Investing in the future of research

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Sinai Health System’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI) is among the world’s top 10 biomedical research institutes and a powerhouse that provides young and aspiring scientists a chance to learn from some of the best in the world.

In many ways, research fellows are the fuel that powers the labs at the LTRI and help to cultivate future leaders in medical research. This type of mentorship would not be possible without the support of community partners like TD Bank Group, whose commitment to the LTRI has provided opportunities for the next generation through their $1 million gift supporting research fellowships.

This year alone their pledge has supported four scientists in different areas of the LTRI:

  • Dr. Calley Hirsch: Under the guidance of senior scientist Dr. Jeff Wrana, Dr. Hirsch’s work is dedicated to understanding how specialized cells within our body are capable of returning to an embryonic stem cell state, through a process known as reprogramming.
  • Dr. Joel Pearson: Working in Dr. Rod Bremner’s lab, Dr. Pearson is embarking on a study of cell competition, a systems biology research model that examines the interaction between cancer and healthy cells.
  • Dr. James Knight: In the lab of Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras, Dr. Knight studies the genetic mutations that trigger cerebral cavernous malformations, deformities in the central nervous system that can cause a host of unexpected health crises, including seizures and strokes.
  • Dr. Brandon Panaro: A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Panaro came to the LTRI with the aim of helping to develop a new drug to improve glucose metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes. He is a part of Dr. Daniel Drucker’s lab.

It is an exciting time for biomedical research in Canada, particularly at Mount Sinai where the creation of the Sinai Health System will lead to new opportunities and a future of integrated health services. From discovery to recovery, the breakthroughs that happen at the LTRI have the possibility to one day change the landscape of health care across Canada and for generations to come.

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Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation

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