Childhood Diseases
We’re Dedicated to Improving Diagnoses and Treatments
The Childhood Diseases Theme focuses on studying childhood diseases and disorders. We’re dedicated to discovering how the body responds to illness, with a specific focus on understanding the mechanisms of health versus disease, as well as identifying and testing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Specialized research groups provide the opportunity for BCCHR scientists and clinicians with similar research interests to connect and collaborate, regardless of their theme affiliations. While each group is supported by at least one theme, researchers can be part of any group from any theme. The Childhood Diseases Theme has four specialized research groups that are focused on studying childhood diseases and disorders: Childhood Cancer and Blood Research, Diabetes, Immunity in Health and Disease, and Rare Diseases.
Childhood Cancer and Blood Research
Lead: Christopher Maxwell
In the Childhood Cancer and Blood Research Group, clinicians and scientists work together to conduct research that improves the lives of children and young adults with cancer and/or blood disorders, and those undergoing transplantation.
Many of our Childhood Cancer & Blood Research scientists are generously supported by the Michael Cuccione Foundation through the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program (MCCCRP).
Diabetes
Lead: Francis Lynn
Through transformative research, the Diabetes Group strives to improve the lives of children and families living with diabetes. Our researchers are dedicated to making prediction, prevention, new treatments, and a cure a reality.
You can also visit the Canucks for Kids Fund Childhood Diabetes Laboratories website to learn more about our work.
Immunity in Health and Disease
Lead: Laura Sly
Researchers in the Immunity in Health and Disease Group are focused on improving our understanding of healthy immune responses and how the immune system contributes to immune-mediated diseases in children.
Rare Diseases
Lead: Catherine Biggs
The Rare Disease Group envisions becoming a patient-centred leader in the field of rare disease discovery and innovation with the aim of improving outcomes for rare disease patients in British Columbia and beyond.
Childhood Diseases Core Personnel
We work together with our members to support research and encourage education, innovation, and knowledge translation.
Philipp Lange
Theme Director
Dr. Lange is an Investigator in the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children’s Hospital and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at UBC. As Theme Director, Dr. Lange promotes and facilitates research and supports collaboration, education, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
Jeffrey Helm
Theme Research Manager
Jeffrey has master’s degrees in Neuroscience and Journalism and more than 15 years of experience in research administration. As Theme Research Manager, he values collaboration and works with researchers to identify their needs and develop infrastructure to meet those needs.
Emily Fox
Theme Research Coordinator
Emily received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from UBC. As Theme Research Coordinator, she supports researchers in the planning, management, and communication of research activities.
Lab, Project & Program Websites
Find out more about some of the labs, projects, and programs at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.
Research News
Every day, BCCHR researchers work towards breakthroughs to transform the lives of kids in BC and around the world. Learn about our latest innovations and advancements in child health.
-
Collaboration led by BCCHR researchers awarded European funding to improve community-based care in Uganda and Kenya
Read moreDr. Matthew Wiens and colleagues at the Institute for Global Health at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospital, BC Children’s Research Institute, and the University of British Columbia, are the first Canadian Team to lead a Horizon Europe Pillar 2 project. The consortium was recently awarded €5 million under the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking for a project that…
-
Mini Med School Prince George
Read moreMini Med School will be on the road for years to come! We want to give as many communities as possible the opportunity to interact with BC Children’s Hospital’s world-class researchers and clinicians. For 2025, Mini Med School BC will be in Whitehorse, Yukon for the first time!
-
Women in Science
Read moreJoin us as we celebrate the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, we are proud to support the next generation of health scientists. At this unique event, designed specifically for grade 11-12 students, you will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring…
Donate to Research
With your support, we believe there’s nothing we can’t do. Funding helps bring hope out of the laboratory and into the clinic — to save and improve children’s lives.
donate now