Four ways Queen’s is powering the future of health research

Feature Stories | 19 Feb 2025

The future of health research isn’t just on the horizon—it’s happening right here at Queen’s. Our researchers are driving remarkable discoveries aimed at creating a healthier, more connected world. From empowering people to age well on their own terms to unlocking the secrets of human biology, our research is changing lives.

Here are four reasons to be hopeful about the future of health research:

A protein breakthrough with real-world implications

Fundamental discoveries at the cellular level often spark healthcare breakthroughs: new drugs, innovative treatments, and better disease prevention. These advancements are transforming our understanding, management, and treatment of health and illness, paving the way for new therapies and bringing us closer to a future where serious diseases are better managed—or even cured.

That’s exactly what happened when the Queen’s research team led by Zongchao Jia made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms that support and regulate how proteins function. It’s a discovery with life-changing implications for treating cancer, cognitive impairments, autoimmune diseases, and more.

Helping seniors thrive at home

Aging in place and remaining in one’s home and community, is a cherished goal for many older adults. But living alone can bring challenges like social isolation and have serious impacts on health and well-being. Enter the Oasis model, a transformative program led by Queen’s researchers Catherine Donnelly and Vincent De Paul. Oasis turns NORCs—naturally occurring retirement communities like apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings—into vibrant, supportive networks where neighbours connect through shared meals, wellness activities and other initiatives designed to foster social connections and promote well-being. Oasis has even bridged gaps in delivering primary care. One community in Ottawa set up a clinic right in their condo’s party room, bringing essential healthcare directly to residents!

The result? More people who can stay happy, healthy and connected while continuing to live independently as they age.

Clearing the air on the health effects of wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke is an increasingly common part of life for North Americans and carries serious health consequences for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. The devastating wildfires in Western Canada during the summer of 2024, and more recent fires in Los Angeles and southern California underscore the urgency of addressing this growing environmental and public health crisis. At Queen’s, researchers are tackling this issue head-on by examining how wildfire smoke impacts the lungs of asthma patients and finding ways to protect them. Led by Paul Kubes, the team is using cutting-edge imaging technology to study lung cells in vivo— inside a person’s body, instead of a petri dish. His innovative approach will allow them to better understand how wildfire particles directly impact the lungs and pinpoint the most effective treatments.

Dr. Kubes’s research offers a lifeline to vulnerable individuals whose health faces ongoing risks from increasing wildfire smoke and air pollution.

Walking the talk with patient-centered cancer research

Patients can play a critical role in shaping health research, from identifying unmet care needs to evaluating the side-effects and impact of treatments. The Patient Voices in Research Initiative puts this idea into action by empowering patients, survivors, and caregivers to guide the cancer research process, ensuring studies reflect real-world needs and challenges. As the first Canadian program fully designed and adjudicated for cancer patients, by cancer patients, it puts their lived experiences at the forefront of discovery. Through a partnership with the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Marathon of Hope Cancer Cares Network, Queen’s researchers are collaborating with this patient-centred program to tackle a critical issue: the often-unseen wait patients endure for access to precision cancer treatments.

The team aims to dismantle barriers that delay these life-saving therapies by examining how long it takes for new precision cancer drugs to reach patients. Because getting the right treatment, at the right time, can change everything.

Share your research story!

Are you a Queen’s researcher part of an unfolding research story or bringing hope to the future of health? We’d love to hear from you. Pitch your story using this form, and your work may be featured in an upcoming column or shared across Queen’s Health Sciences social media channels.