Sign in

Michael Smith Health Research BC

@healthresearchbc.bsky.social
439 followers 131 following 90 posts

We are BC's health research agency. We inspire and connect curious, creative, and passionate minds to drive discovery and innovation in health research. healthresearchbc.ca

PostsRepliesMedia
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Over the past 25 years, researchers supported by Health Research BC have helped to strengthen health for people and communities across BC. Meet five researchers whose careers show the ripple effect of investing in people: www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/... #HealthResearch #ResearchImpact
001
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Celebrating 25 years of building research talent and health impact. Dr. Nathan Lachowsky has shaped HIV prevention and strengthened health research leadership and capacity across BC: bit.ly/44ElAB0 @uvic.ca #HealthResearch #HIVResearch #HealthResearchBC #ResearchImpact
Feature image of story about Dr. Nathan Lachowsky as part of Michael Smith Health Research BC's 25-year anniversary. There's a text overlay that reads: "Growing research capacity From Vancouver Island to Northern BC".
031
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Celebrating 25 years of building research talent and health impact. Dr. Heather Gainforth is reshaping spinal cord injury research through stronger partnership and shared knowledge with communities: bit.ly/4wTWES4 #HealthResearch #SpinalCordInjury #ResearchImpact @vchresearch.bsky.social
Feature image for the story about Dr. Heather Gainforth as part of the Health Research BC 25-year anniversary series. There's a text that reads: "True partnership in spinal cord injury research."
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Celebrating 25 years of building research talent and health impact. Dr. Zabrina Brumme’s research is improving HIV treatment and advancing the search for a cure: www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/... @sfu-fhs.bsky.social @sfu.ca @bccfe.bsky.social #HealthResearch #HIVResearch #ResearchImpact
Feature image of Dr. Zabrina Brumme smiling while working with lab kit. There are also Health Research BC's logo and a text that says: "25 years - Advancing HIV treatment through personalized medicine."
051
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Celebrating 25 years of building research talent and health impact. Dr. Marco Marra helped create a world-class genome sciences centre, advance cancer research, and shaped genomics in Canada: www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/... @mmarra0630.bsky.social #HealthResearch #Genomics #ResearchImpact
Feature image of Dr. Marco Marra standing next to a machine in a lab. There are also Health Research BC's logo and a text that says: "25 years - Leading the growth of genomics".
020
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Celebrating 25 years: building research talent & health impact. Dr. Tonia Nicholls has advanced violence prevention & mental health care in community, forensic & correctional settings & helped strengthen research capacity: bit.ly/4vkXm9U @sfu-fhs.bsky.social @sfu.ca #HealthResearch #ResearchImpact
020
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Health innovation grows stronger when people come together. In Victoria, partners gathered to share research shaping care across cardiology, trauma, neuro rehab, dementia, LTC, and end-of-life care. Collaboration is turning ideas into impact: bit.ly/3SD7IEp @vanislandhealth.bsky.social
Image shows a room full of event participants at the Partnering in Health Innovation, an event held in Victoria in June.
000
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
How can plant-based traditional Indigenous medicines be used safely in combination with Western medicines? Elder Barb (Billy) Whyte explored this question with a team at Island Health and the Island Centre, BC SUPPORT Unit. www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/... @vanislandhealth.bsky.social
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Research grounded in relationship, culture, and care. At the BC NEIHR Knowledge Exchange Forum, Indigenous scholars shared work that’s not just academic — it’s deeply personal and community-driven. www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/...
010
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
We’re excited to share our 2025/26 Impact Report, highlighting the ways Health Research BC supports the talented researchers behind every innovation. 👉 Read the report: www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/... #healthresearch #bc #impact
Image of Michael Smith Health Research BC's 2025/26 Impact Report: Research is everywhere.
001
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
From hybrid care to cardiac research and new funding opportunities — Made in the North highlights work improving care across Northern BC. 👉Register by May 15: bit.ly/4t8oVSs
012
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
We’re bringing Northern BC’s health research community together. Join us May 28 in Prince George for Made in the North — an evening of connection, learning, and local innovation. 👉Register by May 15: bit.ly/4t8oVSs
Promotional graphic for the Made in the North: Health Research & Innovation Gathering, which takes place on Thursday May 28 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. PT at the Courtyard by Marriott, Prince George. The logos of the co-organizers are at the bottom: Health Research BC, Northern Health and Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. In the background is a photo of BC's north, a forest overlooking a river and mountain.
001
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
📅 Webinar alert: Engage Award Learn more about this new exciting funding opportunity on Wednesday May 6 at 10 a.m. Find out how the Engage Award can support your engagement activities to strengthen partnerships and explore future knowledge mobilization opportunities. Register now: bit.ly/4eQPbxe
