Endowed research chairs help Toronto Rehab to attract and retain international leaders in rehabilitation research and to expand the horizons of rehabilitation science. Toronto Rehab currently has three endowed chairs, created with generous support from private donors and a contribution from the University of Toronto. Find out more below about these chairs and the outstanding scientists who hold them.
Fundraising is underway to establish two new endowed chairs. For information about financing a research chair or contributing to one, please contact the Toronto Rehab Foundation at 416-597-3040 or foundation@torontorehab.on.ca
Current chairs
Saunderson Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury Research at Toronto Rehab
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair at the University of Toronto
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research
Planned chairs
Barbara G. Stymiest Chair in Rehabilitation Technology Research
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair in Sleep Research
Saunderson Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury Research at Toronto Rehab
This chair supports research that focuses on the causes of brain injury, and the development and evaluation of rehabilitation treatments to improve recovery. The chair is also enhancing efforts to prevent head injuries in the first place, and to improve quality of life for people living with these injuries.
The chair holder is Dr. Angela Colantonio.
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair at the University of Toronto
This chair supports research aimed at optimizing the health care system so that people receive the very best rehabilitation care in the most efficient and cost-effective way. The chair was established through a partnership between Toronto Rehab and the University of Toronto.
The chair holder is Dr. Susan Jaglal.
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research
There has been an explosion of knowledge in the fields of engineering and biology ―with exciting implications for people with spinal cord injury. The chair supports research that uses this new knowledge in creative ways to enhance recovery from spinal cord injury.
The chair holder is Dr. Milos Popovic.
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair in Sleep Research
Sleep disorders plague millions of Canadians, sometimes with serious consequences. One condition called sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing repeatedly while they sleep. This potentially life-threatening disorder is strongly linked to increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chair in Sleep Research will support research to provide a better understanding of sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea, and to develop more effective ways to diagnose and treat such conditions.
Barbara G. Stymiest Chair in Rehabilitation Technology Research
One in seven Canadians ―or 4.4 million―has a disability. For people with these disabilities and older Canadians, technology can make a world of difference. It can mean living independently, working and enjoying life to the fullest.
The Barbara G. Stymiest Chair in Rehabilitation Technology Research will support the development of innovative technologies that help people with disabilities manage in their environment. The chair will also lead to modifications in the environment, such as safer handrails and better sidewalk designs. The holder of this chair will move innovative ideas out of the lab and into the market so people can use them as soon as possible.