Lawson ranks in top ten of Canada’s research hospitals

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. The institute is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world.

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,” says Dr. David 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.”

Moreover, 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 achievements and medical firsts. The sector attracts over $165 million for medical R&D; employs over 21,000 workers in industry, hospital and research; and, generates $720 million in indirect benefits and economic spinoffs.

At Lawson, there are over 1,500 people including researchers, support staff and trainees who work at hospital sites across London, Ontario. Scientists undertake more than 500 new clinical trials and partner on over 600 research projects annually.

In the past year alone, Lawson researchers have:

• Worked to improve imaging diagnostics for prostate cancer
• Found a new treatment strategy which benefits patients waiting for liver transplants
• Developed technology to provide personalized treatment for tremors
• Identified the unique needs of youth in the mental health treatment process
• Studied the protective role of beneficial bacteria against the development of breast cancer
• Created the first clinical guidelines in Canada for pain following spinal cord injury

To name only some of the recent research conducted and discoveries made by Lawson.

“Research at Lawson is focused on the development of new knowledge that can be applied directly to patient care within the hospitals –and people in this region are among the first to benefit from these advances,” says Dr. Hill. “Through collaboration and the sharing of discoveries, we make a difference in the lives of patients every day.”

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.