A promotional graphic for an informational webinar titled “Impact Pathways Program – Engage Award,” scheduled for May 6, 2026. The left side includes the Michael Smith Health Research BC logo. On the right, a stylized illustration shows a person facing a computer monitor displaying six colorful squares with speech‑bubble icons.
125
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
📢 New funding available! Today, Health Research BC launches the Impact Pathways Program to strengthen collaboration between researchers and those who use research evidence across BC. The first opportunity under the program, the Engage Award, is now open. Apply before May 25: bit.ly/42xyEH7
A new funding opportunity from Michael Smith Health Research BC: The Engage Award, part of the Impact Pathways Program. On the right of the graphic are four speech bubbles in different shapes, representing different conversations and collaborations.
142
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Health Research BC is modernizing how we support health research talent across the province. As we look to the next era of health research in BC, we’re taking steps to ensure that our programs are better aligned with the province’s current and future needs. bit.ly/4mLmRyh
Promotional graphic from Michael Smith Health Research BC reading: “Evolving our programs to support BC’s health research community,” on a dark blue background with purple geometric shapes.
002
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Our eighth Putting Patients First conference was all about using lived experience to guide real-world impact. Patient-oriented research is bridges the gap between evidence and care, and ensures research answers the questions that matter most. www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/...
010
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Asma-na-hi Antoine on her appointment as Director, Indigenous Research at UBC. We’re grateful for her continued support in advising our organization and co-chairing our Ethics Strategy Advisory Group. Learn more: bit.ly/4ruQfJX 📷 Photo credit: Dr. Asma-na-hi Antoine
020
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The BC SUPPORT Unit is celebrating a new series of papers co-authored by patients. Medical journals are usually the domain of academic researchers, but elevating the voices of people with lived experience leads to better research. www.healthresearchbc.ca/news-events/...
140
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Partnerships help move research forward. Dr. Sofia Arshavsky-Graham, the inaugural Michael Smith Health Research BC–Conconi Family Foundation BioDevice Innovation Fellow, is developing mini devices to study tumour–immune cell interactions and improve cancer research. Read her story: bit.ly/4ukDVyF
040
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
The U&U Lab has launched a new website sharing frameworks, research, and practical toolkits to support work addressing Indigenous-specific racism in population and public health. Health Research BC is grateful to be part of this knowledge translation work. Explore the resources: bit.ly/3P0oV8R
Photo credit: U&U Lab
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
We’ve launched our redesigned website. It’s now easier to explore funding opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives shaping BC’s health research system. Whether you’re a researcher, partner, or part of the health research community, find the resources you need. healthresearchbc.ca
110
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Research that matters is grounds for optimism. Our former Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Stirling Bryan shares how priority-based funding helps focus health research in BC on real-world needs and the system’s most urgent challenges. Learn more: bit.ly/4d5271z #healthresearch #bc
Dr. Stirling Bryan
000
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
📢 Strengthening seniors' home and community care. Five research teams across BC are leading projects to help seniors age at home, stay connected, and receive high-quality care. Supported by Health Research BC, these teams will help bring research into practice. Learn more: bit.ly/3OYl6ks
Graphic from Michael Smith Health Research BC announcing an investment in seniors’ care. The text reads: “Health Research BC invests $6.3 million to strengthen seniors’ home and community care.” The organization’s logo appears in the top left on a light grey background, with purple geometric shapes decorating the right side.
131
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
At Dr. Antoine Boivin’s clinic, a person with lived experience helps others navigate health challenges. He says it’s changed how he practices medicine for the better. He’s speaking about involving patients in healthcare at the Putting Patients First conference on March 3: bit.ly/4baYrde
Dr. Antoine Boivin smiling
031
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Returning home can be part of health and healing. In this podcast, Harley Eagle shares his journey to reconnect with land and family, colonization’s impacts, and what it means to walk together in health research. youtu.be/bnpVyYawlPI #IndigenousHealth #CulturalSafety #HealthResearch
Promotional graphic from Michael Smith Health Research BC titled “Walking together: A conversation with Harley Eagle.” On a dark teal background, the title text appears on the left above a microphone icon and audio waveform. On the right is a portrait of Harley Eagle smiling, wearing glasses and a light plaid button-up shirt, standing against the same teal backdrop.
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
