Discoveries for life
The faces of health research 2025
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Calling all youth thinking of joining a clinical trial!Spotlight on a video resource co-created by youth for youth and their families  INFORM RARE Youth Advisory Group Opportunities for children and youth with rare diseases to participate in clinical trials are increasing as new treatments are developed and require evaluation. The Clinical Trials for Youth with Rare Diseases animated video was co-developed with youth advisors from INFORM RARE, a Canadian pediatric rare disease research network, in partnership with students from the University of Toronto. This animated video, available in English and French, is designed to simplify the complexities of clinical trials for a younger audience and their families and describe them in a rare disease context. The youth advisors (12-19 years old) chose topics and messages that were meaningful to them as youth with lived experience. The video describes distinct features of rare disease clinical trials and key questions to consider before joining a trial. It also describes the importance of autonomy and what youth can expect after joining a clinical trial. People with expertise in trial methods and ethics reviewed the final content to ensure accuracy. This video won first place in the 2024 IHDCYH Talks video competition. Further reading
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Expanding the use of SGLT inhibitors to improve cardiorenal diseaseDeepening our understanding of cardiorenal syndrome and reshaping the course of cardiovascular and kidney diseases  Dr. Ayodele Odutayo Currently, sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLTi) are approved for use in specific populations, including people with both diabetes and advanced kidney disease or heart failure. However, this medication has yet to be tested in people without diabetes who are at risk for heart failure and kidney disease. To determine whether this medication can be safely expanded for use in this population considered to have cardiorenal syndrome, Dr. Odutayo's research will focus on designing and conducting a new clinical trial to examine the effect of SGLTi in this new population. These RCTs can improve our understanding of cardiorenal syndrome, including the potential to prevent co-morbidities associated with heart failure and kidney disease, and provide an opportunity to alter the natural history of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Related to this work, Dr. Odutayo has been recently awarded the 2025 Rising Star Award in Diabetes Cardiorenal and Metabolic Medicine. Further reading
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Climate Change and Adolescents: Understanding Health ChallengesExploring the Impact of Extreme Weather and Related Events on Adolescents' Lives  Dr. Gina Martin Dr. Gina Martin from the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University is leading research to understand how climate change impacts adolescent health. More than previous generations, today's adolescents are increasingly facing extreme weather events, such as wildfires, extreme heat, and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Despite this, there is a significant gap in research on how these events affect adolescent health and wellbeing. Thanks to funding from the SickKids Foundation and the CIHR-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, Dr. Martin and an interdisciplinary team will explore a variety of potential health and wellbeing impacts of these events on adolescents across Canada. This study aims to help fill key knowledge gaps by providing evidence that can inform strategies for mitigating impacts. This research is novel in its focus on cumulative and repeated exposures to extreme weather events and their effects on adolescent health across the country. Also, by identifying modifiable factors, it can provide insights for developing strategies to help moderate impacts. The findings will contribute to the emerging field of climate change and health, assisting practitioners, policy makers, and advocates in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of adolescents. Further reading
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