & social work practice in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside: buff.ly/ToHiWpL

28 Aug

Featured in @nytimes.com, research led by Dr. Stephanie Cleland explored the cognitive effects of wildfire smoke exposure, suggesting a connection between smoke exposure & lower performance on a “brain training” game: buff.ly/gtLifGf @clh-lunghealth.bsky.social

Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)

27 Aug

A person’s DNA can help predict suitable treatments, medications & nutrition for them. 🧬 VCHRI researchers Drs. Jim Johnson, Aly Karsan & Kevin Song are translating genetic insights to advance more personalized care: buff.ly/mDf38Lx @genomebc.bsky.social @jimjohnsonsci.bsky.social

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute reposted

@dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social

centreforbrainhealth.caThe influence of social situations on memory with Dr. Daniela Palombo - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBHResearchers uncover why social cues might stick out in our minds more than non-social ones, with potential applications in post-traumatic stress disorder,

A study led by @vchresearch.bsky.social researcher Dr. Daniela Palombo explored how memory can be impacted by what we pay attention to and whether a situation involved social cues. Read about the study here:

vchri.caPeople in profile: Rosalie HoQ: What is your role in health research?

26 Aug

🐈 Meet Rosalie — a urologic cancer research operations lead at the M.H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences who combines her passion for supportive care with a love of cats & photography: www.vchri.ca/stories/2026... @vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @cancersociety.bsky.social

👏 Congrats to VCHRI researchers Drs. David Granville & Aly Karsan on being elected as Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, recognizing their leadership & innovation in advancing health research, improving the health & well-being of Canadians: buff.ly/CyGA9Uj @ubcmedicine.bsky.social

🎉 Congrats to this year’s Knowledge Translation Challenge Award recipients! Learn how these innovative projects will help implement evidence-based practice changes to improve patient care: www.vchri.ca/announcement...

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2026 VCHRI Knowledge Translation Challenge project lead Winnie Wu will explore a pharmacist-led clinical decision support tool to help optimize inhaler selection & education for patients with respiratory conditions.

@vchhealthcare.bsky.social @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @fraserhealth.ca @northernhealthbc.bsky.social @providencehealthcare.org @providenceresearch.bsky.social

2026 VCHRI Knowledge Translation Challenge project lead Harleen Chohan will examine early medication literacy screening to enhance patient safety at hospital discharge.

2026 VCHRI Knowledge Translation Challenge project leads Calvin Wong & Meghan Lui will study a structured exercise program to reduce urinary incontinence after prostate removal surgery.