Major Gift Creates Endowed Chairs to Drive Cancer Innovation
In a landmark move for cancer research in Ontario, the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) has established two endowed chairs at Western University, funded by the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten. The $5 million gift, matched by Western, will support sustained, long-term research focused on advancing cancer detection, treatment, and patient outcomes. Held within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the new chairs are designed to accelerate translation from the laboratory to bedside care, addressing the urgent need to improve cancer survival and quality of life for patients.
Two Complementary Chairs, One Shared Mission
The Verspeeten Chair in Translational Cancer Research represents a strategic effort to bridge lab discoveries with clinical application. It will support a clinician researcher who specializes in translational and clinical trial work, fostering collaboration across scientists, clinicians, and health systems. By prioritizing rapid testing of new diagnostics, therapies, and personalized care strategies, the chair aims to shorten the path from discovery to real-world patient benefit.
In parallel, the Verspeeten Chair in Oncology backs a basic science researcher or clinician with a robust cancer research background. This position targets the fundamental biological mechanisms that drive cancer, with the goal of uncovering insights that can translate into improved patient outcomes, novel treatments, and smarter care pathways.
A Catalyst for Collaboration and Clinical Impact
Dr. John Yoo, dean of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, underscored the gift’s potential to elevate cancer research on a regional and global scale. “We are grateful for this generous and visionary gift from LHSF, made possible by the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten, which will propel cancer research to new heights,” Yoo said. The chairs are designed to foster collaboration between researchers and frontline healthcare providers, accelerating breakthroughs that can be implemented in clinical settings.
Leadership and Vision for the Chairholders
The inaugural Verspeeten Chair in Oncology has been awarded to Dr. Michael Ott, a renowned clinician-scientist who serves as chair and department head of oncology at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Western. Ott will lead research across LHSC and the Western Research Institute, pursuing innovations that can open pathways to new therapies and clinical trials. “This investment reflects a strong commitment to advancing cancer research and translating discoveries into real-world impact,” Ott stated, emphasizing the role of the chair as a catalyst for progress in patient care.
Legacy of the Verspeeten Family and Local Impact
The Verspeeten family’s generosity has already reshaped cancer care in London, with the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at LHSC renamed in recognition of their support. John MacFarlane, president and CEO of LHSF, highlighted the family’s enduring legacy: “In memory of his wife, Irene and two of their sons, who were all tragically taken by cancer, Archie donated $20 million to advance cancer care in London.” The gift solidifies a long-term commitment to translational cancer research and patient care that will benefit Southwestern Ontario and beyond.
A Regional Hub for Cancer Research Excellence
Located at the nexus of a robust hospital and research network, London, Ontario, is increasingly recognized as a national center for cancer research, education, and patient care. The endowed chairs will enable Western and LHSC to recruit top talent, acquire advanced tools, and pursue ambitious, patient-centered projects—often in collaboration with the LHSC Research Institute. As Dr. Yoo noted, the transformation enabled by these chairs will take advantage of new tools and technologies, maintaining a leading edge in cancer diagnostics and therapy during a pivotal era in oncology.
Looking Ahead
With the Verspeeten Chairs in place, the research landscape in Western and London Health Sciences Centre stands to benefit from stabilized funding, strategic collaboration, and a renewed focus on translating laboratory insights into tangible patient care. As the field of oncology evolves—driven by personalized medicine, novel diagnostics, and targeted therapies—these endowed positions will be central to turning scientific discoveries into real-world improvements for families facing cancer.
