$1.5M from the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and $1.5M from the University of Manitoba to bring $3M in leadership, scholarship and mentorship in emerging field
Jonathon Lyon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSC Foundation and Dr. Jacquie Ripat, professor of occupational therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and vice-dean (academic affairs), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and Endowed Chair in Technology for Assisted Living
WINNIPEG, MB—November 6, 2023. The Health Sciences Centre Foundation (HSC Foundation) and the University of Manitoba (UM) have partnered to fund a new, $3-million research chair in technology for assisted living. Thanks to HSC Foundation donors’ contribution of $1.5 million and UM’s contribution of $1.5 million, today, the two organizations announced the appointment of Dr. Jacquie Ripat, professor of occupational therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and vice-dean (academic affairs), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, as the Endowed Chair in Technology for Assisted Living.
Current efforts in technology for assisted living are focused on aiding those who are recovering from surgery; suffering from chronic illness or disease like Alzheimer’s; people living with disabilities; and older adults wishing to remain living independently.
“This exciting field holds incredible potential for research as we develop customized technology for a broad range of users,” Ripat said. “I’m looking forward to interdisciplinary collaborations and leveraging new assistive technologies to promote autonomy, participation, and inclusion for people in need.”
The chair has a five-year term and is based in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Ripat will provide leadership, scholarship and mentorship in technology for assisted living, an emerging field of research that uses computer technology, artificial intelligence and other digital tools to increase quality of life.
“Research and development in the field of technology for assisted living is urgent and is the key to unlocking further improvements in diagnosis, medicines and treatments for patients,” said Jonathon Lyon, president and CEO, HSC Foundation. “Thanks to Canada Life’s $500,000 donation, along with our community of forward-thinking donors, patients can receive virtual care, stay connected, and live independently.”
Current efforts in technology for assisted living are focused on aiding those who are recovering from surgery; suffering from chronic illness or disease like Alzheimer’s; people living with disabilities; and older adults wishing to remain living independently.
“Access to high-quality health care and assisted living is fundamental to supporting an individual’s overall well-being,” said Brian Bowman, vice president, sustainability & social impact, Canada Life. “That is why Canada Life is partnering with the Technology for Assisted Living program to help the development of customized technology that enables people to live independent, healthy lives, with dignity.”
By 2026, more than one in five Canadians will be over 65 and most will wish to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Our province and country’s geography also poses a challenge, as many individuals in rural or northern areas do not have easy access to health-care providers. Technology for assisted living can bridge these gaps in health care for all Manitobans and Canadians.
L-R: Jonathon Lyon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSC Foundation; Dr. Jacquie Ripat, professor of occupational therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and vice-dean (academic affairs), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and Endowed Chair in Technology for Assisted Living; Dr. Reg Urbanowski, dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Peter Nickerson, UM Vice-Provost, Rady College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
Dr. Reg Urbanowski, dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, said the Endowed Chair in Technology for Assisted Living will allow the College to promote new methods and techniques for assistive technologies and virtual care.
“This initiative is about using technology to enable the best in health care and the best, and latest, opportunities for aging in place,” Urbanowski said. “Technology-assisted living research will enable people with activity limitations or participation restrictions to stay meaningfully engaged in their home and community environment.”
About the Health Sciences Centre Foundation:
The Health Sciences Centre Foundation rallies individual, corporate, and institutional donors in support of HSC Winnipeg—Manitoba’s hospital. By inspiring Manitobans to donate, the HSC Foundation enhances patient care and accelerates innovation at HSC through the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology, the development of new clinical spaces, and the promotion of groundbreaking research. Through specific, timely, and essential investments, the HSC Foundation helps to deliver tomorrow’s health care, today. www.hscfoundation.mb.ca
About the University of Manitoba:
The University of Manitoba is recognized as Western Canada’s first university, located in Winnipeg. It is part of the U15, ranking among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and is Manitoba’s only medical-doctoral post-secondary institution. The University provides exceptional liberal arts, science and professional programs of study, inspiring undergraduate and post-graduate students to positively impact their communities as globally-engaged citizens. UM is committed to working together with the Indigenous community to advance Reconciliation, support Indigenous students, highlight Indigenous research and celebrate the successes of Indigenous community members. UM is home to more than 29,000 students, 5,000 academic staff, 3,900 support staff and more than 188,000 alumni. Umanitoba.ca
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For more information, please contact:
Natasha Havrilenko
Marketing & Communications Manager
Health Sciences Centre Foundation
Phone: 204-298-1201
Email: [email protected]
