Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated 20 years of the Bloorview Research Institute at its 19^th annual research symposium last month.

Over 350 delegates attended the two-day symposium either in-person or virtually including hospital leadership, scientists, clinical staff and external partners to network, exchange ideas and gain new insights on novel research on the latest advances and research innovations co-created in partnership with families and communities.

Together with Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, vice president of research and director of the BRI, the event was co-hosted by Austin Cosgrove, a youth research advisor, and Peter Welsh, a family leader.

“We’re delighted that you can join us in celebrating 20 years of this research institute built on innovations developed here over half a century to transform the lives of families and communities with childhood-onset disability,” said Dr. Anagnostou. “We are partnering to ensure that innovations from BRI impact kids globally  and commit to equity-driven research to enable personalized versions of a good life for all.”

Julia Hanigsberg, who welcomed the delegates on the first day of the event, posted on LinkedIn, “We are showcasing research, innovation, history, diversity and partnership. Donors and funders have been a huge part of this history as have family leaders, academic partners, researchers, clinicians and executive leaders. I am inspired to work with Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, vp of research and director of the Bloorview Research Institute. 60 years of groundbreaking research. 20 years as a research institute and full affiliate of University of Toronto. There’s so much to be proud of. A mission that has been constant and impact unimaginable in 1899!”

Special guests included Dr. Morris Milner, former vice president of research (1978 to 2004) and  Sophie Stickler who is the granddaughter of David Ward.

The symposium was sponsored by Autism Science Foundation Canada and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Canada, both gold sponsors, and PlaySpace as  a silver sponsor.

Delegates took in many highlights of the event including keynotes from Dr. Robert Bortolussi, professor emeritus of Dalhousie University and co-founder of IWK Health Centre’s MicroResearch Centre, who delivered this year’s Mickey Milner International Professorship Lecture on community health research and opportunities to improve disability care in Africa. The final day’s event featured Dr. Sobia Khan who gave the keynote on equity and justice in implementation science and practice. Dr. Tim Benke, Ponzio Family Endowed Chair in Neurology Research at the Rett Clinic, gave an insightful talk sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Canada on leveraging local and international resources in rare neurodevelopmental disorders towards new therapies.

Additionally, presenters across the hospital and research institute gave breakout sessions on topics ranging from developing a learning health system to global impact and opportunities for growth in pediatric disability.

Salma Kassam, an occupational therapist and clinical scholar who attended the symposium, was impressed with  Dr. Bortolussi and MicroResearch Centre co-founder Noni MacDonald’s idea of micro-research grants.

“It was evident that even small amounts of money to support research initiatives can make big impacts locally, build capacity and promote coaching within a learning health system.”

Research trainees and scientists alike discussed their innovative research with guests at the two-day research poster session where 40+ research posters were on display, or through the BRI Research Talks and student presentations. Dr. Tim Ross and family leader Suzanne Jorisch the audience with new strategic planning of the Research Family Engagement Committee and its future direction.

This year’s Pursuit Award finalists, recognizing top PhD students and recent doctoral graduates, were selected from an impressive group of people doing pediatric disability work from around the world.

The award recipients were announced with Marlee Vandewouw, a recent doctoral graduate from U of T’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and current BRI research associate, taking first place with her research topic on characterizing diversity in brain function and structure to advance personalized health. Madison Giles, PhD graduate in U of T’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and holds a postdoctoral fellowship from Unity Health Toronto  who presented on the sexuality of youth with physical disabilities,  took second place. Patricia Kipkemoi, PhD candidate with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme and incoming post-doctoral researcher with Aga Khan University in Kenya who presented virtually on the diagnosis, genetic and phenotype architecture and environmental influences of neurodevelopmental disabilities, also tied for second place.

Post-doctoral fellow Ledycnarf Holanda took home the Best Research Poster award while Calvin Ngan, research manager from the PROPEL Lab, was awarded the Best Research Presentation.

Holanda, who works in the PRISM research lab, enjoyed connecting with a diverse group of researchers and clinicians, all who are passionate about advancing research to enable meaningful and healthy futures for clients with disabilities and developmental differences.

“What I took away most profoundly was the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex challenges in our field. Seeing how other researchers are applying innovative methods has given me new perspectives to consider for my work.”

"It was a joy to see the cutting-edge research happening both within the hospital and globally,” said Ngan. “The passion and dedication of everyone working to create a positive impact in the world is truly inspiring and motivating. I have learned so much."

Rounding out the event was a presentation by famed violinist and former client, Adrian Anantawan who shared his lived experiences and the importance of research collaboration and families before performing Debussy’s Claire de Lune with his partner, Catherine Colford, accompanying him on the keyboard. (Should mention all three of the performances – Kyle and Ron…)

The symposium was also highlighted by several major media outlets, generating over 60 media hits from CTV News, CBC News, CP 24 and CBC National’s The Moment.

See you at next year’s BRI Symposium!