Research

Research that saves lives and transforms health care for children in British Columbia and around the world.

Research Themes

We have four research themes: Brain, Behaviour & Development; Childhood Diseases; Evidence to Innovation; and Healthy Starts.

Brain Behaviour & Development

The Brain, Behaviour & Development (BB&D) Theme brings together neuroscience, mental health, and child development researchers through basic, clinical, population, and public health research. We work to improve care for children with complex medical, physical, developmental, and mental health needs.

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Childhood Diseases

The Childhood Diseases Theme focuses on studying childhood diseases and disorders. We’re dedicated to discovering how the body responds to illness, with a specific focus on understanding the mechanisms of health versus disease, as well as identifying and testing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

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Evidence to Innovation

The Evidence to Innovation (E2i) Theme is working to develop new health-care technologies, improve patient care, advance the safe and effective use of drugs, develop new methods of health data analytics, and shift health system attitudes and behaviours to improve the health care and well-being of children and families.

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Healthy Starts

The Healthy Starts Theme works to keep children and families healthy and out of the hospital by preventing lifelong health challenges and chronic diseases that are rooted in early childhood. We are passionate about furthering research into how a child’s family life and environment impacts their health.

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Our researchers are leading scientific discoveries for a healthier future for all kids in BC and beyond.

Find a Researcher

BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute has more than 420 researchers and affiliate researchers looking to push the limits of what’s possible.

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Research News & Events

Every day, our researchers work towards breakthroughs to transform the lives of kids in BC and around the world. Learn about our latest innovations and advancements in child health.

  • News

    Youth engagement enhances trauma-informed care in paediatrics, says new report

    Although research shows that consulting with youth improves the delivery of health care, adolescent perspectives are often absent from medical literature. A new report aims to change that by highlighting the ideas and recommendations from diverse youth across Canada who participated in a national consultation about trauma-informed care.

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  • News

    Genetic tools aren’t just for future patients, but cold cases too

    The world of genomic sequencing has changed dramatically in the last few decades. When the world attempted to sequence the very first human genome in the 1990s, the project took years and billions of dollars. Today, with the emergence of next-generation sequencing, a complete human genome can now be sequenced within a few days for…

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  • Dads with kid in the pool
    News

    Research supports BC families in building healthy habits to prevent childhood obesity

    Unhealthy eating patterns, low physical activity, and a lot of sedentary or screen-related habits are linked to childhood obesity risk, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, sleep problems, orthopedic issues, and mental health challenges. Obesity-prevention resources that only focus on providing information often fall short because many families already know the basics. The biggest…

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Media Contact

Are you a member of the media and would like to speak with one of our researchers? Contact us!

Communications

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With your support, we believe there’s nothing we can’t do. Funding helps bring hope out of the laboratory and into the clinic — to save and improve children’s lives.

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