Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, interim director of WE-Spark Health Institute, speaks at a signing ceremony in June 2025 celebrating the renewal of a five-year partnership among Windsor-Essex health and academic institutions. [Photo by UWindsor]
By Sara Elliott
For six years WE-SPARK Health Institute has consistently delivered outcomes that positively impact the health of our community, and it shows in their 2024-2025 Impact Report.
Forming in 2019, WE-SPARK quickly became a leader in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, driving innovation, and improving health outcomes through research.
The report spotlights how the institute has become the epitome of a thriving health research ecosystem for Windsor-Essex through partnerships with local hospitals, academic institutions, and community organizations, as well as aligning with the University of Windsor’s strategic priorities of research excellence, community engagement, and regional impact.
Celebrating a renewed partnership in the WE-Spark Health Institute
“Our success is rooted in the strength of our partnerships,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Interim Director of WE-SPARK.
“This past year has shown how academic researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and community organizations continue to come together to drive meaningful change in people’s lives.”
The report highlights major milestones, from ground-breaking cancer research and expanded mental health outreach to national recognition for local initiatives.
Some of the those highlights from the report include:
- $15.9M in new funding secured by core members
- 73 new research projects and 180 peer-reviewed publications by core members
- 6,200+ community members engaged through 49 events and outreach initiatives
- $412,714 awarded through the WE-SPARK Grants Program
- $374,000 funds raised at the annual Cheers to Hope signature fundraising event
- A successful 2025 Health Research Conference with 330 attendees
On April 28, 2025, WESPARK renewed its partnership with its founding partners – Erie Shores HealthCare, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, University of Windsor and Windsor Regional Hospital through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding. reinforcing WE-SPARK’s commitment to long-term regional impact
The full 2024-2025 Impact Report is available online.