The Academy of Translational Medicine reflects on the success of the inaugural Transforming Health Symposium, held this Fall.
Professor Graham Lord, providing the Keynote Presentation
The Transforming Health Symposium, held on 4 November 2024, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, marked a significant milestone in advancing translational medicine in the local health science ecosystem. Organized by the UBC Academy of Translational Medicine in collaboration with the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Precision Health Initiative and Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub, the event was designed to bring together a community of global thought leaders, clinicians, investigators, trainees and industry experts to examine the translational pathway highlighting areas of excellence locally and beyond.
The presence and contributions of those in the Academy of Translational Medicine Community were a key factor in the success of the Symposium. The ATM extends a sincere thank you to all who attended and/or participated. Dr. Poul Sorensen, Director of the ATM, and Dr. Dean Regier, Associate Director of the ATM, were actively involved in the program, as were ATM Members Dr. Ryan Flannigan, Dr. Daniel Vigo, Dr. Shannon Kolind, and Dr. Anna Blakney.
Dr. Dean Regier, moderating Panel E: Regulatory Science: Translating Innovation to Patients, Sooner
UBC and BC’s life sciences sector boast a thriving innovation
ecosystem. Our symposium highlighted a new and united commitment to transforming research into real-world health solutions that benefit patients and society. – Dr. Dean Regier, Associate Director, UBC Academy of Translational Medicine
Notably, the event underscored the importance of working as a collective to tap into the full potential of British Columbia’s excellence. The ATM hopes that the Symposium served as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and action in reshaping health innovation for the future.
I was amazed and gratified by the number of supportive
comments I received from symposium attendees, alluding to how important the symposium was for highlighting BC’s strengths in translational medicine. – Dr. Poul Sorensen, Director, UBC Academy of Translational Medicine
Dr. Poul Sorensen, participating in the Fireside Chat: Pathways to Success and Impact
The depth of expertise and range of perspectives brought forward in this single-day event was made possible due to the presence and participation of experts at the top of their field from across the translational medicine pipeline, from bench to bedside. The schedule included an Indigenous welcome ceremony, an enlightening keynote address by Professor Graham Lord, interdisciplinary panels tackling significant challenges in translational science, a patient-partner perspective, presentations by Catalyst Grant recipients, a fireside chat on pathways to success and impact, and a networking reception. Topics ranged from the integration of precision health tools and regenerative medicine to innovative biomanufacturing strategies, to reflections on regional and international strengths in translational science. The Symposium also highlighted how partnerships across academia, industry, and healthcare can drive impactful solutions, ensuring knowledge translates effectively into real-world applications.
For further insights, you can explore event details and follow-up initiatives at Transforming Health Symposiumand through theAcademy of Translational Medicine. You can also read an event summary by the CIEBH here.
Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC) has announced that applications are open for 2025 Scholar Competition and for the 2025 Health Professional-Investigator Competition. In the 2024 cycle, 