The BC SUPPORT Unit is supporting an Indigenous-led evaluation of Can-SOLVE CKD Network’s Kidney Check program — bringing early kidney screening to BC First Nation communities. bit.ly/3OoCC0U @thefnha.bsky.social
A graphic recording from the Knowledge Keepers in Research Gathering on November 2022. The graphic captures key ideas and questions from the day, like "What do we want to measure"; "Kidney Check in 16 BC communities"; and "Build community capacity." Credit: Sam Bradd/Can-SOLVE CKD.
010
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Patient-centred health research isn’t optional. It’s essential. Cancer survivor, advocate, and health consultant Sarah Greene on why putting patients first matters: bit.ly/45YthTN
Sarah Greene, keynote speaker at Putting Patients First 2026, standing against a railing high up in the city. She is wearing a baseball cap backwards and sunglasses, and behind her is a sunset over an industrial cityscape.
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Research matters. It fuels better care, smarter policies, and a stronger health system. Our 2024/25 Impact Report shows how BC research is turning evidence into real benefits for people and communities. Read the report: healthresearchbc.ca/news_article... #healthresearch #bc #impact
Graphic of the Health Research BC Impact Report 2024-25. It features the organization's logo and a tagline that says "Research matters"
030
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
📢 Applications are open for the Advancing Groundbreaking Research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases funding opportunity. We’re supporting BC-led teams advancing understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and care for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. LOI due Feb 2: bit.ly/49pqSlQ
Graphic promoting a call for applications for the ‘Advancing Groundbreaking Research in Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases’ team award. The left panel features the headline text with a purple ‘Call for applications’ banner and an illustration of a brain inside a lightbulb on a light blue background. The right panel displays partner and funder logos, including Brain Canada Foundation, Parkinson Society British Columbia, CLEAR (Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging – Alzheimer Research), Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, Branch Out Neurological Foundation, Patrick & Dulcie Lenox Endowment, and Health Research BC.
151
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
New BC research shows how remote breastfeeding support helps parents feed their babies with confidence. bit.ly/4a0gNxs @ubcokanagan.bsky.social
010
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Managing type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming — especially without support. Dr. Tricia Tang’s new mobile app connects people with diabetes to peers who understand the day-to-day challenges. The impact? Less distress, fewer depressive symptoms, and stronger support. Learn more: bit.ly/4r7Zz7z
The image features two phone screens showing the interface of the T1D REACHOUT application. There's also the app's logo witht the headline "Support at your fingertips"
120
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Northern BC communities often feel the biggest effects of industrial projects — yet their voices can go UnHEARD. Supported by Health Research BC, Dr. Chris Buse co-developed tools linking environment, community, health to guide fairer decisions that support wellbeing. More: bit.ly/3Xy8p0F
Headshot of Dr. Chris Buse
130
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Join us in welcoming Dr. Geoff Payne as our new President & CEO. A longtime researcher and academic leader, Dr. Payne brings a strong commitment to collaboration and excellence to strengthen BC’s health research system. Read more: bit.ly/3Ldn5jc
032
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
📢 Applications are open for the 2026 Research Trainee competition! This award supports postdocs and health researchers in training to build their careers and focus on impactful research in BC. Apply by Nov 27 👉 bit.ly/3L8g6Ij #healthresearch #researchfunding #bc #phd #grant
Feature image of the 2026 Research Trainee launch announcement. There are headshots of last year's awardees including Hiten Naik, Kenneth Noguchi, Linda Truong, Danielle Ferrari.
025
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Can early success in research funding shape a career? A new international study says yes. Health Research BC contributed de-identified data to explore how early wins — or near-misses — can influence the future of research. Learn more: ​https://bit.ly/4nmfA6W @rorinstitute.bsky.social
011
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
📢RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED: Introducing the 2025 Research Trainee awardees. 35 emerging researchers across BC are tackling big health questions — from brain and heart health to cancer, mental health, and more. healthresearchbc.ca/news_article...
071
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
🌟 A boost for BC’s life sciences talent! Health Research BC, Mitacs & local companies are investing $8M in co-funded internships. 50+ interns in 30+ companies are gaining real-world experience. Apply by Jan 31, 2026: healthresearchbc.ca/news_article...
From left to right: Dr. Nicholas Weilinger, Chief Scientific Officer, CereCura Nanotherapeutics; Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs; and Dr. Danielle Lavellee, Vice President, Research Programs, Health Research BC.
021
Reposted by Michael Smith Health Research BC
Ravi Kahlon @ravikahlon.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Announcing a new clinical trials unit @ Mount St. Joseph Hospital w/ @providencehealthcare.org & @healthresearchbc.bsky.social This investment means better health outcomes for B.C. patients. At a time when science is sidelined south of the border, we're proud to invest in our life sciences research.
