The following two research facilities are the main research spaces for OS&OT researchers and students.
- Margaret Hood Occupational Therapy Research Laboratory @ UBC
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory @ GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Occupational science research is interdisciplinary in nature and covers a wide range of topics. Researchers in the department are involved in research initiatives in conjunction with the following teams, centres, and networks.
- Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC)
- Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI)
- Collaborative RESearch Team for the study of psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD)
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
Margaret Hood Occupational Therapy Research Laboratory @ UBC
The Margaret Hood Occupational Therapy Research Lab was established in 1997 as the first home base for UBC OS&OT researchers. It is named after Dr. Margaret Hood, the first OT instructor at UBC in 1961. As the core research space for OS&OT researchers and students at UBC, the Hood lab provides computer work stations and analytical software, interview space, and team meeting space in support of community-based occupational therapy and occupational science research.
Rehabilitation Research Laboratory @ GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1949, is the largest rehabilitation centre in BC and a tertiary care facility. The centre houses the 3000 square feet Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, shared by researchers and trainees (including many from OS&OT) who take part in interdisciplinary studies of rehabilitation science. This research space provides excellent opportunities for interactions between researchers, front line clinicians, and consumers, allowing the translation of research knowledge into clinical awareness and practice.
Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC)
Dr. Catherine Backman conducts much of her research with colleagues at the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, where there are over 40 research scientists and research staff engaged in “practical research for everyday living.” ARC provides opportunities for OS&OT researchers, including student researchers, to collaborate with health services researchers and consumers.
Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI)
Dr. Liisa Holsti studies pain and stress in preterm infants at the Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI), where more than 185 investigators conduct research in 13 research areas that concern women’s and children’s health. CFRI fosters interdisciplinary collaborations between its research scientists and encourages translations of research knowledge to the bedside or clinic, making it a supportive environment for OS&OT research.
Collaborative RESearch Team for the study of psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD)
Dr. Melinda Suto conducts research with Dr. Erin E. Michalak, psychologist and team leader of the CREST.BD team. Based at UBC, this is a multidisciplinary team of junior and senior researchers located across Canada, and in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Data collection and analysis is carried out in the Margaret Hood Occupational Therapy Research Lab, as well as within the community.
International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
Located within the new Blusson Pavilion of the Vancouver General Hospital, ICORD is an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to the study of novel approaches to encourage rehabilitation and recovery after spinal cord injury. Dr. Bill Miller and Dr. Susan Forwell are the Principal Investigators for this initiative.
