The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is excited to expand its premier roster of research centres and programs with the addition of a new cardiovascular powerhouse. The Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (DCI), a global centre of excellence, launched in June 2025. Its establishment was made possible by a record-setting $60 million philanthropic gift from the Dilawri Foundation.
The novel Break Wave lithotripsy (BWL) technology offers a game-changing alternative treatment for kidney stones. Discussed in a study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Ben Chew, BWL is a portable and less invasive procedure than the current gold standard treatment, with the potential to enhance access for patients living in remote areas.
Vancouver, BC – In a landmark announcement, the Dilawri Foundation has made a record-setting $60 million philanthropic gift to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to establish the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (DCI) on the Vancouver General Hospital campus.
Vancouver, BC — May 27, 2025 — Vancouver Coastal Health has launched British Columbia’s first dedicated inpatient clinical trials unit for early-phase therapies in blood cancers. Located at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the new Hematology Research Unit will deliver revolutionary therapies — including first-in-human treatments such as advanced immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapy — to patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant hematological diseases.
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is committed to fostering a culture of mentorship and supporting the next generation of health researchers through the Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge and Skills (SPARKS). This program offers a unique opportunity for a select group of highly qualified undergraduate and medical students to explore their interest in health research and gain hands-on experience by undertaking a summer project with a VCHRI principal investigator.
Asthma is the third most common chronic disease in Canada, affecting nearly 4.6 million people. Common symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing can range from mild to severe. While there is currently no cure for this inflammatory airway disease, effective treatment can help people with asthma lead full and active lives.
As a world-class health organization, we are committed to creating a vibrant research and innovation culture focused on improving population health and advancing health care. To achieve this, we are building a learning health system to transform health care delivery as part of our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities.
