NEWS & EVENTS - 2009
November 23, 2009 - CHRI Publication amoung top 20 most downloaded articles for Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
Dr. Jessica Sontrop, a PhD graduate from Dr. Karen Campbell's lab and her co-authors, Drs. Karen Campbell, Kathy Speechley, Bill Avison and Susan Evers, collaborated on the research paper "Depressive symptoms during pregnancy in relation to fish consumption and intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids" which was based on Jessica Sontrop's PhD thesis and has made the list of the top 20 most downloaded articles in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
November 18, 2009 - CHRI Associate Scientist Lynne Postovit receives Canadian Premier Young Researcher Award
Canada's Premier Young Researcher Award is given to Canada's brightest young researchers at the beginning of their careers. This five-year award represents an incentive for young researchers to pursue their work in Canada.
Dr. Lynne Postovit, Associate Scientist in the Developmental Biology Program at CHRI was recognized for her groundbreaking research on how cells communicate with their immediate environments, and how communication gone awry can lead to disease. In particular, the way oxygen levels, influence the behaviour and fate of cancer and stem cells.
October 1, 2009 - CHRI recognizes two leading researchers with the Scientist and Trainee of the Year Awards.
These Awards were created to recognize a scientist and trainee within CHRI who has made a significant contribution to the field of children’s health research between 2006 - 2008.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Nathalie Bérubé received the Scientist of the Year and Kieran Ritchie of the Bérubé lab was awarded the Trainee of the Year for their work on how the mental retardation gene, ATRX, functions in the brain, and its role in chromosome congression and cohesion.
October 1, 2009 - CHRI Associate Scientist Fred Possmayer recieves CIHR-CMAJ Top Canadian Achievements in Health Research Award.
The Top Canadian Achievements in Health Research Award honours individuals or teams that have made discoveries or innovations which had the biggest impact on the health of people around the world.
Dr. Fred Possmayer, Associate Scientist in the Fetal & Newborn Health Program at Children’s Health Research Institute was recognized for his development of a technique to purify and sterilize lung surfactant. This substance allows lungs to expand and breathe and could be used in premature infants to greatly improve their chance of survival.
September 28, 2009 - The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation accepting applications for grant
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation (CGCF) is pleased to announce a new request for applications for grants available that support novel treatment and therapeutic approaches for genetic diseases, especially rare or ultra-rare diseases affecting children.
The Foundation will award one grant to a maximum of $65,000.
Lesser grants will be considered as this may allow for more than one grant to be awarded. This award is open to all researchers.
Application details can be found by visiting the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation's website
The application deadline is November 13th, 2009.
September 2, 2009 - CHRI Trainee receives Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship
Maxim Seferovic, supervised by Madhulika Gupta, has been awarded the "Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship" in recognition of his academic excellence, research potential, interpersonal, communication and leadership abilities. This award will provide Maxim with funding for 3 years. Congratulations Max!
August 21, 2009 - Research Tech Leaving for Ireland
Carolyne Lemieux joined CHRI as a Research Technician in December of 2008 and quickly took the lead in establishing the Translational Research Centre.
Through her work at the TRC, Carolyne assisted with sample collection and storage for numerous projects with Drs. Han, Fraser, Knoppert, Hill and Clarson. She also used her expertise to assist researchers in ensuring that ethical standards in sample collection were followed when dealing with patients. Carolyne will be leaving CHRI to pursue her education as a medical student at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Photo Gallery
June 21, 2009 - Curtis Cadman Memorial Walk
The Curtis Cadman Memorial Walk is to help raise money for rare genetic disease research in London, Ontario. Monies raised assists in funding research at CHRI particularly the Molecular Genetics Program.
The 9th annual Curtis Cadman Memorial Walk will be held on June 21, 2009 at the Great Canadian Hideaway Campground in Parkhill. This is a 4 km family pleasure walk from 2:00 - 5:00 pm with free refreshments for participants and prizes for the kids. Please join us for a great cause!!
For more information or to get your pledge form contact Bernice 519-294-0923
May 22, 2009 - Several CHRI Trainees receive the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The J.-Armand Bombardier CGS Master’s program seeks to develop research skills and assist in the training of highly-qualified personnel by supporting students in the social sciences and humanities who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
Trainees from Dr. Jason Gilliland's lab, Amy Gartshore, David Stubbs, and Don Lafreniere met these high standards and were awarded this scholarship. The scholarship will provide these trainees with a year of funding to further their education.
