UWindsor researchers examine link between extreme weather and intimate partner violence Dr. Amy Fitzgerald is a co-investigator on a WE-SPARK funded project examining extreme weather and intimate partner violence(MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor) Extreme heat, flooding and poor air quality can threaten more than physical health. For people experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), these conditions may also increase risks and make it harder to seek help. A team of researchers that includes UWindsor faculty and alumni is investigating how extreme weather may affect IPV in Windsor-Essex, an area they say has received limited attention in local research. Supported by a grant from WE-SPARK Health Institute, the project aims to better understand these risks and help community organizations prepare for the impacts of extreme weather. "This project emerged from recognizing an important intersection between environmental stressors and IPV, both in terms of what we were seeing in our community and a gap in the existing local research," says principal investigator…
Beyond the bloom, UWindsor researchers investigate hidden health risks of toxic algae Steve Simpson Sr., Senior Water Guardian from Caldwell First Nation gathers a water sample during a 2025 Harmful Algae Bloom Grab in Lake St. Clair. (PHOTO COURTESY OF GLIER/University of Windsor) Could harmful algal blooms pose greater risks to human health than current testing methods can detect?A University of Windsor research team is using human cells and miniature laboratory-grown models of organs to investigate whether existing approaches to measuring algal toxins capture their potential health effects.The findings could eventually inform how drinking water and recreational water safety are assessed, with implications for communities across Canada.Led by Dr. Mike McKay, director of UWindsor's Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Elizaveta (Liza) Gerasimova, the project combines environmental science and biomedical research to examine how mixtures of toxins produced by cyanobacteria – commonly known as blue-green algae –…
Cheers to Hope on November 5: An Evening Supporting Local Health Research WE-SPARK Health Institute invites the community to Cheers to Hope on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Ambassador Golf Club. The evening will bring together researchers, supporters and community members to connect, celebrate and help launch the next round of funding through WE-SPARK’s Grants Program.Guests will have the opportunity to meet local researchers and learn how their work is helping address health challenges in Windsor-Essex. It’s a chance to get to know the people behind the research and help turn promising ideas into new discoveries.Funds raised will support WE-SPARK’s Grants Program, helping researchers explore innovative approaches to improving health and care in our region. Community support gives local research teams the opportunity to develop ideas, build evidence and take the next steps toward discoveries that could benefit patients and families.Event detailsDate: Thursday, November 5, 2026Time: 5:00–7:30 p.m.Location: Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue,…
University of Windsor ranks 2nd in Ontario for Research Impact and Graduation Rate Ranked 2nd in Ontario and 6th in Canada, the research impact ranking reflects the reach and significance of discovery and innovationat the University of Windsor. (FILE/University of Windsor)Maclean’s 2027 University Rankings The University of Windsor is earning recognition among Ontario’s midsized universities, ranking among the top institutions in the province for research impact, graduation performance and achieving a strong provincial ranking for student-to-faculty ratio. Maclean’s annual University Rankings, released their 2027 results with UWindsor placing at the top in three categories: Second in Ontario and sixth in Canada for research impactSecond in Ontario and fourth in Canada for graduation rate Third in Ontario for student-to-faculty ratio Together, these results highlight critical dimensions of the University of Windsor experience: advancing research that makes a difference and supporting student achievement. “These rankings reflect the priorities that matter…
Science researchers take top honours at inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship Dr. Dan Xiao won the inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship. Pictured with Dr. Shanthi Johnson (L) and Tom Schnekenburger (R). (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor) Three University of Windsor Faculty of Science researchers earned top honours in the inaugural UWindsor Innovation Fellowship for projects with potential applications in poultry farming, cancer treatment and chemical detection.Dr. Dan Xiao, Dr. Brian DeVeale and PhD student Nathan Drouillard were among 10 fellows from across the University who spent 14 weeks learning how to turn their research into viable business ventures.The program culminated in a pitch showcase where participants presented their ideas to a panel of investors, government partners and business leaders, competing for cash prizes and additional mentorship.Xiao, a researcher in the Department of Physics, claimed first place and a $10,000 prize for her proposal to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to identify infertile chicken eggs before they…
WE-SPARK Invites Applications for Cancer Research Program Leads WE-SPARK Health Institute is inviting applications for two Cancer Research Program Leads, one academic and one clinical, to help shape the future of cancer research in Windsor-Essex.Working in partnership, the Program Leads will bring researchers and healthcare professionals together to advance cancer research across the region. They will advance strategic priorities, foster collaborations, attract new opportunities, and help continue to build a vibrant and sustainable cancer research ecosystem.“Building a strong and sustainable cancer research ecosystem takes dedicated leadership, collaboration and a commitment to bringing people together around common goals,” says Dora Cavallo-Medved, Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “We’re grateful to the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund and Play for a Cure Pro-Am with funds stewarded at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation for investing in these roles and the future of cancer research in our region.”Applications are due November…
Terry Fox Research Institute’s Dr. Jim Woodgett to Speak in Windsor on October 30 About the Next Generation of Cancer Care How is precision oncology transforming cancer care, and what role is Windsor-Essex playing in this national effort?Join Dr. Jim Woodgett on October 30, 2026, for The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network – The Next Generation. Everyone is welcome to attend.Dr. Woodgett is President and Scientific Director of the Terry Fox Research Institute, Senior Investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Professor of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto.He will share how the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network is advancing precision oncology, an approach that uses the unique characteristics of a person’s cancer to help guide treatment. The presentation will also explore Windsor-Essex’s contributions to the network and how this collaboration is helping bring cutting-edge cancer research closer to home.Event detailsDate: Friday, October 30, 2026Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m.Location: Toldo Health Education Centre, Room 200, 455 California Avenue, Windsor, OntarioPlease…
WE-SPARK awards $522,000 to advance 33 local health research projects From wearable technology that could help detect movement disorders earlier to improving emergency care in rural communities, 33 newly funded research projects are exploring ways to improve health and healthcare in Windsor-Essex and beyond.WE-SPARK Health Institute and its funding partners celebrated this year’s grant recipients at an awards ceremony on September 16 at the Ambassador Golf Club. The grants total $522,000 and involve 203 researchers and trainees across the region.The investment includes 19 Igniting Discovery Grants, 11 IDEA Grants, one Incentive Grant and two Student Research Training Grants. It brings the total awarded through WE-SPARK’s grants program to more than $2.8 million since its launch in April 2020.“These grants provide research teams with the opportunity to explore new ideas, build partnerships and generate the early evidence needed to move important projects forward,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Director, WE-SPARK Health Institute. “The range of projects…
Share Ideas and Make Connections at WE-SPARK’s October Think Tank WE-SPARK Health Institute’s next virtual Think Tank takes place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Topics include managing chemotherapy side effects, improving access to care for older adults, and using data to solve healthcare and community challenges.Think Tanks bring researchers, healthcare providers, students and community partners together to exchange ideas and help move research forward. Anyone who enjoys solving problems is welcome to take part.This month, three presenters will lead the following discussions. Participants are invited to choose one breakout session based on their interests and expertise. Biology, Prevention, and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced NeuropathyPresenter: Vikas Garg, MD, Windsor Regional HospitalChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and often persistent side effect of certain chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Garg will introduce a research program at Windsor Regional Cancer Centre focused on improving its prevention, early…
