Ottawa Health Research Institute

The Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) is a non-profit academic health research institute located in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. The OHRI’s mission is to excel in research, education and innovative patient care. As of February 2006, the OHRI houses approximately 325 scientists and clinical investigators, 300 students and research fellows, and 625 support staff. The OHRI is an Affiliated Research Institute of the University of Ottawa and the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital.

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Research Programs

OHRI scientists are at work on a diverse array of questions within six research programs: cancer therapeutics, clinical epidemiology, hormones growth & development, molecular medicine, neuroscience, and vision. Within these programs, they are conducting research into conditions such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, obesity, Parkinson's disease, reproductive disorders, and stroke. Institute scientists have pioneered innovations in patient care involving stem cells, blood transfusion practices, diagnostic imaging, and patient decision aids.

Evolution of the institute

Ronald G. Worton has led the OHRI as CEO and Scientific Director since it was established in 2001 following the merger of three Ottawa hospitals. Since then, external funding from grants and contracts has increased from $30 million to $54 million Canadian (2004/5 fiscal year). As of February 2006, OHRI facilities include 160,000 square feet of dedicated basic and clinical research space at The Ottawa Hospital. Construction currently underway will add another 75,000 square feet for research on vision, kidney disease research, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy.

In 2007, Duncan Stewart, formerly Chief Cardiologist of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto and Director of Cardiology of University of Toronto, took over as the new CEO and Scientific Director of the OHRI after retirement of Ronald Worton.