Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Thanks to the generosity of HSN 50/50 supporters, Health Sciences North (HSN) and the Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) are driving forward life-saving research that’s changing the future of care for patients in Northeastern Ontario.
This year, the Health Sciences North Foundation (HSNF) Board of Directors approved $300,000 in research funding to support nine innovative projects led by HSNRI scientists and clinicians. These studies, made possible through community support of the HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery, are helping to improve early cancer detection, reduce side effects of treatment, and develop better tools for predicting patient outcomes.
“When someone buys a 50/50 ticket, they’re not just hoping to win, they’re helping to fund research, medical equipment, and priority health needs that can save the lives of their family, friends, and neighbours,” said Anthony Keating, President and CEO of the HSN Foundation. “These projects represent hope and innovation, made possible because our community continues to give back.”
Led by investigators across HSN and HSNRI, the funded studies will explore new frontiers in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, including:
- Developing a simple blood and urine test to detect early signs of colorectal cancer returning after treatment (Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam)
- Using radiofrequency ablation with cement augmentation to relieve pain and restore mobility for patients with spinal metastases (Dr. Stefano Priola)
- Exploring genetic and lifestyle factors that drive head and neck cancers in Northern Ontario (Dr. Deborah Saunders)
- Studying immune system responses to predict side effects in cancer immunotherapy (Dr. Chris Verschoor)
- Improving understanding of therapy resistance in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (Dr. T.C. Tai)
In total, the 2025/26 funding cycle will support research projects with a combined value of more than $550,000. .
“Our research community is able to ask bold questions and pursue discoveries that will change lives, and it’s because of our donors,” said Dr. Rob Ohle, Vice-President of Academic and Research Impact at HSN. “The generosity of HSN 50/50 supporters is fueling breakthroughs in cancer care, helping us bring new treatments, technologies, and hope to patients across Northern Ontario.”
Community members will have a chance to see these research projects come to life at Catalyst 2025, hosted by the Health Sciences North Research Institute on November 6, 2025, at Science North’s Vale Cavern in Sudbury.
Catalyst brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, educators, learners, donors, and community members to showcase how innovation and collaboration are transforming healthcare in Northern Ontario. Through engaging poster presentations and inspiring live speaker sessions, attendees can learn more about the ground-breaking studies supported through HSNF and HSN 50/50 donations.
- November 6, 2025
- Vale Cavern, Science North, Sudbury
- Tickets available now: https://ow.ly/uPAJ50X9m4Z
(Media that plans to attend Catalyst are encouraged to register)
Be a spark. Be the Catalyst.
Research at HSNRI is critical to improving health care for northern and rural communities. Through the ongoing success of the HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery, HSNF continues to provide essential funding that fuels new discoveries and transforms patient care close to home.