Biomedical sciences undergraduate researcher Adam Bakos presents at the 2026 WE-SPARK Health Institute’s annual Health Research Conference. (Photo courtesy of WE-SPARK/University of Windsor)
Nearly 400 researchers, clinicians, students and community partners gathered at Caesars Windsor on March 28 for the 2026 WE-SPARK Health Institute’s annual Health Research Conference.
Participants from across disciplines shared research, exchanged ideas and explored new approaches to improving patient care and addressing pressing health challenges.
“The event creates a dynamic environment for collaboration, learning and discovery,” says Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, interim director of WE-SPARK Health Institute.
“Windsor-Essex continues to strengthen its reputation as a growing hub for health research and innovation.”
Deven Jhawar, an undergraduate researcher from University of Western Ontario, describes his research. (Photo courtesy of WE-SPARK/University of Windsor)
Cavallo-Medved says WE-SPARK’s model is built on collaboration between academic institutions and health-care organizations.
“Because we are a partnership and we’re doing this together, that collaboration is what drives the impact of health research,” she says.
“We can’t do it alone, the university and college can’t do it alone, and the hospitals can’t do it alone.”
That collaborative approach, Cavallo-Medved said, builds a strong research ecosystem that enables advances in health care and translates into improved patient outcomes — a model she said is gaining attention across Canada.
The conference featured presentations from internationally recognized experts, including a neurosurgeon-scientist Dr. Sunit Das, public health and bioethics leader Dr. Ross Upshur and health professions education expert Dr. Nikki Woods.
Throughout the day, 46 speakers presented and more than 140 research posters showcased projects from across the region and beyond. Twenty-one student awards were also presented, recognizing outstanding research contributions.
WE-SPARK brings together regional partners including the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Windsor Regional Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Erie Shores HealthCare.
By bridging research, education and clinical care, the institute continues to strengthen the local health research ecosystem while contributing to broader advances in health care.
The 2026 WE-SPARK Health Institute’s annual Health Research Conference drew a crowd of nearly 400 researchers, clinicians, students and community partners. (Photo courtesy of WE-SPARK/University of Windsor)