Young researchers spotlight innovation at London Health Research Day

Hundreds of young scientists showed off their innovative work during London Health Research Day at Western University. Gerry Dewan explains.

Hundreds of researchers filled Western University’s Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on Wednesday for London Health Research Day (LHRD), with a packed program highlighting the scope and ambition of health research underway in the city.

More than 350 trainees and early‑career researchers gathered for the full‑day event.

Poster boards lined the halls as young researchers eagerly explained their work. Among them was second‑year Western medical student Nikita Burman, whose research team is examining pediatric injuries related to e‑scooter use.

“We’re trying to reduce the number of e‑scooter injuries seen in the pediatric emergency department,” Burman said, standing beside a poster summarizing findings from an analysis led by 11 researchers, including two pediatric emergency room physicians.

The team found that many families perceive e‑scooters as toys rather than vehicles, a misconception Burman says has real consequences.

“Unfortunately, parents will give these to children for Christmas or birthdays,” she explained.

Data shows that first injuries often occur within the first five kilometres of riding, pointing to the need for better awareness and potentially new safety policies.

Innovation extended well beyond injury prevention. Rimsha Malik, a first‑year master’s student in biomedical engineering at Western, showcased her work in the rapidly growing field of health and wellness wearables.

Malik is designing a device she hopes could one day change how patients recover at home.

“The hopeful outcome would be a skin‑mounted rehab patch,” she said, “something that could support at‑home physiotherapy or recovery tracking after an operation.”

According to Professor Nica Borradaile, who led the organizing team, LHRD is designed to encourage exactly this type of exchange.

“These days are an opportunity to really share and to cross‑pollinate ideas,” she said. “That happens best in an environment where people are working on different things.”

Borradaile said the event is also about visibility—showcasing the cutting‑edge science supported by London’s hospitals and academic institutions, while giving trainees a platform to grow.

“There’s this excitement and nervousness all at the same time,” she said. “I remember feeling that as a trainee, and it’s a fantastic day for them to share what they do.”

London Health Research Day also featured symposia organized by research theme, including cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, infection and immunity, and neuroscience and mental health.

Professional development workshops ran concurrently in the afternoon, covering topics such as integrating research into medical careers, equity in academia, arts‑based research collaborations and pitching ideas.

A key highlight of the day was the keynote presentation, ‘From Code to Care: What Gene and Cell Therapies Can, Can’t, and Shouldn’t Do,’ delivered by Paula Cannon, PhD, a global leader in gene and cell therapy research.

London Health Research Day is presented in partnership with Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Faculty of Health Sciences, Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute.

Together, organizers say, the event underscores London’s growing reputation as a hub for health research innovation—and the next generation of scientists driving it forward.