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Six research projects at Queen’s University have been awarded a combined $5.8 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), supporting advances in patient care, health equity, and therapeutic innovation.

The funding includes five Project Grants, which support investigator-led research across all areas of health, and one Priority Announcement award. Priority Announcements fund projects that align with specific national research goals identified by CIHR, such as strengthening primary care or improving access to preventive services.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of 2,814 applications nationwide, these six Queen’s projects were among only 435 approved for funding by the CIHR:

Improving care for suspected blood clots in emergency rooms 

Over 200,000 Canadians are tested each year for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening blood clot. (Emergency Medicine) is leading a team working to validate a new clinical decision tool, the ToDay rule, designed to help emergency physicians safely and efficiently rule out DVT without unnecessary ultrasound imaging. The tool has the potential to reduce wait times, healthcare costs, and diagnostic errors. Funding awarded: $1,472,624.

Uncovering how circadian rhythms affect chronic pain

People living with chronic pain often report that their symptoms get worse at certain times of day. (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences) and his team in the are exploring how the body’s internal clock influences immune cell activity and pain sensitivity. Adding to their ongoing clinical work on and , this newly-funded project aims to uncover how circadian rhythms regulate inflammation in the nervous system in the preclinical setting, potentially identifying new, time-targeted therapies for persistent pain. Funding awarded: $1,143,676.

Targeting nerve–immune system interactions in cancer

Cancers are the leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 30 per cent of all fatalities. Building on earlier discoveries published in , (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences) is investigating how cancer hijacks the nervous system to suppress immune responses. His team is exploring how sensory neurons within tumours communicate with immune cells to blunt the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By interrupting this signaling, the research could enhance cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes. Funding awarded: $1,143,676.

Advancing gene therapy for a rare neurological disorder

When developmental delays appear early in life, diagnosing the cause is the first step. For some rare conditions, though, treatment options remain out of reach. (Pediatrics) is developing a one-time gene therapy for creatine transporter deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects how the brain uses energy and leads to significant intellectual disability. With early studies showing strong potential, his team will now complete the safety testing required to move toward Canada’s first clinical trial for this therapy. Funding awarded: $1,392,300.

Improving cervical cancer screening in Indigenous communities

Cervical cancer remains far more common in some Indigenous communities due to limited access to screening and a lack of culturally safe care. (Medicine) is working in partnership with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and Indigenous communities along the western James Bay coast to test two approaches aimed at improving screening. One is community-led and uses self-testing with digital tools, while the other follows Ontario’s new province-wide screening program. The research will help determine which approach is more effective, acceptable, and sustainable for improving screening rates and reducing cervical cancer in underserved populations. Funding awarded: $673,200.

Strengthening team-based primary care

Millions of people in Canada do not have access to a regular primary care provider. Team-based care is one approach being used to close this gap. and (Rehabilitation Therapy; Health Services and Policy Research Institute) are exploring how team-based primary care is being implemented in different parts of Canada to improve access to health services. Their research team will visit clinics in urban and rural areas across Canada to learn what’s working well and what challenges exist. Patients, health workers, and decision-makers will be brought together to share ideas and help shape practical recommendations for improving and expanding team-based care across the country. Funding awarded: $100,000.

Learn more about CIHR funding: .