Toronto Western Research Institute renamed the Krembil Research Institute to honour long-standing philanthropists
A new era of research begins at University Health Network with the official naming of the Krembil Research Institute. Formerly known as the Toronto Western Research Institute, the research arm of Toronto Western Hospital will now be known as the Krembil Research Institute (Krembil) in recognition of the long-standing and transformational support of the Krembil family. The Krembils are among Canada’s leading investors in neuroscience research. Their impact at Toronto Western Hospital alone totals $80 million.
“Our family has been involved with Toronto Western Hospital for more than 18 years,” said Robert Krembil. “During this time we have gained a deep appreciation for the research excellence and the scientists who are working to find cures for some of the most debilitating health issues of our day. We are proud to continue our support of the valuable work that happens here.”
The official announcement of the renaming of the Research Institute was made this morning by Her Royal Highness The Princess Edward, Countess of Wessex on a visit to Toronto Western Hospital for which she is the Patron.
Krembil is one of five research institutes based at UHN, which was recently named Canada’s top research hospital by Research Infosource. In 2013, the Research Institute expanded with the opening of the Krembil Discovery Tower – a nine-storey, state-of-the-art research centre with an award-winning design.
Krembil Research Institute Director Dr. Donald Weaver noted Krembil scientists’ vision is to create a world without chronic, debilitating diseases which is why Krembil is aligning its strategic focus with the big health issues of the 21st century – diseases of the brain, spine, bones joints and eyes. According to Dr. Weaver, these diseases are an enormous burden in terms of human suffering and economic impact. “As our population ages, these diseases will place more and more pressures on patients, their families and the systems that are here to support each and every one of us,” said Dr. Weaver. “At Krembil, our research will – must – make a difference to this changing landscape.”
“The Krembil family have been outstanding champions of research at UHN for decades,” said UHN President and CEO Dr. Peter Pisters. “Acknowledging this support in a public way is our way of saying thank you to them. The Krembil name will also provide a distinct identity for the Research Institute and become a magnet for recruiting the best scientific talent in the world.”