May 21, 2009 - CHRI Trainee receives Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Christine Bell was awarded the Ontario Graduate Scholarship to assist her in the pursuit of her education. Christine is currently working toward her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Watson. This award will provide Christine with one year of funding with the potiential for renewal for up to three years.
May 12, 2009 - CHRI Scientist recognized for contributions in the profession of pharmacy.
CHRI Scientist, David Knoppert will be featured on the American College of Clinical Pharmacy website and the ACCP report. Mr. Knoppert was nominated by his peers in recognition of his notable contributions to the profession of pharmacy through committee work, publications, presentations and other commendable participation.
May 1, 2009 - CHRI Scientists Awarded Funding for Cancer Research
Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation award several CHRI research projects with funding.
Dr. David Rodenhiser was awarded funding for his shared research project with the University of Guelph "The role of ischemia in tumour progression: implications for response to therapy”
Dr. Gabe DiMattia and LHSC Scientist, Dr. Trevor Shepherd received funding for their research project "Implications of activated BMP signaling and ID1/ID3 function in ovarian cancer pathogenesis”
Dr. Peeyush Lala was awarded an operating grant for his research project "Regulation of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in a mouse breast cancer model.”
April 29, 2009 - CHRI Research Assistant leaves to pursue her Post Doc at University of Toronto
Dr. Keeley Rose joined CHRI in 2000 pursuing her Master's Degree in Dr. Ouellete's lab. Upon the completion of her Master's Degree in 2003, Keeley continued to work with Dr. Ouellete until she began her PhD.
Keeley studied for her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Doug Fraser and successfully defended her thesis in December of 2008.
Keeley continued to work in Dr. Fraser's lab as a research assistant until her recent acceptance as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto.
Keeley will be work under the supervision of Dr. Cindy Morshead and Dr. Derek Van Der Kooy where she will be studying adult neural stem cells.
Good Luck Keeley. It was a pleasure having you as part of the CHRI
team. Photo Gallery
April 27,2009 - CHRI Trainee receives Frederick Banting and Charles Best Doctoral Awards
The Fredrick Banting and Charles Best Doctoral Award is intended to provide support to students pursuing a doctoral degree in a health related field. This award is given to only those students that have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement.
Steve Deimling is currently working towards his doctoral degree in Dr. Tom Drysdale's lab at CHRI. Steve was awarded the CIHR Doctoral Award based on his excellent research potential and achievement in a health related field. This award will provide Steve with one year of funding and an additional one year allowance for travel. Photo Gallery
April 25, 2009 - CHRI supports two causes at once.
On Saturday April 25th, CHRI held the ultimate "battle of the sexes" challenge, the men against the women in a 10K run. The winning team recieving bragging rights and a $500 donation in their name to the Children's Health Foundation Change Bandit Campaign. The internal CHRI battle took place at the annual "Spring Off" run to support Hope's Garden at Wonderland Gardens. This was the perfect way to support another important cause, while battling each other for bragging rights.
CONGRATULATIONS GENTLEMEN!! CHRI Dumb Guys win the race by 2.55 minutes. Photo Gallery
April 22, 2009 - CHRI Scientist honoured with Distinguished University Professor Award
CHRI Scientist Jack Bend was awarded the Distinguished University Professor Award. This award is University of Western Ontario's highest award for a faculty member and acknowledges sustained excellence in scholarship over a substantial career at Western.
April 21, 2009 - CHRI Research Associate receives the Mentor of Distinction Award
The Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC) program encourages high school students to pursue studies and careers in biotechnology. Every year at the end of the program, they award the Mentor of Distinction Award. This award is given to one mentor from the SABC program ,who has made a significant impression and has gone over and above their call of duty throughout the course of the program year.
CHRI Research Associate Dr. Cristiana Iosef was nominated and awarded The Mentor of Distinction Award for the mentoring of 3 grade 12 students from John Paul II Catholic Secondary School. Dr. Iosef mentored and supervised the students for 2 years leading up to their acceptance to the Science program at the University of Western Ontario. Photo Gallery
April 20, 2009 - CHRI Associate Scientists receive NSERC Grants
Discovery Grants (DG) Program support ongoing programs of research (with long-term goals) rather than a single short-term project or collection of projects. These grants recognize the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances, whether made individually or in groups. CHRI is proud to have two of its Associate Scientists choosen for the Discovery Grants Program, Dr. Greg Kelly and Dr. Cheryle Seguin.
