WE-SPARK Partnership Renewal Paves the Way for Continued Health Research Excellence

Mike Silvaggi, President St. Clair College; Andrea Steen, Vice President Medical Affairs, Quality, and Research and Chief of Staff Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare;

Robert Gordon President & Vice-Chancellor University of Windsor; Kristin Kennedy, President & CEO, Erie Shores HealthCare;

Karen Riddell, Acting President & CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital

WE-SPARK Health Institute is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership agreement, reaffirming the commitment of Windsor-Essex’s leading healthcare and academic institutions to advancing local health research, innovation, and education.

On April 28, 2025, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital signed a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement continues the collaboration that has positioned WE-SPARK as a catalyst for transformative health research in our region.

Since officially launching on March 9, 2020, WE-SPARK has made tremendous strides. Over the past five years, the Institute has supported 1,685 active research collaborations, awarded 85 local seed and bridge grants totaling more than $1.4 million, and leveraged an additional $4.8 million in national and international funding. Through these efforts, nearly $78 million in external research funding has been secured for the Windsor-Essex region. WE-SPARK has also played a major role in education and training, engaging more than 2,068 students in research, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. These collective accomplishments have dramatically increased the region’s visibility on the national health research stage, with overall research funding to Windsor-Essex nearly tripling since the Institute’s inception.

“This renewal underscores the power of partnership and our unwavering commitment to advancing health research that has meaningful impact,” said Dora Cavallo-Medved, Interim Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “Together, we are building a strong, collaborative research ecosystem that supports discovery, improves care, and transforms lives in our region and beyond.”

The formal signing ceremony took place at Ambassador Golf Club, where leaders from each partner institution celebrated the renewed commitment to driving research excellence.

As WE-SPARK moves into its next chapter, the Institute remains focused on supporting impactful research, fostering innovation, and providing opportunities for students, clinicians, and researchers to thrive—ultimately improving the health and well-being of Windsor-Essex and communities beyond.