2024
Nadia Suray Tan
McMaster University
Bourse d’études, $10,500
Role of B cells in mediating inflammation, autoimmunity and clinical symptoms in respiratory diseases
En partenariat avec la Fondation canadienne d’allergie, d’asthme et d’immunologie (CAAIF) et le Réseau canadien de recherche respiratoire (RCRR).
2023
Francis Lissanga Dendo
Université de Moncton
Bourse de voyage, RCRR AGA, $1500
Asthme et pollution atmosphérique au Nouveau Brunswick
Clarus Leung
University of British Columbia
Fellowship clinique, $33,000
Endo-phenotyping of asthma and COPD overlap by airway inflammation
Approximately one-third of asthma and COPD patients have features of asthma- COPD overlap or ACO. These patients experience worse symptoms and more serious respiratory attacks than those with asthma or COPD alone. ACO is under-recognized, under-diagnosed and may be improperly treated because of the limited understanding of its biology. Dr. Clarus Leung’s post-doctoral research at UBC will help uncover the disease mechanisms of ACO so that clinicians can better diagnose and prescribe the most effective therapies for ACO.
Dr. Leung will investigate the underlying inflammatory mechanisms in the airways of patients with ACO, collecting tissue samples and cells from the airways of volunteers with ACO using a technique called bronchoscopy to identify the key airway inflammation features of ACO. Dr. Leung will use high-resolution imaging techniques to investigate how inflammation relates to persistent changes in the structure of the airways and the lungs.
Shirley Quach & Teresa To
Hospital for Sick Children
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $10,000
Does the use of biologics in children with severe asthma improve health outcomes and quality of life? – A longitudinal cohort study
2022
Cristina Longo, Université de Montréal
Prix du chercheur(se) en début de carrière en asthme*, $100,000
Treating asthma by integrating learning algorithms with omics research: Moving toward automated high-dimensional endotyping in children (TAILOR-MADE)
Zihang Lu, Queen’s University
Prix du chercheur(se) en début de carrière en asthme*, $100,000
Asthma phenotypes, risk factors and the implications for future management in Canadian children
Maria Medeleanu, SickKids
Bourse d’études, $21,000
Interrogating the link between early viral infections and childhood asthma
Dheerendra Pandey, University of Manitoba
Bourse d’études, $14,000
Multidimensional role of CD38 in oxidized phosphatidylcholine (OxPCs) induce obstructive lung diseases
2020
Jigneshkumar Vaghasiya, University of Manitoba
Bourse d’études, $10,500
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines are unique drivers of asthma pathobiology
2018
Kozeta Miliku, University of Manitoba
Fellowship, $90,000
The role of human milk oligosaccharides in the developmental origins of lung function and asthma
*Led by Asthma Canada in partnership with AstraZeneca Canada, Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation (CAAIF) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH)
2020
Chelsea Morin, University of Alberta
Fellowship, $55,000
A randomized control trial comparing three methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an infant piglet model of asphyxia
Tara Janes, University of Alberta
Fellowship, $45,000
Progesterone promotes respiratory recovery in a rat model of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: site of action and mechanisms
Shirley Quach, University of Ontario Institute of Technology Paramédicale
Fellowship, $10,000)
The pediatric mechanical ventilation in Canada (PeMViC) study: A Delphi survey of pediatric mechanical ventilation practices by Canadian respiratory therapists
2019
Kawsari Abdullah, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
Fellowship, $54,000
Long-term respiratory outcome of children diagnosed with bronchiolitis in the first year of life: A prospective cohort study using linked clinical and health administrative data
Chanèle Cyr-Depauw, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Bourse d’études, $12,000
Defining the next-generation umbilical cord-derived cell-therapy for treatment of neonatal lung disease
Shirley Quach, University of Ontario Institute of Technology Paramédicale
Fellowship, $10,000
Common Canadian practices of pediatric mechanical ventilation
2022
Nermin Diab, McMaster University
Fellowship, $55,000
Mepolizumab for the Treatment of Chronic Cough with Eosinophilic Airways Disease
2025
Reginald Smyth, Queen’s University
Ph. D. bourse d’études
A novel clinical physiology platform to investigate the effects of inhaled bronchodilator therapies on small airway function, operating lung volumes, and neuromechanical dissociation (SOUND): Consequences for exertional dyspnea in hyperinflated patients with COPD
This study will explore if improving the function of small air tubes in the lungs, patients with COPD will have less air trapped, reducing signals to the diaphragm and lessening shortness of breath.