1198
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
​Dr. Leah Lambert is helping to reshape how cancer care is delivered — making it more equitable, compassionate, responsive. Early support helped her build an equity-focused research program that’s driving change across BC and Canada. Read her story: bit.ly/4nICllP #healthresearch #nursing #equity
Headshot of Dr. Leah Lambert
021
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
​Dr. Michael Adachi is developing a simple blood test to detect Alzheimer’s earlier. Early support helped him launch his career and build collaborations that are reshaping dementia care. Read his story: healthresearchbc.ca/news_article... #healthresearch #bc
Dr. Michael Adachi giving a presentation titled: "Developing sensors for rapid detection of biomarker proteins for Alzheimer disease".
000
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
After 8 years leading Health Research BC, Bev Holmes is joining the Impact Funders Forum. We thank her for her leadership. Read her reflections on maximizing research impact: bit.ly/4py3oCl
Bev Holmes
052
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Clinical trials play a crucial role in evaluating new treatments and ensuring British Columbians can access better medical care. A new clinical trials unit at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital will focus on non-cancer treatments. healthresearchbc.ca/news_article... #clinicaltrials #clinicalresearch #bc
010
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Health Research BC alumni have secured $40.97M from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for 42 BC-led projects — bringing national investment and innovation to BC and showing how early support fuels lasting health research impact. Read more: healthresearchbc.ca/news_article...
021
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
A new 2SLGTBQIA+ Liaison Nurse and the Trans Healthcare Research Co-Lab are solutions for better healthcare, by and for community members. healthresearchbc.ca/news_article... @uvic.ca‬ @vanislandhealth.bsky.social
A screenshot from a zine, with a comic-like illustration that shows a person's mental health before and after gender-affirming surgery. On the left, the person is in black-and-white and looks sad, with their head down and a hoodie pulled over them. On the right, the picture is coloured in and the person looks happy and confident, with a P on their shirt and their hands on their hips.
032
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
From wildfire smoke to extreme heat, BC researchers are looking at how changing summers affect human health – and what individuals can do to reduce the risks. healthresearchbc.ca/news_article... #ClimateChange #Wildfires #BC @ubcmedicine.bsky.social @uvic.ca
A smoky photo of a landscape, taken by Emily Brigham. A hazy orange sun shines through the smoke.
020
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
For nearly 25 years, Health Research BC has supported talent, contributed to system innovation and competitiveness, and accelerated the use of evidence. As the health research landscape evolves, so do we. Discover how we’re positioning BC’s research system for the future: bit.ly/4faCiMJ
Feature image with Health Research BC's logo and a text that says: Forwarding thinking: A health research system for the future.
151
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Namaste Marsden is transforming health research by centring Indigenous knowledge, relationships, and strengths. Her story is a reminder that real change begins with connection. Read more: bit.ly/410G45m #Indigenousvoices #strengthbasedapproach #health #systemchange @sfu-fhs.bsky.social
030
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Proud to see our President & CEO, Bev Holmes, recognized in the 2025 BC500 by @bivnews.bsky.social — celebrating bold leadership and vision across BC. Meet the leaders in this year’s BC500: issuu.com/bivmediagrou...
050
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Knowledge Translation (KT) Canada’s Summer Institute took place from June 17-19. Over the three days, top experts and learners from BC and across Canada came together to explore closing the gap between research and implementation. Read the highlights: bit.ly/4kcji13 #KnowledgeTranslation
Three panellists, Clayon Hamilton, Bev Holmes, and Maoliosa Donald, sit at a long table with microphones in front of a large painted mural of a river and forest at sunset. Bev is speaking with animated hand gestures, while the other two listen. Several audience members are visible from behind, seated and facing the panel.
151
Michael Smith Health Research BC @healthresearchbc.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Over the past five months, we’ve spotlighted regional health research impacts across BC. Our tour comes to an end in Vancouver with a look at innovative projects tackling urban health issues. #RegionalDiversityBC #VancouverCoastalBC
A digital graphic promoting research advancements in British Columbia's Vancouver Coastal region, featuring the Michael Smith Health Research BC logo. The text reads:  

"Advancing research in Vancouver" with a label marked "Vancouver Coastal"  

The right side contains three images:  

Dr. Quynh Doan at BC Children's Hospital. She is wearing navy scrubs while standing confidently in a brightly lit hospital hallway. 

Three professionals, Dr. Paxton Bach with research team members Sahar Shahidi and Maddie Newby, smiling in a clinical setting. 

A group seated at a community event with banners, Dr. Kora DeBeck (bottom right) with the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS) team (LtoR): Trevor Goodyear, Shane Haggerty, Michelle Bridgeman, Christian Barborini, Cameron Eekhoudt, and dog Juno. 

The design has a dark blue background with purple and white accents, emphasizing research efforts in the region.
130