About Lawson
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We tackle the most pressing challenges in health care.
Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson) is one of Canada’s top ten health research institutes. Our scientists conduct research that advances scientific knowledge with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Lawson does this as the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph's), working in partnership with Western University.
Within hospital walls across London Ontario and the region, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Research teams work directly with clinicians, patients and other partners to improve treatments or create entirely new ones. They find innovative methods of providing services that drive efficiency and reduce costs – directly impacting patient care.
Through collaboration and the sharing of their discoveries, Lawson researchers make a difference in the lives of patients and families every day.
To learn about the discoveries and impact of our research teams, see our Latest News.
Mission
At Lawson Health Research Institute, our mission is to understand the basis of wellness and the dysfunctions of the body and mind that result in disease. We test and deliver health care innovations for the benefit of Canada and beyond. We provide ongoing knowledge and education for our trainees, health care professionals and society.
As the research institute of LHSC and St. Joseph's, it is important that we maximize the contribution of research within the defined missions and visions of both hospitals, and in collaboration with Western University and other research organizations.
Vision
Lawson will be pivotal in preventing the onset and reducing the burden of disease through the acquisition, evaluation and translation of new scientific knowledge. The overall objective is to deliver disruptive innovation with the potential to positively impact the health of individuals globally.
We are among the top health research institutes in the country.
Lawson is ranked seventh in the country according to the 2023 edition of “Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals List” by Research Infosource. A strong position in the top ten has been maintained by Lawson for the past 12 years.
The top 40 list analyzes hospital-based research institutes from across the country on several metrics, including total research income from the previous fiscal year. The ranking looks at funds received from all sources, including both internal and external, to support research at the organization.
Lawson also holds the top ranking for research intensity among the large tier institutions measured by research spending per researcher.