For more than 25 years, Health Research BC has invested in people driving health research forward. We’re proud to continue that commitment with 30 researchers receiving the 2026 Research Trainee awards.
The awards support postdoctoral fellows and health professional researchers to advance research and build lasting careers in BC.
This cohort reflects the breadth of health research across the province, with projects ranging from biomedical and clinical research, to population health, health systems, health equity, and community-connected research.
Meet the 2026 Research Trainee awardees
Dr. Faezeh Jame-Chenarboo, Simon Fraser University
Co-funded with Parkinson Society British Columbia & Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute
Faezeh is studying how genes affect a process in brain cells linked to Parkinson’s disease. Using a human genome-wide CRISPR-based screen, the research aims to identify genes and pathways involved in Parkinson’s disease, providing new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Learn more
Dr. Mattie Walker, University of Northern British Columbia
Mattie is working with 2SLGBTQIA+ community members as co-researchers to develop community-led, arts-based approaches to gender-based violence. The goal is to create practical solutions that reflect community priorities and improve services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Learn more
Dr. Jorden Hendry, University of British Columbia
Jorden (Ts’msyen, member of Lax Kw’alaams band) is developing tools for BC’s health system to track progress in addressing Indigenous-specific racism. Working with Indigenous and settler leaders, the work will help strengthen accountability and support safer, more responsive health systems. Learn more
Dr. Isla Shill, University of Victoria
Isla is working with the Victoria Brain Injury Society and partners living with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury to evaluate a cognitive training program. Building on promising results from an earlier study, the research will examine whether the training program can improve recovery for people affected by brain injury. Learn more
These are just a few examples of this year’s awardees. View the full list
Supporting Indigenous health research
Several awardees are driving work for responsive health systems, accountable to Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Their projects focus on issues such as addressing Indigenous-specific racism and supporting accountable allyship and Indigenous authority in health care and research. Together, this work builds accountable systems and stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Developing BC talent through partnerships
Two Research Trainee awards are co-funded with Parkinson Society British Columbia, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute, and International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD).
We thank our partners, past and present, for investing in researchers and research alongside Health Research BC. Your collaboration has enabled us to build research talent and capacity in areas of shared priority for BC.
A lasting legacy
Since 2001, the Research Trainee awards have supported more than 1,500 researchers across BC at a pivotal stage of their careers. Their contributions have made significant impacts across health care, policy, industry, and communities.
While the Research Trainee program concludes with this cohort, we are grateful to the many researchers, supervisors, mentors, peer reviewers, institutions, and partners who have shaped the program over its 25 years.
Supporting BC’s research talent remains core to Health Research BC’s mandate. As research careers and the broader environment continue to evolve, so too will our approach to investing in the people who drive health research forward.
We continue to work closely with researchers, institutions, communities, funding partners, and Indigenous partners as we explore new opportunities that respond to the current and future challenges facing BC and Canada.
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