The Department of Surgery at Queen's University is proud to congratulate Dr. Douglas James Cook, Dr. Teresa Purzner, and Dr. James Purzner on receiving funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant: Spring 2026 competition.
Announced on July 31, 2026, the highly competitive national funding program supports innovative health research that will improve the health and wellbeing of Canadians. This year, Queen's University researchers secured a combined $12.7 million in CIHR funding across 13 research teams.
Advancing Stroke Recovery Research
Dr. Douglas James Cook, together with collaborator Dr. Jason Gallivan (Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Psychology), has been awarded $1,204,876 for the project:
Understanding whole-brain reorganization following stroke and its relation to functional recovery
This research will investigate how the brain reorganizes following stroke and how these changes influence functional recovery. The findings have the potential to improve rehabilitation strategies and ultimately enhance outcomes for stroke patients.
Investigating Glioblastoma Recurrence
Dr. Teresa Purzner alongside Dr. James Purzner, has been awarded $994,500 for the project:
Identifying Drivers of Glioblastoma Recurrence Through Molecular and Functional Profiling of Surgical Margins and Infiltrated Brain
Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that frequently returns after surgery. This research aims to better understand why tumour recurrence occurs by examining the molecular and functional characteristics of tissue surrounding the tumour. The knowledge gained could help inform future treatment approaches and improve outcomes for patients facing this devastating disease.
Congratulations
These awards recognize the exceptional research excellence within the Department of Surgery and the significant contributions our faculty continue to make toward advancing surgical science, improving patient care, and addressing some of Canada's most pressing health challenges.
Congratulations to Drs. Cook, Teresa Purzner, and James Purzner on this outstanding achievement.
For the complete announcement and the full list of Queen's University recipients, please read the Queen's Health Sciences article: "$12.7 million awarded to Queen's researchers to advance cancer, heart disease, and health research."