Dr. Greg Kelly from the CHRI Developmental Biology Program was awarded the Discovery Grant for his project "Cell Signalling Crosstalk in Development. Dr. Kelly will receive 5 years of funding for this project.
Dr. Cheryle Seguin from the CHRI Developmental Biology Program was awarded the Discovery Grant for her project "Delineating the Role of the Notochord During Intervertebrai Disc Development". Dr Seguin will receive 5 years of funding for this project.
April 17, 2009 - CHRI Scientists recieve Training Grant from CIHR
CIHR awarded a training grant for the Training Program in Reproduction, Early Development and the Impact on Health. CHRI is proud to have four of its scientists as co-applicants on this grant. Dr. Mellissa Mann, Dr. Gerald Kidder, Dr. Kaiping Yang and Dr. Andrew Watson will recieve 6 years of funding through this grant.
April 15, 2009 - CHRI Trainees receive NSERC Scholarships
NSERC describes the Scholarships as a financial support to high-calibre students who are engaged in master's or doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. This support allows these students to fully concentrate on their studies and to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields.
Maxim Seferovic is currently working torwards his doctoral in Dr. Madhulika Gupta's Lab at CHRI in collaboration with Dr. Victor Han. Maxim was awarded the NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship based on his academic excellence, research potential, communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities. This award will provide Maxim with 3 years of funding from NSERC.
Michael Levy is currently working towards his doctoral in Dr. Nathalie Burube's lab at CHRI. Mike was awarded the NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship based on his academic excellence, research potential, communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities.
April 6, 2009 - CHRI Scientist links Pollution and Fertility
Dr. Bonnie Deroo and 3 other scientists link xeno-oestrogens (a man made compound) to adverse affects on the development of both male and female fertility. The study focused on only 3 xeno-oestrogens, bispheno A (BPA), genistein and tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).
April 5,2009 - CHRI Awards Essay Contest Winners at the Partners in Research Gala.
CHRI annual essay contest "The Scientific Journey:Pathways to Discovery" was awarded to two students this year at the Partners in Research "London Evening 2009" Gala. Young Zhou from Jack Chambers Public School was awarded first prize in the grade 8 category for his essay Thyroid Cancer - Effects of the Chernobyl Disaster. Adam Levschuk a grade 6 student at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School was awarded the Grand Prize for his essay "The Benefits of Robotic Surgery for Children". Adam will be visiting CHRI and spending the day with our scientists. Photo Gallery
Thank you to everyone who participated.
April 2nd, 2009 - Change Bandit Cook Off was a Great Success!
The "Battle of the Sexes" Change Bandit campaign has officially begun and wow what a kick off!! The CHRI Dumb Guys showed a valiant effort in the kitchen but still came up short even with some great cooks on their team. The CHRI SMRT CHKS took the guys down with their triscuit pizza, chicken pasta and smarties cookie raking in a total of $431 for Children's Health Foundation!!
CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!! 1st round - CHRI SMRT CHKS
It was great to see so many come out and support a wonderful cause. Thank you for your support.
We would like thank Nooners for generously donating the beverages
and a special thanks to The Children's Health Foundation and the Celebrity judges Steven, Stephanie and their families.
April 1st, 2009 - Children's Health Foundation lanches their annual Change Bandit Campaign.
This year's Change Bandit Campaign will be raising money to purchase a Critical Care Infant Transport System for Children's Hospital. This specialized system can mean life or death for an infant in critical need of fast transport by ambulance, aircraft or helicopter to Children’s Hospital from all over Ontario.
CHRI will be participating in the Change Bandit Campaign with a chosen theme of "Battle of the Sexes". Men and Women of CHRI will be competing in several events to see who can raise the most money. You can support our cause.
March 25th, 2009 - CHRI Trainees win at Margaret Moffat Research Day
Four of CHRI trainees were awarded first prize in their respective categories at the Margaret Moffat Research Day.