2024
Jeenat Mehareen, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études
Economic evaluation of integrating a precision medicine tool for predicting exacerbations into routine clinical care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
En partenariat avec le Réseau canadien de recherche respiratoire (RCRR)
Gaurav Veer Singh, Toronto Metropolitan University
Bourse d’études
Fractal analysis of pulmonary vasculature in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Association with pulmonary function, functional capacity and symptoms
2023
Konstiantyn Dmytriiev, University of Alberta
Bourse d’études, $10,500
Pulmonary vascular dysfunction and exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, McGill University
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $10,000
Remote Physical Function Assessment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Shirley Quach, McMaster University
Fellowship paramédicale, $5,000
Perceptions and Usability of Publicly Available Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Apps
2022
Carli Peters, University of British Columbia
Fellowship, $45,000
Utilizing optical coherence tomography and exercise to develop novel biomarkers of respiratory impairment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus
Mika Nonoyama, Ontario Technical University
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
Testing the effects of temperature and humidity on individuals with COPD in the ACE climactic chamber: A feasibility and pilot study
Fatemeh Aminazadeh, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études, $21,000
The contribution of sex differences to small airways disease in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
In Canada and other developed countries around the world, the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to COPD is now greater for females than males. Despite this, females are less likely to receive spirometry testing, specialty referrals, or a physician diagnosis of COPD compared to males. This project will help by generating new knowledge on sex differences in the development of COPD. These data will provide researchers with new targets for early treatment of COPD, and help clinicians better diagnose female COPD patients to improve disease outcomes.
Meghan Koo, Toronto Metropolitan University
Bourse d’études, $15,667
Inspiration-expiration CT texture-based delta radiomics: a new biomarker associated with COPD symptoms?
Dmitry Rozenberg, University Health Network
$500
Translating the Interplay of Cognition and Physical Performance to Daily Activities in COPD and ILD – Identifying Needs and Research Priorities
2021
Dina Brooks, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
A mobile electronic repository to address patients’ support needs in coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Shirley Quach, University of British Columbia
Fellowship paramédicale, $10,000
A mobile electronic repository to address patients’ support needs in coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2020
Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $35,000
Improving ACCEPTance and uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The ACCEPT PR STUDY
2019
Sunita Mulpuru, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Emerging Clinician Scientist Award, $175,000
Avec nos partenaires IRSC-ISCR et Astra Zeneca Canada
Validating the use of frailty measurements to predict care expectations and deteriorations in quality of life among people with COPD: A prospective cohort study
2018
Dina Brooks, West Park Healthcare Centre
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
Perspectives of Patients with COPD and Healthcare Providers on an Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour
Devin Phillips, University of Alberta
Bourse d’études, $10,500
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on dyspnea and exercise tolerance in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Sachi O’Hoski, McMaster University
Fellowship paramédicale $10,000
Beyond function: Exploring participation in life roles in people with COPD
Nafeez Syed, University of British Columbia
Fellowship paramédicale, $10,000
Impact of diesel exhaust on exercise endurance, breathlessness and airway physiology in mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2017
