Lawson ranks in top ten of Canada’s research hospitals

London, Ontario - Lawson Health Research Institute is ranked eighth in the country according to the 2016 edition of “Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals List” by Research Infosource. This strong position has been maintained by Lawson for the past three years.

Dr. David Hill, Lawson Scientific Director, is pleased with the results. “We are up there with some of the largest and most successful research hospitals in Canada. Despite increased competition for research dollars, the ranking tells us that Lawson and our two partner hospitals continue to be a major part of Canada’s academic hospital-based research.”

Lawson is the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. “Our research is focused on the development of new scientific knowledge that can be applied directly to patient care – and people in this region are among the first to benefit from these advances,” says Dr. Hill.

The top 40 list analyzes hospital-based research institutes from across the country on several metrics, including total research income from the previous fiscal year. The ranking looks at funds received from all sources, including both internal and external, to support research at the organization. According to the report, Lawson received almost $115.9 million in research income in 2015, a 2.2 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. 

“We know these are challenging fiscal times,” explains Dr. Hill. “Investing in health research and accelerating innovation is one of the most important decisions we can make as a country to increase the well-being of Canadians and build a robust economy. Support for health research makes Canada healthier, wealthier and smarter.” 

Lawson is a key part of London’s life sciences sector which has a rich history of medical firsts and generates significant economic benefits. At the institute there are over 1,500 people including researchers, support staff and trainees who work at hospital sites across London. Lawson scientists undertake more than 500 new clinical trials and partner on over 600 research projects annually. 

In the past year alone, research teams at Lawson have developed technology to provide personalized treatment for tremors; found a new treatment strategy which benefits patients waiting for liver transplants; and, identified the unique needs of youth in the mental health treatment process. They have studied the protective role of beneficial bacteria against the development of breast cancer and created the first clinical guidelines in Canada for pain following spinal cord injury. 

Research Infosource Inc., a division of The Impact Group, is Canada’s source of R&D Intelligence. The full report of Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals List for 2016 is available online.