The Pursuit Awards celebrate the creativity, dedication and impact of early-career researchers working to enhance the lives of children and youth with disabilities.

“Each year, we are inspired by the innovative approaches these researchers take to address critical questions in childhood disability,” said Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, vice-president of research and director of the BRI. “Their achievements showcase the future of research in childhood disability, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of their work.”

Sponsored by the Ward Family Foundation, the awards recognize outstanding contributions to childhood disability research by PhD students and recent doctoral graduates, highlighting innovative work with the potential to improve the lives of children, youth and families affected by childhood-onset disabilities, acquired injuries and developmental differences.

This year, the Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) received several exceptional applications from emerging researchers globally. After an extensive review process, the top three finalists were chosen for the significance, rigour and impact of their research. They presented their findings at the BRI’s annual symposium on Nov. 7 and 8, where a judging panel of scientists, a postdoc and a family leader determined the final placements.

Pursuit Awards presentations

• ‘Characterizing diversity in brain function and structure to advance personalized health’ by Dr. Marlee Vandewouw.
• ‘We’re not some cute little naïve innocent beings: Exploring the sexuality of youth with physical disabilities’ by Dr. Madison Giles.
• ‘From genes to behaviour: Diagnosis, gene and phenotypic architecture and environmental influences of neurodevelopmental disabilities’ by Patricia Kipkemoi.

Dr. Marlee Vandewouw, a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, earned first place. Her research focuses on characterizing diversity in brain function and structure to advance personalized approaches to health for neurodiverse children and youth. By taking a transdiagnostic approach—moving beyond traditional diagnostic labels—her work aims to tailor care based on individual biology, strengths and needs.

Demonstrating the exceptional calibre of this year’s candidates, the judges awarded a tie for second place.

Dr. Madison Giles, a PhD graduate from the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, tied forsecond place. Her arts-based research explored how youth with physical disabilities experience and express their sexuality. By using creative methods like body-map storytelling, her work highlighted the importance of inclusive and supportive resources that acknowledge youth with disabilities as sexual beings.

Patricia Kipkemoi, a final-year PhD candidate with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya, and an incoming post-doctoral researcher at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, also tied for second place. Presenting virtually, Kipkemoi shared her research on the genetic, diagnostic and environmental factors influencing neurodevelopmental disabilities in African populations. Her findings shed light on the complex interplay of genetics and environmental risk factors, improving understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions in underserved settings.

The winners were announced at the symposium’s award ceremony, where their achievements were celebrated by peers and leaders in the field.

The Pursuit Awards reflect Holland Bloorview’s commitment to advancing childhood disability research and fostering the next generation of scientists. As part of the annual BRI symposium, the awards provided finalists with a platform to share their work and inspire collaboration across the global research community.