Kate Johnson, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études, $42,000
Evaluating strategies for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Didier Saey, Université Laval
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
Measuring quadriceps muscle endurance in patients with COPD
Each Catalyst Grant is worth $30,000
2025
Graeme Koelwyn, Simon Fraser University
Inflammatory memory in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Devin Phillips, York University
The impact of pulmonary vascular dysfunction on breathlessness in COPD
2020
Avec nos partenaires IRSC-ISCR
Sunita Mulpuru, Ottawa Hospital Research institute
A pilot feasibility study to inform the development of a novel clinical and biomarker-driven definition of COPD exacerbation among hospitalized adults in Canada
Christel Renoux, CIUSSS de Centre-Ouest-de-l’Ile-de-Montréal-Jewish General
Gabapentinoids and the risk of severe respiratory events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Dimitry Rozenberg, University Health Network
Feasibility of a Home-Based Cognitive-Physical Exercise Program in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Benjamin Smith, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Airway trees in the Anthropocene: A new paradigm for personalizing COPD prevention, prognosis, and pharmacotherapy
2019
Avec nos partenaires IRSC-ISCR
Pat Camp, University of British Columbia
COPD Alert! Telehealth System
Christopher Carlsten, University of British Columbia
Effect of diesel exhaust exposures on the lung microbiome in COPD
Roger Goldstein, University of Toronto
Rapid access rehabilitation (RAR) post-hospitalization for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A feasibility study
2018
Laurent Brochard, St. Michael’s Hospital
High-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Thomas Rotter, Queen’s University
Optimizing integrated care for older adults with COPD: Determining the influence of the primary and specialist network of care on patient and system outcomes
Robert Wu, University Health Network
Identification of patients admitted with COPD exacerbations and stratification of those at high risk of readmission using natural language processing and machine learning
2017 COPD
Andrew Cave, University of Alberta
Natural history of COPD in primary care: A national retrospective cohort study
Dennis Jensen, McGill University
Morphine: A novel intervention to maximize the benefits of exercise training in adults with COPD?
Ma’en Obeidat, University of British Columbia
The effect of sex on molecular signatures in lung tissue from COPD patients
2025
Christopher Farley, McMaster University
Fellowship paramédicale
The effects of post-hospital rehabilitation on physical function in survivors of critical illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Using a breathing machine in the ICU can cause weakness when it comes to muscles that help you breathe, leading to loss of activity and productivity after discharge. This project will help develop a post-discharge exercise program to help patients return to work and activities.
Annia Schreiber, University of Toronto
Post-doctoral/Clinical Fellowship
Muscle recruitment during neck flexion and inspiratory muscle training in difficult and prolonged weaning patients: a physiological study: The FLEX study
This study will test the feasibility, safety, benefits, timing and tolerance of a new rehabilitation approach for patients using mechanical ventilation.
Catriona Steele, University Health Network (Toronto)
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale
Canadian Survey on Dysphagia in Chronic Respiratory Diseases
This survey will look at how common swallowing problems are and how they affect breathing for those with breathing disorders, with the goal of creating advocacy and education resources to support this population.
Ben Thompson, University of Calgary
Ph. D. bourse d’études
Investigating sex-based differences in the diaphragm blood response following inspiratory muscle training
Evidence suggests females respond differently to inspiratory muscle training (IMT) than males. This study will compare the differences in blood flow to the diaphragm as a result of IMT.
