When medical research funding goes south, look to the north

By Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research, SickKids

As undue cuts hit below the 49th parallel, Canada must step up. While others retreat, SickKids is doubling down on innovation, talent, and the future.  

We are expanding our research powerhouse, now home to 665 scientists, 1,253 research staff and 1,379 trainees from across Canada and 64 countries around the world. From AI to genomics, clinical trials, health policy, and precision medicine, their bold ideas are laser-focused on solving the toughest challenges in child health. Without addressing these challenges, sick kids become sick adults.

Our message to the scientific community: When medical research funding goes south, look to the north. 

The arrival of new researchers marks more than a recruitment milestone; it’s a statement. A signal that this institute, and Canada more broadly, is a place where innovation is valued and empowered to thrive. After 150 years of leading Canadian medical science, our most important moment is now. 

Canada is open for science, and at SickKids we will always deliver clinical and research excellence and impact through science.  

Meet some of our newest researchers joining the SickKids Research Institute in building a science-first Canada. 

• Osama Abdin, PhD – AI Precision Medicine Scientist 

• Greg Beilhartz, PhD – Drug Discovery Technical Investigator 

• Jeffrey Brook, PhD – Environmental Exposure Status-only Faculty 

• Dilan Dissanayake, MD/PhD – Rheumatology/Immune Scientist 

• Vinicius Ferland – CGEn AI-Genomics Investigator 

• Stephen Friend, MD/PHD – Cancer and AI (Status-only) Scholar 

• Flavia Gouveia, PhD – MICe Imaging Scientist 

• Farzad Khalvati, PhD – Data and AI Scientist 

• Michal Koziarski, PhD – AI Precision Medicine Scientist 

• Cedric Manlhiot, PhD – Data and AI Scientist 

• Kathryn Manning, PhD – Brain Imaging Scientist 

• Nicola McCleary, PhD – Health Policy Implementation Scientist 

• Pierre-Philippe Piche-Renaud, MD – Infectious Disease Associate Scientist-Track Investigator 

• Sandra Pong – Critical Pharmacologist Scientist 

• Kevin Thorpe, MSc – Clinical Trials Methodology Investigator 

• Brett Trost, PhD – Computational and AI Scientist 

• Chantel Trost, PhD – Genome Engineering Scientist 

• Eytan Wine, MD/PhD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Microbiome, Senior Associate Scientist 

• Busi Zapparoli, PhD – Mental Health Clinician Scientist