WCHRI story

March 3, 2026

WCHRI member forum highlights future directions and strategic growth

The WCHRI community came together on Feb. 25 to discuss the institute’s evolving research landscape and reflect on a year of significant impact.

WCHRI executive director Sandra Davidge and associate director Lonnie Zwaigenbaum co-hosted the annual member forum, which focused on the institute’s strategic path in the coming years. 

A legacy of support

Davidge remarked on the institute’s 20th anniversary and the vital role of WCHRI’s strategic partners — the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation — in its success. Since 2006, the foundations have invested a combined $112.9 million through WCHRI, providing the bedrock for life-changing research. And this year, the institute will celebrate a 10-year renewal of its memorandum of understanding with the partners.

“This level of commitment is a testament to the trust our partners place in our researchers,” Davidge said. “It ensures that we have the stability required to tackle the most complex challenges in women’s and children’s health.”

Year in review: A snapshot of impact

The forum highlighted some key contributions from the past year:

  • Research support: WCHRI research platforms teams provided consultation and implementation support to more than 280 projects, and guided CIHR project grant applications through the grant review support program.
  • Grant funding: WCHRI committed approximately $3 million through 25 Innovation grants, start-up support for new recruits, CIHR bridge funding and ongoing backing for the endowed chairs.
  • Trainee success: About $1 million was directed toward the next generation of researchers through studentship and trainee programs. The Trainee Advisory Committee continued its successful mentorship program and reorganized to better reflect its growing membership.
  • Outreach: WCHRI’s work was featured in 133 news articles, including 39 in Folio, while the communications team produced 49 original stories to highlight member successes.

Advancing strategic initiatives

Our academic leads reported on the progress in key areas driving innovation at WCHRI:

  • Stem Cell Core: Anastassia Voronova reported that the core is now operational, utilizing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create “mini organs in a dish” for studying disease mechanisms and testing drugs.
  • Translational Genomics Hub: Oana Caluseriu shared updates on the hub’s role in advancing rare disease research.
  • Indigenous health research: Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild) highlighted the development of an Indigenous governing council and emphasized the importance of community-focused approaches in health.
  • AI + Data Hub: Padma Kaul detailed how artificial intelligence and data science are accelerating research impact.

Looking ahead

The forum also marked a period of transition as Davidge announced that her term as executive director will conclude at the end of December 2026. A search for a new director will begin this spring to ensure a leader is in place by 2027.

Attendees were encouraged to save the date for WCHRI Research Day 2026 on Nov. 4, featuring keynote speaker Manu Vatish, deputy director of drug and clinical development at the Gates Foundation.

The meeting slides and video recording are available for members’ information.