In this edition of UHN Honour Roll:
UHN researchers recipients of CIHR Project Grants
UHN researchers have been awarded more than $20.7 million in total funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Spring 2026 Project Grant Program.
The funding will support 26 projects that explore new treatments and ways to improve patient outcomes. Funded projects include:
Investigating the use of blood tests to analyze treatment resistance in small-cell lung cancer, led by Dr. Benjamin Lok Exploring the ability of brain imaging to predict whether patients with Parkinson disease will benefit from deep brain stimulation, co-led by Dr. Alexandre Boutet Using AI-driven methods to optimize lab-grown heart tissues to help reduce inflammation and support less-invasive treatments for repairing damaged heart muscle, led by Dr. Milica Radisic Improving patient surveys for First Nations Peoples to better reflect their lived experiences, co-led by Dr. Istvan Mucsi Evaluating whether specific drug combinations can improve kidney health in people with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria, co-led by Dr. David Cherney
See the full list of the awarded projects
Dr. Jennifer Campos awarded Mid-Career Investigator prize
Dr. Jennifer Campos was awarded the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging’s Mid-Career Investigator Prize in Research in Aging.
The annual award recognizes excellence in aging research in Canada and is given to top-ranked investigators whose projects align with the Institute's research priorities.
The award will support Dr. Campos’ research, which will test balance function in older adults with hearing loss, providing deeper insights into age-related changes in hearing and balance.
Dr. Gilla Shapiro receives Emerging Leader in Health Sciences award
Dr. Gilla Shapiro, clinician-scientist and psychologist at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, has received the
Emerging Leaders in Health Sciences in Canada award from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
The honour is granted to emerging leaders whose research, talent, innovation and passion are shaping the future of health sciences in Canada.
Dr. Shapiro is recognized for her leadership in psychosocial oncology, behavioural science and cancer prevention. She is also celebrated for the impact of her research in shaping cancer prevention policy, informing public health decision making and improving equitable access to health care.
She has contributed to major national and international initiatives, including collaborations with the World Health Organization, and built multidisciplinary partnerships that bridge research, clinical care, policy and community engagement.
Dawn Donaldson receives Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario award
Dawn Donaldson, nurse manager at UHN's Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, was recognized by the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario (NLN.ON) for her leadership and contributions to NLN.ON as a past-president and board member.
NLN.ON works collaboratively with the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario to inspire, promote and influence nursing leaders and nursing leadership through innovation, integration and collaboration. NLN.ON is committed to linking strategically with nurse leaders across the province to influence the future direction of health care.
Do you have an award to highlight? Send it to communications@uhn.ca and it may be included in a future edition of Honour Roll.
