Welcome Message
This year marked the first full year of our new four-year CHEO Research Strategy. As we reflect on everything we have accomplished in year one, we can take pride in what we are building together – and look ahead to all the exciting things to come.
Grounded in the principles of being innovative, inclusive, engaging, and collaborative, our 2025-2029 strategy “Where Discovery Takes Root” is helping guide our progress – centred around our commitment to conducting world-class research that shapes a healthier tomorrow for children and families at CHEO and beyond.
This year we made significant strides in advancing the CHEO Research Institute’s leadership in integrating cutting-edge research into care. At a time when Canada looks to build a stronger clinical trial landscape, we celebrated the launch of the Clinical Trial Access Core and Clinical Investigation Unit – marking a major step forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, participant-centred trials.
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There is a lot to celebrate in this year’s annual report. I encourage you to explore our “By the Numbers” section and story highlights that capture just some of the breadth and depth of discoveries taking place across the CHEO Research Institute – from breakthroughs in rare disease research and advancing AI-powered tools that are improving early detection and care, to achieving national recognition as one of Canada’s fastest-growing research hospitals.
We also hosted several collaborative national events showcasing how our innovative research is helping transform care. From Core Innovation’s National Health Tech Innovation Conference to the CHEO Nursing Research Conference and the Precision Child and Youth Mental Health Conference, we are supporting researchers to translate their discoveries into improvements in care that help kids live their healthiest life.
None of what we do would be possible without the strength and dedication of our research community and partners. I would like to extend my thanks to the CHEO Research Institute Board of Directors, the CHEO Executive Leadership Team—including President and CEO Vera Etches—and our partners at the CHEO Foundation, led by President and CEO Steve Read. I am especially grateful to our researchers, staff, trainees, and volunteers, whose work is what drives discovery and innovation every day at the CHEO Research Institute.
This year, two long-serving members of the CHEO Research Institute Board of Directors completed their final terms with us. On behalf of the entire CHEO Research Institute, I’d like to thank Lindy Samson and Chris Dyrda, outgoing board Chair, for their many years of service and the lasting contributions they have made.
As we look to the future of health care, research institutes have a pivotal role to play. Through driving AI-leveraged research, innovation, and adopting new technologies, our research is helping shape the future of health and health care.
Dr. Jason Berman
CEO and Scientific Director, CHEO Research Institute
Vice-President Research, CHEO
“It has been my honour and privilege to serve on the CHEO Research Institute Board of Directors for the past eight years (five-and-a-half years as Board Chair) to support and guide the continued growth and success of the CHEO Research Institute. Bearing witness to the groundbreaking and innovative work being done each day by talented researchers, staff, trainees, and volunteers that continue to strengthen care for children and families has been truly inspiring. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to this important mission. Your dedication, collaboration and vision are what make this progress possible, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.”
Chris Dyrda, outgoing Chair, CHEO Research Institute Board of Directors
“The world-class research and innovation at the CHEO Research Institute help us deliver and improve care for kids. By integrating research into our clinical work, we ensure that new knowledge and discoveries are continuously improving outcomes, helping children and youth live their best lives. This strong connection between research and care allows CHEO to remain a leader in pediatric health in Canada, advancing better solutions for kids and families at CHEO and beyond.”
Vera Etches, President and CEO, CHEO
“CHEO Foundation is proud to connect the generosity of our community directly to the work of the CHEO Research Institute. With donor support, researchers can pursue bold ideas and breakthrough discoveries that are transforming pediatric care in our region and beyond. We remain deeply committed to funding innovative research that tackles the most pressing health challenges facing kids these days, and to turning these discoveries into real-world impact for families who count on CHEO.”
Steve Read, President and CEO, CHEO Foundation
2025-2026 Highlight Reel
The power of a family’s contribution to research
After losing her son Griffin to childhood cancer, Tamy Bell became involved in research to honour his legacy and support other families. Through CHEO’s Research Connection program, more children, youth, and families are connected to research opportunities in a more accessible and equitable way. This initiative is helping improve participation in studies and strengthen research outcomes across the system.
AI predictive screening shows potential to provide earlier and more accurate detection of autism spectrum disorder
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to improve the early detection of autism spectrum disorder by analyzing large-scale health data. This innovative approach could help identify children earlier and more accurately than current methods. Earlier diagnosis means better access to care, support, and resources for children and their families.
CHEO climbs to 2nd place among Canada’s top small-tier research hospitals with record growth in research spending
The CHEO Research Institute ranked 2nd among Canada’s top small-tier research hospitals in 2025, driven by significant growth in research spending. This achievement reflects strong investment in innovation and a commitment to advancing pediatric research. It also reinforces CHEO’s leadership in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
From idea to impact: Expert support for early-stage health-tech companies
The CHEO Research Institute is supporting early-stage health-tech companies through its Experts in Residence Program, connecting them with experienced mentors to guide innovation. By providing real-time feedback from clinicians and industry leaders, the program helps startups refine their ideas and solve meaningful health-care challenges. This support accelerates the path from early concepts to real-world impact.
Breakthrough ThinkRare algorithm launches national expansion
The CHEO Research Institute’s ThinkRare AI algorithm is expanding nationally, helping pediatric centres across Canada identify children with rare diseases earlier. By analyzing clinical data in real time, the tool supports faster diagnosis and helps clinicians connect critical insights. This expansion will help more families get answers sooner and improve care across the country.
CHEO researchers develop first-in-Canada precision health platform for eating disorders in youth
CHEO researchers have developed Canada’s first pediatric precision health platform for eating disorders, using data and artificial intelligence to better understand how these conditions affect youth. The platform identifies patterns across clinical, biological, and social data to support more personalized care. This approach aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and recovery outcomes for children and families.
New Clinical Trial Access Core and Clinical Investigation Unit to strengthen pediatric clinical trials in Canada
The CHEO Research Institute launched a new Clinical Trial Access Core and Clinical Investigation Unit to expand pediatric clinical trial capacity in Canada. This initiative brings together infrastructure and expertise to support more efficient and accessible clinical trials. It will help ensure children and families can access innovative treatments closer to home.
Actionable solutions to end Canada’s “pilot paralysis” at the forefront of 2026 National Health-Tech Innovation Conference
The CHEO Research Institute’s Core Innovation co-hosted the 2026 National Health-Tech Innovation Conference, bringing together leaders from across Canada to address barriers to adopting health innovations. Discussions focused on overcoming “pilot paralysis” and moving proven technologies into real-world use. The conference generated practical solutions to accelerate innovation and improve patient care.
Discovery Minutes
Financial Reporting
Related annual reports
CHEO Research Ethics Board (REB) 2025 Annual Report
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