The Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) is celebrating the academic promotions of two of its scientists, Dr. Jan Andrysek and Dr. Sarah Munce, at the University of Toronto.

Engineering mobility solutions that change lives

Dr. Jan Andrysek has been promoted to full professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto. A senior scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and lead of the PROPEL (Paediatrics, Rehabilitation, Orthotics, Prosthetics, Engineering, Locomotion) Lab, Dr. Andrysek is widely recognized for his contributions to rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies.

His research focuses on the development and clinical evaluation of prosthetic and orthotic devices, wearable systems and digital rehabilitation tools that enhance mobility and independence for individuals with physical disabilities. His team has also created low-cost, high-performance technologies for use in low-resource settings, including the All-Terrain Knee, which was developed at Holland Bloorview and later commercialized through the social enterprise LegWorks., which he co-founded.

“It’s a great privilege to work in a field where engineering meets human potential,” said Dr. Andrysek. “This promotion reflects the dedication of our research team as well as many partners and our shared commitment to improving mobility, physical function and quality of life for children and adults with limb differences around the world.”

Strengthening care through implementation science and engagement

Dr. Sarah Munce has been promoted to associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She is an implementation scientist at BRI and an affiliated scientist at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, where she also serves as a graduate coordinator.

Dr. Munce is leading national efforts to improve how research evidence is translated into care, particularly for youth with disabilities and complex needs and their families. Her program focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating transitional care interventions, such as peer navigation and self-management supports, in partnership with young people and their families. In 2025, she was awarded a $1-million Implementation Science Chair by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to advance youth and family engagement in learning health systems across Canada.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the many youth, families, colleagues and mentors who have helped shape my research journey,” said Dr. Munce. “This promotion is an opportunity to continue building inclusive, collaborative science that puts people at the centre of care transformation.”

“Congratulations to Jan and Sarah on their well-deserved promotions,” said Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, vice-president of research and director of the BRI. “Their leadership and innovation continue to strengthen our research community and help transform the way we serve children, youth and families through inclusive, impactful science.”

Their promotions reflect BRI’s commitment to research that drives meaningful change — from developing globally accessible technologies to building more inclusive, evidence-informed systems of care.