Major Gift Creates Two Endowed Cancer Research Chairs at Western
In a landmark commitment to advancing cancer research, the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF), together with the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten, has established two endowed research chairs at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The $5 million donation, matched by Western University, will fund stable, long-term research programs aimed at transforming cancer care from laboratory discoveries to real-world patient outcomes.
Two Chairs, One Mission: Translational Impact
The Verspeeten Chair in Translational Cancer Research represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between bench science and bedside care. This chair supports a clinician-researcher focused on translational and clinical trial work, with the aim of accelerating the development of diagnostic tools, therapies, and personalized treatment strategies. By fostering collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and health-care providers, the chair seeks to convert promising laboratory findings into tangible improvements for patients facing cancer.
Translational Focus and Clinical Acceleration
Dr. John Yoo, dean of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, emphasized that the chair will help turn breakthroughs into real-life diagnostics and care. “From finding new ways to detect and destroy cancer to understanding how a person’s genetic makeup can impact treatment, our researchers are driving discoveries that offer hope for cancer patients worldwide,” he said. The initiative is designed to streamline pathways from discovery to clinical application, with a stronger emphasis on patient-centered outcomes.
The Verspeeten Chair in Oncology: Fundamental to Future Therapies
The second endowed chair, the Verspeeten Chair in Oncology, will support a basic science researcher or a clinician with a strong research foundation. This position will concentrate on uncovering the biological mechanisms that drive cancer, aiming to translate basic science into new treatments and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Michael Ott, chair and department head of oncology at LHSC, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Western, was named the inaugural Verspeeten Chair in Oncology and will conduct research across Western and LHSC Research Institute.
Leadership and Collaboration Across Institutions
Ott described the chair as a catalyst for innovation, stating that the role will help develop new therapies and treatment pathways that can lead to patient clinical trials. The chairs leverage a tightly knit research ecosystem in London, Ontario, where LHSC and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry sit at the heart of a collaborative network dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care.
<h2 A Legacy That Drives Hope
Archie Verspeeten’s gift, made in memory of his wife Irene and two sons lost to cancer, underscores a lasting family commitment to improving cancer care. John MacFarlane, president and CEO of LHSF, described the donation as a powerful way to honor the Verspeeten legacy while strengthening translational cancer research. The endowment also led to the renaming of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at LHSC, a testament to the impact of generous philanthropy on patient services.
<h2 Why This Initiative Matters Now
With nearly half of Canadians facing a cancer diagnosis during their lifetimes, accelerating cancer research has never been more critical. The endowed chairs provide stable funding that supports long-term projects, enabling researchers to invest in advanced tools, shared resources, and collaborative teams. As Dr. Yoo noted, permanent endowments are essential to staying at the forefront of cancer diagnostics and care during a transformative era in oncology.
Looking Ahead
As the Verspeeten Chairs take shape, Western University, LHSC, and affiliated research institutes will continue to attract top talent, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and pursue groundbreaking clinical trials. The partnership reflects a broader commitment to translating scientific discovery into improved outcomes for patients and families affected by cancer, both in London and beyond.
