The Institute for Better Health was established with a bold yet simple purpose: to become a global beacon for better health. Each day, we pursue this vision by thinking differently and creating solutions that meaningfully address the intersections of equity and the social determinants that shape health. Through leading research, we are designing the health care system of the future with and for our community.
Our 2025–26 Annual Community Report captures how we deliver on these ambitions and celebrates the teams, partners, patients, families, and community members who inspire us to push the boundaries of traditional research and innovation. In the highlights that follow, we share 10 on-the-ground examples of how our work is helping to create a new kind of health care for a healthier community. Across areas such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health, our research teams are partnering with patients, caregivers, and community members to break down barriers and design care that better reflects lived experience.
This past year reflects the scale and impact of our efforts. Our teams secured competitive research funding, published more than 230 academic articles, and delivered more than 200 presentations locally, nationally, and internationally – advancing knowledge and ensuring it reaches the people and systems who can act on it. Our scientists and researchers have also been recognized through prestigious national honours, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and AMS Healthcare, underscoring the caliber and influence of our work.
We are equally committed to building the future of health research talent and leadership. This year marked the first anniversary of our Nurturing Black Excellence program, which has already welcomed six scholars – two of whom have continued with the Institute as Research Assistants – helping foster a more inclusive and representative research team. We also hosted the sixth Hazel McCallion Lecture in Shaping Healthier Communities, which focused on building the future of health care with patients, families, and communities.
We are incredibly proud of the Institute for Better Health team and the work they do each day, alongside the hospital and our many collaborators. Our accomplishments this year would not be possible without the partnership of our patients, families, and community members – who continually inspire us to do things differently. Thank you for helping us create a healthier, more inclusive tomorrow.
Together, we are reimagining health care and building a healthier world.
Dr. Laura Rosella
Chief Scientist,
Institute for Better Health
