lifecycle research network (LRN)

The Lifecycle Research Network (LRN) is a coalition of the major health research organizations in Guelph, London, Waterloo and Windsor that integrates clinical research and education focused on chronic disease prevention and maintenance.   

Southwestern Ontario has disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease relative to other parts of Ontario.  In addition to individual health burden, chronic disease accounts for at least 60% of all Ontario health spending.  The need for advances and sustainable healthcare systems is clear.   

LRN will tackle the most pervasive chronic diseases: cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and neurodegeneration and mental illness.  These disease themes have been chosen to allow for the development and validation of novel models of prevention and maintenance. The strength of LRN is in assembling multi-disciplinary teams and the establishment of a framework that allows team members to interact. 

LRN Objectives

1. Effective, efficient collaboration made possible by the network
2. Increased focus on chronic disease prevention for improved healthcare in Southwestern Ontario where it is needed most
3. Economic growth in the health care sector in Southwestern Ontario
4. New learning, tested and measured here, and delivered worldwide in collaboration with industry partners
5. Sustainable healthcare policy improvements for Ontario and for all Canadians
6. Increased ability to attract the world’s best clinician researchers and future scientists
7. Worldwide recognition as a centre of excellence.

Contact: Dr. Michael Strong