2024
Christopher Farley, McMaster University
Fellowship paramédicale
The needs and preferences of critical illness survivors for post-ICU rehabilitation: A mixed methods study
Luca Salvatore Menga, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études
Mechanical ventilation targeting individualized lung recruitment and minimal lung distention with electrical impedance tomography and diagnostic oscillometry in ARDS: The MAC-TEN study
Shirley Quach, SickKids
Fellowship
Effectiveness, safety, and equity of virtual care for people with respiratory diseases beyond the pandemic
Annia Schreiber, University of Toronto
Fellowship
Physiological evaluation of accessory muscle activity and function after traumatic spinal cord injury – the ACCESSIT study
2017
Louise Rose, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale
Patient and family centered performance measures focused on actionable processes of care for persistent or chronic critical illness
Erin Miller, University of Toronto
Fellowship paramédicale
Evaluating the effectiveness of using high fidelity stimulation to teach tracheal suctioning to physical therapists
2021 Respiratory Health Effects of Long COVID Operating Grants
Avec nos partenaires IRSC-ISCR/ISG
Jordan Guenette, University of British Columbia ($40,000)
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and functional imaging determinants of dyspnea post-COVID-19
Robert Kozak, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre ($40,000)
Host gene expression signatures from clinically banked upper respiratory tract swabs associate in situ altered mucosal immunity with development of long COVID-19
Simon Rousseau, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre ($40,000)
Immunopathology of respiratory distress in long COVID
Alyson Wong, University of British Columbia ($40,000)
Identifying long COVID phenotypes and their association with long-term quality of life
2023
Razieh Enjilela, Toronto Metropolitan University
Fellowship, $27,000
Development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Airway Segmentation to Assess and Monitor Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
2022
Jordana McMurray, University of Toronto
Fellowship paramédicale, $10,000
Actigraphic and self-reported sleep outcomes and relationships to anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A mixed-methods study
in partnership with Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Andrea Murru, CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Bourse d’études, $21,000
Functional Characterization of Low-Density Neutrophils in Cystic Fibrosis: Clinical Implications
Yuetong Song, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études, $21,000
Modeling Human iPSC-derived Alveolar Type 1 and 2 Cells for Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
2018
Adèle Coriati, Providence St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s Healthcare
Fellowship, $90,000
Understanding differences in cystic fibrosis health outcomes and survival: A systematic comparison of Canadian and French registry data
Kenneth Wu, University of Toronto
Fellowship paramédicale, $10,000
Characteristics of peripheral skeletal muscles structure and function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) & its relationship with CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) malfunction
2017
Sunita Mathur, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
Determinants of skeletal muscle function in adults with cystic fibrosis
2022
Danuzia Marques, Université Laval
Fellowship, $30,000
Linking neonatal stress and anomalies of immune development in rats: novel insights into the origin of sex-based differences in viral infection severity
Nicole Sarden, University of Calgary
Bourse d’études, $13,500
Investigating the role of neutrophils during respiratory viral infections
2018
Craig Dale, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
A multi-centered stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the de-adoption of oral chlorhexidine prophylaxis and implementation of an oral care bundle for ventilated critically ill patients (The CHORAL study)
Cameron Griffiths, University of Alberta
Bourse d’études, $10,500
Interactions between respiratory syncytial virus and cell surface nucleolin during viral entry
2021
Gillian Goobie, University of British Columbia
Fellowship, $55,000
Air pollution as a modulator of molecular, structural, and clinical outcomes in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease
2019
Joyce Ka Yan Wu, Toronto General Hospital
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
Characterization of interstitial lung disease using airway oscillometry
2023
Hadrien Gayap Tagheu, Université de Moncton
Bourse de voyage, RCRR AGA, $1500
Deep Machine Learning for Medical Diagnosis, Application to Lung Cancer Detection
En partenariat avec Recherche Nouveau-Brunswick
2018
Javad Alizadeh, University of Manitoba
Bourse d’études, $42,000
Stiff substrates enhance mitophagy/EMT crosstalk
2025
Joyce Wu, University Health Network (Toronto)
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale
Feasibility of lung function home monitoring using respiratory oscillometry after lung transplant
This study explores whether home monitoring with handheld, standalone oscillometry devices help to detect acute rejection post lung transplant earlier than in-hospital spirometry.
2022
Anne Fu, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études
Respiratory Oscillometry for Early Diagnosis of Chronic Rejection After Lung Transplant
2025
Sophie Collins, McGill University
Post-doctoral/Clinical Fellowship
Association of a novel index of early life growth adversity with later-life lung structure and function
Early life growth conditions may be important risk factors for later lung disease. This study explores whether height-GaP is associated with lung function later in life.
