World-first research happening at TOH

Today, we’re recognized as one of the top research hospitals in Canada. Tomorrow, we’re aiming to be the hospital the world looks to for the next generation of medical breakthroughs and discovery.

Advancing research. Improving care.

Research at The Ottawa Hospital is transforming care for patients right here in Ottawa and around the world. Scientists and clinicians work together every day, turning questions at the bedside into discoveries in the lab — and back into treatments patients can access faster then ever before.

Today, the pace of discovery is accelerating. From new cancer therapies to regenerative medicine and advanced diagnostics, we are creating treatment options that didn’t exist a decade ago — giving patients more options and improving outcomes when it matters most.

“We will be successful, not because of what we do, but because we will never lose sight of why we are doing it. Research drives hope. Research is care. Research is fueled by philanthropy and we’re grateful for all donor support.”
—Dr. Rebecca Auer, Executive Vice-President, Research and Innovation, The Ottawa Hospital and CEO and Scientific Director at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Setting the stage for next-level research

We are proudly among the top research institutes in the country. But our impact doesn’t stop here — discoveries and cures found at our hospital will help millions of Canadians and people worldwide.

Collaborations in 157 countries around the world

22 state-of-the-art core research facilities

2,269 scientific papers published in 2020

Unique collaborations for radical results

More than 25 years ago, we had the radical idea to embed our clinicians in labs, side-by-side with our researchers. This successful approach means unprecedented research breakthroughs can quickly translate to the bedside.

Harnessing biology to fight disease

Our state-of-the-art Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre (BMC) is a leader in the rapidly growing area of biotherapeutics — one of the most advanced areas of scientific innovation.

See how we’re using stem cells, cancer-killing viruses, gene therapy, and more, to improve and save lives.

Our Research Programs

Acute Care Research Program

Our research is transforming care and saving lives in areas such as emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology and otolaryngology.

Cancer Research Program

Our researchers are learning how cancer cells work at the molecular level, developing and testing new treatment approaches, and moving evidence into practice to save lives and improve care.

Inflammation and chronic disease program

Our researchers are studying a wide variety of chronic diseases, with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms, developing and testing new treatments and implementing more effective care.

methodological and implementation research program

Our program focuses on developing and applying innovative research methods and implementing research results to support changes in clinical practice that benefit patients.

Neuroscience program

Our program is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with brain and neuromuscular conditions, with research that spans from basic discovery to translational research to clinical studies to knowledge translation.

Regenerative medicine program

Our researchers are unlocking the secrets of stem cells, development and regeneration while making exciting progress in developing new therapies.

Our Stories

Behind every discovery are patients whose lives have been changed by research happening right here at The Ottawa Hospital.

Detecting early warning signs of kidney disease — in real time

Identifying kidney disease earlier offers new hope for patients faced with a life-altering diagnosis.

World-Leading Research, Kidney

A Canadian-first, cutting-edge radiation technology offers new hope for pediatric and young patients with cancer

The Ottawa Hospital is a leader in precision radiation treatment, helping patients —adults and children — recover more fully with fewer side effects. A recent advancement at our hospital is improving outcomes and offering hope for a healthier future.

Cancer, World-Leading Research, Patient Care

Saving the precious resource of blood during major liver surgery

Removing 10% of a patient’s blood before major liver surgery and giving it back afterwards reduced transfusions by half, according to a large clinical trial co-led by The Ottawa Hospital. It has changed the practice of liver surgery around the world.

Cancer, World-Leading Research, Patient Care

Kicking back: Chantal Theriault’s journey with Parkinson’s

When Chantal Theriault was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 37, two names came to mind — Mohammed Ali and Michael J. Fox. Despite the shocking news, she faced it head-on, relying on expert care at our hospital and immersing herself in leading-edge clinical trials to help others just like her.

World-Leading Research, Neuro, Parkinson's, Patient Care

A journey through two cancers and the BRCA gene mutation

When Jennifer Hollington was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her mid-50s, it was a shock. Little did she know, there would be two more medical issues she’d have to confront, including a second cancer diagnosis. It was the specialized teams at The Ottawa Hospital who helped her navigate through this unimaginable journey.

Cancer, World-Leading Research, Patient Care

About the Campaign to Create Tomorrow

The Campaign to Create Tomorrow is a bold, once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform healthcare in our region and beyond. Together, we are building one of the most technologically advanced research hospitals in the country.