Skip to main content

Main menu

  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Our Team
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Health and Economic Impact
    • Strategic Plan
  • Our Research
    • Research Focus
      • Brain Health
      • Cancer
      • Cardiovascular Conditions and Diseases
      • Digital Health
      • Health Policy
      • Immunity and Infectious Diseases
      • Joint Health and Mobility
      • Respiratory and Lung Health
      • Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation
    • Research Centres and Programs
      • BC Centre on Substance Use
      • Centre for Aging SMART
      • Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation
      • Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation
      • Centre for Lung Health
      • Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
      • Immunity and Infection Research Centre
      • International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries
      • Ovarian Cancer Research Centre
      • Vancouver Prostate Centre
      • Community Research Program
      • Emergency Medicine Research Program
      • Hematology Research Program
      • Skin Research Program
      • Other Research Focus Areas
    • News and Stories
    • Researcher Directory
    • Events and Workshops
  • Research Services
    • New to VCHRI
      • Working at VCHRI
      • Regulations and Training
      • Membership with VCHRI
    • Starting Your Project
      • Research Facilitation
      • Awards and Funding
      • Grant Management
      • Operational Approval
    • Developing Your Project
      • Clinical Trials Administration
      • Clinical Research Unit
      • CST Cerner at VCH
      • Research Privacy
      • Financial Policies and Procedures
    • Additional Support
      • Education and Training
      • Communications and Branding
      • Media Relations
      • Study Recruitment Support
      • Innovation and Industry Partnership
    • Internal Awards
    • Clinical Research
    • Innovation and Partnership
  • Participate in Research
    • Reasons to Participate
    • Participant Stories
    • Find a Study
    • Recruitment Support

User menu

  • Log in

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Our Research
  3. Research Focus

Research Focus

Research at VCHRI spans a variety of health conditions, diseases and specialties with an overall focus on improving the quality of life and delivery of high-quality care.

  • Brain Health
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Conditions and Diseases
  • Digital Health
  • Health Policy
  • Immunity and Infectious Diseases
  • Joint Health and Mobility
  • Respiratory and Lung Health
  • Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation

Brain Health

A national leader in brain health, our researchers study all facets of the developing and aging brain to increase knowledge of how the brain works in an effort to prevent and treat brain diseases. This includes research on neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke, as well as mental health and mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.

Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

scientist research brain health

Cancer

Cancer research adds to global knowledge about how cancer starts, grows and spreads. Our researchers study all stages of cancer, from prevention and early detection to novel treatments and therapies with the aim improving the length and quality of life for those affected. This includes research on diagnostic testing, DNA sequencing technologies, treatment resistance, and the development of safe and effective medications.

Ovarian Cancer Research Centre

Vancouver Prostate Centre

graphic of cancer cells

Cardiovascular Conditions and Diseases

World leaders in cardiovascular research collaboration, our researchers seek a better understanding of heart events and diseases, from diagnosis to treatment and management, with a focus on improving health outcomes for individuals at risk for, or living with, cardiovascular disease. They also conduct research on the molecular biology and pathogenesis of viruses of the heart. This includes research on heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and heart attack. 

Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation

graphic of blood cells

Digital Health

In an increasingly digital world, our researchers are exploring the use of technology to provide the best possible care when and where it is needed. By developing cutting-edge technologies and innovative new programs, we can treat and manage illness better than ever. This includes research on technological advancements to improve health care services and delivery, such as telehealth programs, mobile apps and digital health records.

doctor appointment over a computer with patient taking their blood pressure

Health Policy

With a diverse range of specialties from emergency medicine to health economics, our researchers develop research methodology and provide statistical expertise and evidence-based advice for health care policy makers to advance knowledge and guide changes to policies and practices. This includes research on health policies to support a sustainable health care system that delivers safe, high quality care, and a well trained staff of health care practitioners, providers and researchers.

Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation

group of doctors and researchers in discussion

Immunity and Infectious Diseases

Research targeted at uncovering immune responses to infectious diseases and identifying the causes behind immune system disorders is vital to keeping our communities healthy. Our researchers work to understand the basic mechanisms of human immune responses in order to develop new treatment and prevention strategies to improve public health outcomes and enhance community health services. This includes research on auto-immune disorders, infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and transplant rejection.

Immunity and Infection Research Centre

viles of dna test cell disease research

Joint Health and Mobility

With an emphasis on using research to positively influence mobility, our researchers study care interventions to prevent, detect and treat bone and joint problems to enhance mobility across the lifespan and achieve better health outcomes for people as they age. This includes research on the health and function of bones, joints, muscles and related conditions, such as osteoarthritis and hip fractures, as well as surgical solutions and injury prevention.

Centre for Aging SMART

man rehabilitating exercise with professional

Respiratory and Lung Health

With the goal of helping patients breathe easier, our researchers are working to improve the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of respiratory conditions and lung diseases through collaboration and the use of cutting-edge techniques. This includes research to develop screening tests and therapies to predict and address respiratory conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, tuberculosis and lung cancer, as well as examine the effects of air pollution.

Centre for Lung Health

xray of chest head lungs

Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation

Following a brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular injury, rehabilitation is a key part of the recovery process. Our researchers are developing strategies and techniques for the prevention of injury and functional recovery after injury to realize better health outcomes and enhance quality of life for patients with complex injuries and disabilities requiring rehabilitation. This includes research on nerve function, advanced surgical techniques and new approaches to rehabilitation therapy for spinal cord injury and stroke patients.

International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries

Centre for Aging SMART

research-at-vchri-icord

Browse our Researcher Directory

Researchers at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute are generating world-class research, providing the best care and cutting-edge treatments for British Columbians.

Learn More

Get updates!

Join our newsletter mailing list to stay up to date on features and releases.

Subscribe

Quick Links

  • News and Stories
  • Careers
  • Events
  • Media Enquiries

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

© 2023 VCHRI. All rights reserved.

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy