Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre Now Open

Date Posted: 
2011-10-27

Focusing on early detection and disease prevention

Ho BuildingFor original story, click here.

Over 150 clinicians, scientists, and staff will be pioneering new treatments and cures and working on disease prevention strategies in the new Robert H.N Ho Research Centre.

The facility, adjacent to the Jack Bell Research Centre, is home to three internationally-recognized health research programs: the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility; the Ovarian Cancer Research Program, and an expansion of the Vancouver Prostate Centre.

The work being done within the Centre focuses on translational research, specifically in the areas of early detection and disease prevention. For example:

Researchers at the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility are leaders in understanding hip fracture prevention and early detection of osteoarthritis. They work together with biomedical engineers and orthopaedic surgeons to devise new surgical solutions to bone and joint health problems.

At the Vancouver Prostate Centre, scientists are zeroing in on understanding the progression of the disease – and what is happening when it reaches a treatment-resistant state – in order to develop new therapies to overcome the hurdles of treating advanced stages of prostate cancer.

Clinicians and scientists at the Ovarian Cancer Research Program are developing early screening tools for ovarian cancer, a disease for which there are currently no early diagnostic tests.

The Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre is a tribute to the excellence of health researchers at VCH and their focus on a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to discovery and knowledge exchange back to the community. The building is designed to reflect and enhance these qualities with its cutting edge laboratories and collaborative work spaces.

“By uniting three elite research teams, we believe the Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre will act as an incubator for scientific inquiry, and facilitate innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s health problems,” says VCH president and CEO, Dr. David Ostrow who helped officially launch the new facility. “The work these health researchers do – discovering the cause of diseases and providing a better understanding in how to treat and prevent them – will assist our 20,000 plus staff and health care professionals in delivering the very best in patient care.”

Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre Fast Facts

  • Named after Mr. Robert H.N. Ho in honour of his $15 million donation to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to support health research and care.
  • Official Opening: Sept 15, 2011 by the Honourable Michael De Jong, BC Minister of Health.
  • The seven-floor Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre is 6,442 square metres (69,350 square feet).
  • The facility is owned and operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.
  • The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VCRA) has chosen the facility as a finalist for one of their VRCA Awards of Excellence. The awards ceremony is October 19, 2011.
  • The new building will house over 150 research scientists and clinicians, trainees, and staff from the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Ovarian Cancer Research Program, and Vancouver Prostate Centre.
  • State-of-the-art facilities include the Laboratory for Advanced Genome Analysis, Imaging Microscopy Suite, Safe-movement Environment, Exercise Prescription Suite, and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory.

A World Class Centre

The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) has a track record of success that has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most respected cancer facilities. It is a National Centre of Excellence and a designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research.

Events

Terry Fox Run fundraiser: September 19th, 2023

The 43nd Annual Terry Fox Run is taking place on Sunday September 19, 2023. If you are able, please consider joining and/or donating to our team (tax receipts issued), raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation's ground-breaking cancer research

Pars for Prostate fundraiser: September 21, 2023

The Second Annual Pars for Prostate golf fundraiser in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation BC takes place September 21, 2022 at Westwood Plateau Golf Course. Join today to take part in this best ball, shotgun style tournament. Skilled holes, putting contest, draw prizes and more. For information and to register please click here.

Employment

Work at the Vancouver Prostate Centre

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Dr Artem Cherkasov receives world-wide challenge in drug discovery

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Dr. Somasekharan has been granted a $1.12 million USD from the DOD Award