London Health Research Day highlights science communication
LONDON, ON - Can a urine test one day help diagnose prostate cancer? What role does estrogen play in severe asthma in women? These questions, along with hundreds more are being investigated by medical students, graduate trainees and postdoctoral scholars at Lawson Health Research Institute and at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Faculty of Health Sciences
For the 8th year, London Health Research Day brings together more than 400 presenters on April 30, 2019 at the London Convention Centre to share the latest in health research, and to hone their skills communicating their scientific work.
Tian Duo Wang, a master’s student at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, says that the Holy Grail for cancer detection is finding cancer-specific biomarkers which can detect tumours early and predict patient prognosis. His research project was able to produce a protein that is detectable in urine, which can not only signal the presence of prostate cancer cells but also may be able to show the aggressiveness of the cancer.
Post-doctoral scholar, Lauren Solomon, PhD, is investigating how the hormone estrogen influences the severity of asthma in women. Her research project has shown that estrogen may actually be contributing to steroid insensitivity. In other words, the hormone is preventing steroid-based treatment for asthma from working effectively, and may be contributing to the severity of asthma in women.
Both Wang and Solomon will be giving oral presentations on their work as part of London Health Research Day.
New this year, scientists and faculty members will join keynote speaker Timothy Caulfield, author and host of the documentary TV series, A User’s Guide to Cheating Death, for a panel discussion on science communication. They will discuss how the ability to communicate science clearly, accurately and responsibly has become increasingly important in today’s society.
Media are invited to attend the poster and oral presentations (presenters will be available for interviews) as well as the Panel Discussion on Science Communication.
EVENT DETAILS - April 30, 2019
| 8:30 - 10:15 a.m. | Poster Presentations – Morning Session |
| 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. | Feature Platform Presentations – Morning Session Feature Presentation by Tian Duo Wang, Salon E, at approximately 11:30 a.m. |
| 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | The Lucille & Norton Wolf Health Research Lecture Series featuring Timothy Caulfield |
| 1:30 - 3:15 p.m. | Poster Presentations – Afternoon Session |
| 3:15 - 3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. |
Feature Platform Presentations – Afternoon Session Feature Presentation by Lauren Solomon, PhD, Salon D, at approximately 3:30 p.m. |
| 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. | *New this year* Panel Discussion on Science Communication |
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MEDIA CONTACT
Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, @email @CrystalMackay
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
ABOUT LAWSON HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE
As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and working in partnership with Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world.
