Strategic Initiatives

Established expertise. Promising science. Tremendous potential.

The goal of our strategic initiatives is to create innovative solutions to some of the biggest health challenges facing children in B.C. and beyond. Each initiative brings together emerging areas of research, innovative projects and world-class investigators to transform care and advance child health. They are unique opportunities to establish BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute as a national and international leader in these fields.

Originally identified during the development of our Research Themes and 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, these initiatives span our research structure, basic research, clinical care and community health. They’re new areas of investment for the Research Institute and will be supported with new facilities, new expertise and novel partnerships.

More information coming soon.

Digital Health Research

The Digital Health Research Strategic Initiative is building an active innovation pathway from research to clinical care. We aim to increase equitable access to high-quality care in line with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute’s goal of improving the physical and mental health of children and families in B.C.

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Precision Health Initiative @BCCHR

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Healthy at Home

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Personalized, precise, powerful: How BCCHR researchers are changing childhood cancer care

When a child’s cancer returns after conventional treatment, families often find themselves in uncharted territory — scared, exhausted, and grasping for answers. But thanks to a remarkable collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and national research networks, new pediatric cancer treatment options are emerging.

Continue reading Personalized, precise, powerful: How BCCHR researchers are changing childhood cancer care

Study reveals that sucrose may not reduce the impact of neonatal pain exposure on long-term outcomes

Infants born two to four months early are exposed to mildly painful procedures in the NICU that are essential to monitor their health. As research shows that exposure to daily pain is associated with poorer behavioural and cognitive outcomes later in life, a common pain management strategy is to give those babies sucrose, but a BCCHR study shows evidence that a sugar solution doesn’t reduce these negative effects of pain exposure in the long term.

Continue reading Study reveals that sucrose may not reduce the impact of neonatal pain exposure on long-term outcomes

Surviving sickle cell disease

For World Sickle Cell Awareness Day we are highlighting this genetically inherited disorder and the unmet needs of the patients and their families.

Continue reading Surviving sickle cell disease

The truth about concussion in children and youth: 'It's a traumatic brain injury'

Concussions are brain injuries that can have serious effects — especially in children, whose brains are still developing. Dr. Shelina Babul, creator of the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), explains why early recognition and proper care are essential — allowing kids to recover safely and get back to life, school, and doing what they love.

Continue reading The truth about concussion in children and youth: 'It's a traumatic brain injury'

Evidence links iron deficiency to sleep-wake disorders

A recent study led by Dr. Osman Ipsiroglu found evidence that sleep-wake behaviours are characteristics associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. Additionally, a family history of iron deficiency increases the risk of sleep-wake disorders.

Continue reading Evidence links iron deficiency to sleep-wake disorders

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