Women’s research networks of excellence

A woman doctor smiles at her laptop while at her desk.

Research networks will address critical gaps in women’s heart and brain health.

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Heart disease and stroke are the #1 cause of premature death for women in Canada. Yet, for too long, research has focused mainly on men, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of women's health. But thanks to groundbreaking Canadian research initiatives, we're seeing progress.


First of its kind in Canada

The women’s research networks of excellence are national virtual networks, comprised of the best and brightest minds in the heart and brain health space.

 

Thanks to Heart & Stroke donors, together with valued partners, including the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) and Brain Canada – two new research networks have been selected and funded.

 

Each network will receive $5 million over five years to focus on women's heart and brain health, working to address critical gaps such as risk factors, diagnosis and treatment for conditions that are common or under-studied in women.

 

Dr. Amy Yu

Improving stroke outcomes for women

Dr. Amy Yu’s research is the first in Canada dedicated to studying stroke in women.

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Dr. Rohan D’Souza

Addressing gaps in pregnancy care

Dr. Rohan D’Souza focuses on reducing heart-related deaths and serious illness during and after pregnancy.

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Pillars of the research networks of excellence

Priority-driven

Focused on the most important gaps in women’s heart and brain health, identified by some of the brightest minds in research.
Researchers studying brain scans.

World-class leadership

Led by world-class heart and brain health scientists that bring together interdisciplinary, multi-institutional and multi-provincial expertise.
A woman doctor presenting.

Partnerships

Co-investing and mobilizing with other Canadian mission-driven healthcare institutions to move progress forward.
A group of medical professionals talking at their desk.

Impact-oriented

Accelerating research and innovation, delivering breakthroughs and pushing evidence into clinical practice, policy and health care systems.

Equity and innovation

Addressing equity, diversity and inclusion such as sex and gender, Indigenous health, data, AI innovation and more.
Two women talking while walking and holding tablets.

People-centered

Informed by people living with heart disease and stroke for their unique insights.
Lynne Marie Sherry, living with stroke, and her daughter Shawnee Kish.
Map of Canada

National virtual networks

“Our vision is to live in a world where all women receive the care they need when it comes to their heart and brain health. This starts by making significant investments in research that will drive health systems change and have tangible impact for women,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke.

A woman doctor video conferencing her patient.
Vital research is happening across Canada.
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Fund research. Save more women.