LTRI: More than science

Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, or LTRI, is one of the world’s top biomedical research institutes, powering scientific discovery for almost 35 years. As part of the Research Wrap-Up series, we explore how some of the brightest minds in science are leading to new and improved ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat illnesses.

We kick off the Research Wrap-Up series with a leadership message from Dr. Jim Woodgett, Koffler director of research at LTRI.

Few people understand where I work.

At least, those outside the scientific community. It’s time to change that.

Sinai Health’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI) isn’t known for its size, its location or its logo.

But it is known globally for its science, its people and, internally, its drive and passion. This is reflected in LTRI’s scientists’ effectiveness in attracting research funding - the highest in Canada.

It’s also reflected in the impact of its findings. Our discoveries have led to monumental changes in the fields of diabetes, pregnancy and early development, systems biology, oncology and other chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease and arthritis.

To put it simply: our discovery science is the best there is. But what value is that new knowledge if it can’t be harnessed to prevent diseases?

That’s why we’re embedded within Sinai Health’s Mount Sinai Hospital and Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. This means we have PhD scientists and clinician-scientists working together to enhance their creativity and to reinvent ways of delivering care.

Canada has a small population. You might assume we can just import the discoveries of others. We do - knowledge knows no boundaries - but by hosting a world-class research institute, we attract and retain not only talented scientists, but best-in-class physicians and caregivers who are not satisfied with the current state of healthcare. They want to participate in shaping the future.

That is the goal of LTRI, to help patients receive the very best care through the implementation of best practices. We want to be at and defining the leading-edge, not trailing behind.

We can only achieve this with the critical help of the community, our generous donors, amazing scientists and trainees and the belief that we can build a better tomorrow, together.

Dr. Jim Woodgett
Koffler Director of Research
Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute