We're thrilled to unveil our 2024-2025 Impact Report, showcasing a year of remarkable progress in advancing health research for women, trans, and non-binary people across Canada and beyond.

This past year, PWHR and our four partner institutions have significantly expanded our collaborative efforts. Our network of over 915 women's health researchers continues to address health issues throughout the lifespan, mentoring over 1,400 trainees annually, from undergraduate to postdoctoral and clinical fellows.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REPORT INCLUDE: 

• Expanded Reach: Our women's health research events engaged 1,107 participants, with attendees from every Canadian province and 37 countries across every continent except Antarctica.
• Knowledge Mobilization: We hosted 9 women's health research events, including the PWHR Women's Health Research Seminar Series, fostering skills development and networking opportunities. These events brought together researchers, community members, health care providers and administrators, trainees, and policymakers to share and mobilize knowledge that is equitable and inclusive.
• Key Publications & Campaigns: We launched the bilingual Beyond the Binary in Canada Guide in October 2024, providing practical guidance for gender-inclusive research and trauma-informed practices. Our "Together Against Misinformation" social media campaign, featuring videos debunking common women's health myths, reached over 13,000 social media users.
• Investing in the Future: We welcomed our first postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Nan Chen, in October 2024. Dr. Chen is developing an economic model to estimate the return on investment for women's health research in Canada, with an initial analysis revealing that only 13% of Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded cardiovascular research in 2023-2024 was specific to women or female populations.
  

In all our work, we are committed to ongoing learning and practicing humility to establish mutually respectful relationships and to advance research that values the lived experiences, knowledge systems and priorities of diverse women, trans and non-binary people, particularly those who have been systemically and historically excluded in health care and health science career trajectories.

Are you a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or an early-career professional in academia, government, or healthcare looking to navigate your career path with confidence? We're thrilled to announce the launch of our virtual mentoring video series, designed to provide you with invaluable insights and guidance from leading experts!

This series is your opportunity to gain actionable advice on crucial topics like career development, mentorship, and professional growth.

Discover diverse journeys, such as Dr. Montesanti’s transition from grassroots work to academia, and explore vital themes like reconciliation in research, highlighted by Dr. Tremblay.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

• Expert Insights: Learn from experienced mentors who share their unique stories and practical advice.
• Flexible Learning: Access engaging content designed for your busy schedule, available whenever you need it.
• Diverse Perspectives: Hear from mentors across a range of experiences and organizations, including academia, government, and health care delivery, providing a well-rounded view of career paths and challenges.

Watch now and gain insights on networking and professional growth!

Join us for the next session in this dynamic webinar series from the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) and the College of Health Sciences. Designed for researchers at all career stages, the series offers practical tools to advance women+ and children’s health research by embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into their work.

This month’s session highlights inclusive research practices that respect and reflect 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. Explore the Beyond the Binary Canada Guide, gain practical insights into community-based participatory research, and learn equity-driven strategies to support gender diversity and inclusion across the research life cycle.

YOU'LL HEAR FROM:

• Tamil Kendall (she/her) – Director, Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada
• BC Pomeroy (they/them) – Director, PHSA; Community Co-chair, Beyond the Binary Canada
  
• Nicole Prestley (she/her) – Manager, Research + Knowledge Translation, Women's Health Research Institute
  

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your research with inclusive, equity-promoting practices that drive meaningful impact.

EVENT DETAILS: 

• Time: June 27, 2025
• Date: 1:00-2:00 PM MT
• Location: Zoom
  

The Women’s Health Research Institute is thrilled to announce the return of their Summer Scholar Series!

This year’s theme is Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA +) across the health research pillars.

The lineup includes sessions on the importance of SGBA+ across basic science, clinical research, and Indigenous health.

These presentations will be offered in a hybrid format. Everyone is welcome!

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Time: 1:00-2:00 PM PT
• Dates: Wednesdays – June 11, July 9, and August 13, 2025
• Location: In-person or online
  

The Sexual Health & Genito-Pelvic Pain Knowledge Empowerment Hub (SHAPE) is now accepting applications for the SHAPE 2025 Trainee Research Grants!

This funding opportunity supports emerging Canadian researchers leading projects on Post- SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a highly overlooked yet pressing sexual health concern.

Applicants from all disciplines are eligible, including but not limited to graduate students (Masters, PhD), postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, residents, and medical students from Faculties of Medicine studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Three grants will be awarded to support 12-month research projects focused on treatment, diagnosis, impact assessment, or barriers to care for PSSD.

• Apply now or share with a colleague!
• Deadline to apply: June 30, 2025 @ 11:00 PM PT
  

A groundbreaking study from the University of Alberta confirms that high-intensity resistance exercise is safe and well tolerated by both pregnant individuals and their babies – evidence that could lead to updated guidelines for pregnant women.

This study is the first to measure direct maternal and fetal responses to this type and intensity of resistance training. Despite long-standing concerns about heavy lifting during pregnancy, the study found no negative effects on fetal heart rate, blood flow, or oxygenation.

The research was led by Dr. Margie Davenport, director of the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, with Amy Moolyk, master’s student and former Olympic weightlifter, as first author. Their findings are a key step toward modernizing guidelines for active and athletic pregnant people.