Research is crucial to improving health outcomes and unlocking the potential of new medication, treatments and medical devices. However, it has historically excluded certain groups, including Indigenous Peoples, leading to biased results that do not accurately reflect the experiences of all Canadians. Expanding research to be more inclusive ensures findings are more representative of the broader population, leading to more impactful outcomes.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: As a research technician, I support a wide range of scientific studies, from foundational cellular research to clinical application. I manage a cell culture and tissue engineering program, while also overseeing a novel immunoassay platform at the Wellington Lab in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Our lab focuses on brain health research, using cells, animal models and blood samples to study biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms of brain diseases.
While science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have historically been male-dominated fields, women are increasingly leading groundbreaking discoveries. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to research, and mentorship plays a crucial role in encouraging more women to enter the discipline and contribute to innovation.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am an associate lead of the Digital Emergency Medicine Unit (DigEm) in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), helmed by VCHRI researcher Dr. Kendall Ho. In this role, I lead a team conducting research and evaluation in digital health, virtual care and patient and public engagement across various health contexts, from acute care to community settings.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am a health coach at the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory. My role involves supporting participants in adopting healthier behaviors, specifically by improving their mobility and increasing their exercise levels. I also contribute to our team’s research efforts by applying evidence-based strategies to promote long-term health outcomes.
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researchers Drs. Lynn Raymond and Shernaz Bamji have been re-appointed as co-directors of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, which celebrated 10 years of excellence in research, education and clinical care in 2024.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am a research scientist at the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) unit within the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation (C2E2). Our team conducts research to help policymakers make informed decisions about funding new technologies for our health care system. My primary role is to systematically review the clinical effectiveness of these technologies. I also support clinical departments in developing and implementing their own review projects.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am a research engineer, and one of my main responsibilities is overseeing the bioengineering lab at the Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). I train and mentor trainees and welcome academic and industry inquiries for potential research collaborations — whether it is a research project in the ideation stage or a company seeking to test a product.
In July 2024, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Peter Black was appointed director of the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) to lead the globally renowned centre for urologic cancers. In this capacity, Black will oversee the VPC’s research strategy and team of accomplished investigators and scientists, as well as develop and maintain partnerships with external research bodies.
