Name Change Strengthens Focus on Patient-Centred Research

The research arm of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre unveiled a new name today.

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute has added Health to its name to become the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. The name change reflects an ongoing focus on patient-centred research.

“Research is a broad term that is used across a wide range of sectors”, said Dr. Gary Polonsky, Board Chair of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “By adding the word Health to our name, we are strengthening our focus, our relationship with the Health Sciences Centre and reminding the community and our partners of what we strive to improve.”

Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation. Scientists work closely with clinicians, medical professionals, and academic and industry partners, striving to lead international medical imaging research, and discovery that improves the health of the people of Northwestern Ontario.

“Our Health Research Institute has enjoyed tremendous success with the recruitment of scientific talent, the development of advanced technology that will benefit our patients and the injection of millions of dollars into the economy of our region,” said Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO of the Health Sciences Centre and CEO of the Health Research Institute. “Our Health Research Institute is part of an academic health sciences centre, and the new name reflects what our primary focus is, specifically, to bring together academics, clinicians, industry partners, and our funding agencies to develop a truly patient-centred research program that supports the unique challenges of Northwestern Ontario.”

Health research is advanced through discovery and development of new technologies and processes that are brought to patients through, for instance, clinical trials. With successful trial validation, discoveries proceed to commercialization for the benefit of patients everywhere.

Several notable achievements were celebrated during the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute’s previous five years including the installation of the cyclotron, the expansion of clinical research, and the emergence of spin-off companies that have the potential to generate value locally; these include XLV Diagnostics Inc. and most recently Radialis Inc. The Health Research Institute helped the Health Sciences Centre gain recognition among its peers by rising to 35th of the Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada.

In June 2016, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute launched its 2020 Strategic Plan. By design, this Strategic Plan also serves as the research plan for the Health Sciences Centre. It highlights three major directions: Healthier, by leading research to improve the health outcomes of the people of Northwestern Ontario and beyond; Wealthier, by advancing philanthropic support and generate revenue through science and partnerships; and Smarter, by enhancing the academic environment. These directions will guide the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute’s Vision, to bring discovery to life.

Visit www.tbrhri.ca to learn more.

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