2023
Cole Bowerman, Dalhousie University
Bourse d’études
Hidden Amongst Healthy: Normalization of Respiratory Pathology and Health Disparities by Reference Equations
2024
Samin Abbasidezfouli, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études, $8,500
Cartilage-associated protein (CRTAP) as an environmentally sensitive target in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
2022
Olivia Ferguson, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études, $10,667
The physiological mechanisms of improved exertional dyspnoea and functional exercise capacity associated with antifibrotic therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
2021
Carlos Hiroki, University of Calgary
Bourse d’études, $10,500
Lung sensory neurons influence in the outcome of pulmonary fibrosis
CIHR Project Grant
2017
Miranda Kirby, University of British Columbia
Fellowship, $45,000
Small airway disease and emphysema in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
2023
Saeid Maghsoudi, University of Manitoba
Bourse d’études
Inhibition of Adenylyl Cyclase Isoform 6 by Cysteine Nitrosylation in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension, and Rescue with Novel Forskolin Derivatives
En partenariat avec l’Association pulmonaire du Manitoba
2019
Neil Goldenberg, Hospital for Sick Children
Emerging Clinician Scientist Award, $200,000
Immunological Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Avec nos partenaires IRSC-ISCR et Astra-Zeneca Canada
2017
Steven Wright, University of Toronto
Bourse d’études, $42,000
Exercise Hemodynamics for the Evaluation of Breathlessness & Suspected Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
2025
Kristin MacLeod, Queen’s University
Fellowship paramédicale
The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy on Daily Movement Behaviours and Exercise Capacity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This study looks at how daytime sleepiness and fatigue affect the amount of physical activity undertaken by individuals with sleep apnea, and if treating sleep apnea leads to greater activity levels.
2023
Felix Girard, McGill University
PhD Bourse d’études, $10,000
Effects of (Un)Loading Stimuli on the Human Diaphragm Activation at Rest and During Exercise: Implications for a Better Understanding of Dyspnea
2022
Silvia Cardani, University of Alberta
Fellowship, $45,000
Sex hormones and their use in hypoventilation syndromes: site of action and mechanism
Mohammadreza Hajipour, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études, $21,000
Alternative metrics of sleep apnea severity derived from polysomnography
The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) has served as a primary metric for assessing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nevertheless, the literature reveals inconsistent findings regarding the correlation between AHI and adverse health outcomes. In our study, we present compelling evidence that a novel measure, event-related hypoxic burden, not only gauges the severity of respiratory events but also correlates with physiological responses to these events, distinguishing it from AHI. Consequently, these innovative metrics hold promise not only for predicting health outcomes but also for more precisely identifying patients who would benefit from treatment.
2018
Veronique Pepin, Concordia University
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale, $20,000
APNex: A pilot randomized trial of combined cognitive-behavioural therapy and exercise training versus exercise training alone for the treatment of chronic insomnia in obstructive sleep apnea
Annette Pisanski (Abad-Hernandez), University of Alberta
Bourse d’études, $14,000
Role of parafacial respiratory group on the stabilization of sleep disordered breathing
2025
Makenna Gomes, University of Waterloo
Ph. D. bourse d’études
Assessing the Health Risks of E-Cigarette Use Among Young People in Canada: A Longitudinal Study of Biomarkers of Exposure and Product Differences
This study looks at biomarkers of exposure and potential harm in youth who vape compared to youth who smoke and youth who neither smoke nor vape to gain a better understanding of the harms of youth vaping.
2024
Cassie Gilchrist, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études
Exploring the impact of cannabis smoke exposure on lung health with single-cell RNA sequencing and microbiome analysis
David Hammond, University of Waterloo
Subvention d’équipe des IRSC en santé pulmonaire
Youth behaviours, vaping and lung health
Devin Phillips, York University
Bourse d’études du programme de recherche paramédicale
Characterizing the physiological impact of electronic cigarette use in healthy young adults
2023
Maks Dziura, University of Windsor
Bourse d’études
Investigating the Isomeric Effect of Synthetic Nicotine on Respiratory Functionality
2022
Tina Afshar, University of British Columbia
Bourse d’études
Lung Health Effects of E-Cigarette Cessation
2024
Paul Kubes, Queen’s University
Subvention d’équipe des IRSC en santé pulmonaire
Wildfire particles exacerbate asthma by increasing inflammation through neural and microbial alterations
2022
Justin Turner, University of British Columbia
Fellowship paramédicale
Thank you to our funding partners:
Wildfire Smoke and Emergency Planning for First Nations People Living with Lung Disease in Remote and Rural British Columbia