Christine Bell from Dr. Andrew Watson's lab won first prize in Pathology with the poster "TROPHECTODERM DIFFERENTIATION AND SNAI1 AND SNAI2 EXPRESSION DURING PREIMPLANTATION DEVELOPMENT"
Tamara Abraham from Dr. Andrew Watson's lab won first prize in Cell Physiology & Cell Biology with the poster "EXPRESSION AND ACTIVATION OF THE ER STRESS PATHWAY DURING MOUSE PREIMPLANTATION DEVELOPMENT"
Qian Yan from Dr. Frank Beier's lab won first prize in Cell Physiology & Cell Biology with the poster "ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE (ENOS) DEFICIENCY LEADS TO REDUCED CHONDROCYTE PROLIFERATION AND ENDOCHONDRAL BONE FORMATION"
Rohann J.M. Correa from Dr. Gabriel DiMattia's lab won first prize in Cancer with the poster "DIFFERENTIAL MODULATION OF AKT KINASE ACTIVITY IN ASCITES-DERIVED EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER CELLS GROWN AS ADHERENT CELLS VERSUS SPHEROIDS"
March 24, 2009 - CHRI Trainees win at Lawson Research Day
The annual Lawson Research Day was held on March 24, 2009 at the London Convention Centre . Two of CHRI's trainees won second place at this very competitive event.
Christine Bell won for her platform "The Regulation of Trophectoderm Associated Proteins by the Transcription Factors SNAI1 and SNAI2"
Micheal Levy won for his poster "The Chromatin Remodeling Protein ATRX Co-regulates Psuedoautosomal Genes"
March 19th, 2009 - Summer Studentship Awards Applications are now being accepted
The award is open to faculty with their primary appointment in the Department of Paediatrics. This award offers students an opportunity to participate in paediatric focused medical or health research during the summer months. This award is intended to encourage students to pursure a career in medical or health research related to Paediatrics.
Application Deadline - April 15th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Send all applications to:
Vanessa Freer
LHSC-VH
Paediatrics
E6-101
March 12th, 2009 - CHRI Fun Night
CHRI held a Fun Night of bowling, pool, great food and lots of friends. It was a great success, it gave us a chance to step away from the microscopes and enjoy life.
Febraury 19th, 2009 - CHRI trainee Kristin Kernohan recieves Michael Smith Foreign Study Award
Kristin Kernohan was a awarded the Canada Graduate Studies Michael Smith Foreign Study Award. The Government of Canada grants this award to high-calibre graduate students in order to build global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of research. Kristin will be traveling to Oxford,England, where she will collaborate with other researchers.
February 5th, 2009 - CHRI Scientists are featured in the Western News "Treating patients before they are born." by Paul Mayne
Dr. Tim Regnault and Dr. Daniel Hardy both Research Scientists at CHRI and Professors at the University of Western Ontario study fetal development. Through their research they hope to discover the cause of adult-onset diseases.
"The idea is there are a lot of people who study adult-onset diseases, looking at exercise, nutrition, diet, family history-all the known risk factors,” says Hardy. “What Tim and I are looking at in a sense, aside from the known risk factors, is the fetal origins for these diseases. This is the idea that what happens in utero could influence you post-natally, and more importantly in adulthood.” Read more.
February 4th, 2009 - CHRI Scientists are awarded CIHR Operating Grants for Research.
The CIHR funding competition is an annual national event with over a thousand applicants vying for research funding.
CHRI scientist were awarded CIHR operating grants for their research, Dr. Nathalie Berube, and Dr. Bonnie Deroo.
Dr. Nathalie Berube was awarded an operating grant for her research project "Neuronal functions of the ATRX mental retardation gene."
Dr. Bonnie Deroo was awarded an operating grant for her research project "Loss of estrogen receptor beta activity results in dysregulation of follicular extracellular matrix composition."
Tuesday February 3rd, 2009 - Dr. William Avison is the recipient of the 2009 Leonard I. Pearlin Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Sociological Study of Mental Health.
This award honours a scholar who has made substantial contributions in theory and/or research to the sociology of mental health.
Dr. Avison, Chair of Child Health and Well-being Program at CHRI was awarded the Leonard I. Pearlin Award for Distinguished Contributions to Sociological Study of Mental Health for his research on which socio-economic disadvantage and various types of social stressors affect the mental health of families and children.
Friday January 30th, 2009 - World Discoveries Showcase
CHRI takes part in the World Discoveries Showcase day with great success. The Schulich School fo Medicine and Dentistry held the World Discoveries Showcase to promote their work to industry representative during this special event jointly sponsor by the Faculty of Engineering, and Science.
