Angels Den 2024
From a small classroom at St. Michael’s Hospital to a live show at Koerner Hall, Angels Den is Canada’s biggest medical research competition.
On October 17, we celebrated a decade of discovery as Angels Den turns 10! St. Michael’s all-star scientists vied for $700,000 in research funding at Angels Den 2024, presented by the Arrell Family Foundation.
To learn more, contact Amy Lewis.
The Awards
Keenan Award for Medical Discovery
Transforming scientific discoveries into novel therapies, better diagnostics, vaccines or medical devices.
Odette Award for Health System Innovation
Improving our healthcare system by increasing its effectiveness, efficiency, equitability or sustainability.
Canada Life People’s Choice Award
Favourite research project in any category, voted for by the audience.
Sarah McComb Award for Cancer Research
Spurring research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Congratulations to our 2024 Winners
Keenan Award for Medical Discovery
No More Needles: A Non-Invasive Way to See Kidney Scarring
Dr. Darren Yuen
Dr. Darren Yuen
Scientist, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, and Nephrologist at St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Chronic kidney disease – caused when diabetes or high blood pressure irreversibly damages the organs by scarring them – affects one in 10 Canadians. The usual way to diagnose kidney disease is by a needle biopsy. Not only is the procedure painful, it can be dangerous: it may cause bleeding, sending patients to the ICU.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Darren Yuen has developed a simple, non-invasive ultrasound scan that can take a picture of the kidney to see if there is scarring and how extensive it is. This first-of-its-kind innovation will revolutionize care for people around the world who are living with chronic kidney disease.
Odette Award For Health System Innovation
AI Surgical Consult: Is Brain Surgery Needed?
Dr. Alun Ackery | Dr. Christopher Witiw
Dr. Alun Ackery
Clinician-Investigator, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Emergency Physician, Trauma Team Leader, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Christopher Witiw
Surgeon-Investigator, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Neurosurgeon, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: 165,000 Canadians will suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) this year. TBIs can cause serious long-term disability and even death. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in young people. A rapid diagnosis and transfer to a hospital with a neurosurgeon are critical to save lives. But only one in five cases will end up needing surgery – and as it is, neurosurgeons are overwhelmed by the volume of consults.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Christopher Witiw and Dr. Alun Ackery have developed an AI-based tool trained using brain imaging from thousands of TBI patients to help doctors decide who will need to undergo surgery. Now they want to test it at community hospitals without a neurosurgeon on staff to see if they can improve system-wide efficiencies.
Canada Life People’s Choice Award
Surviving Sepsis: A Breakthrough Drug
Dr. Claudia dos Santos | Dr. Amin Ektesabi
Dr. Amin Ektesabi
Postdoctoral Fellow, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Claudia dos Santos
Critical Care Clinician-Scientist, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Pitts Research Chair of Acute and Emergency Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Worldwide, there are 50 million cases each year. As the only treatments are antibiotics, which aren’t always effective, and organ support, one in five people will die from this common hospital complication.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Claudia dos Santos and Dr. Amin Ektesabi have developed a breakthrough drug to block inflammation, supercharge the white blood cells’ ability to kill bacteria, and protect against heart and lung failure. Now they want to test it in pre-clinical trials–so they can move quickly to save lives.
Sarah McComb Award for Cancer Research
Brain Rays: A New Treatment to Target Tumours
Dr. Vitor Pereira
Dr. Vitor Pereira
Surgeon Scientist and Schroeder Chair in Advanced Neurovascular Interventions, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour in adults. They begin in the brain and spinal cord. The standard protocol is surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by radiation therapy. However, open brain surgery is an extremely high-risk procedure and standard radiation therapy is not precise leading to side effects of exposing health brain tissue. We need new non-invasive ways to provide targeted treatment for brain tumours.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Vitor Pereira has designed a procedure that delivers a radioactive particle directly to the site of the tumour through a series of tiny catheters. The catheters enter the body through the wrist or groin, instead of through the skull. This procedure has shown promise for liver cancer. Now, they want to determine if it is safe and effective for brain cancer.
Meet the 2024 Teams
Keenan Award for Medical Discovery
Hope After Stroke: Personalized Depression Treatment
Dr. Manav Vyas | Dr. Venkat Bhat
Dr. Manav Vyas
Clinician-Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Neurologist, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Venkat Bhat
Clinician-Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Psychiatrist, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Every five minutes, someone in Canada is diagnosed with a stroke. Six in 10 stroke survivors develop depression due to biochemical changes in the brain. Medications and psychotherapy are effective treatments for only one in three. That leaves too many struggling with treatment-resistant depression.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Venkat Bhat and Dr. Manav Vyas want to test the effectiveness of an accelerated course of brain stimulation, called rTMS, that is targeted to a precise region of the brain. Their aim is to offer stroke survivors who have no other options rapid relief and to improve their quality of life.
Keenan Award for Medical Discovery
Surviving Sepsis: A Breakthrough Drug
Dr. Amin Ektesabi | Dr. Claudia dos Santos
Dr. Amin Ektesabi
Postdoctoral Fellow, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Claudia dos Santos
Critical Care Clinician-Scientist, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Pitts Research Chair of Acute and Emergency Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Worldwide, there are 50 million cases each year. As the only treatments are antibiotics, which aren’t always effective, and organ support, one in five people will die from this common hospital complication.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Claudia dos Santos and Dr. Amin Ektesabi have developed a breakthrough drug to block inflammation, supercharge the white blood cells’ ability to kill bacteria, and protect against heart and lung failure. Now they want to test it in pre-clinical trials–so they can move quickly to save lives.
Keenan Award for Medical Discovery
No More Needles: A Non-Invasive Way to See Kidney Scarring
Dr. Darren Yuen
Dr. Darren Yuen
Scientist, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, and Nephrologist at St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Chronic kidney disease – caused when diabetes or high blood pressure irreversibly damages the organs by scarring them – affects one in 10 Canadians. The usual way to diagnose kidney disease is by a needle biopsy. Not only is the procedure painful, it can be dangerous: it may cause bleeding, sending patients to the ICU.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Darren Yuen has developed a simple, non-invasive ultrasound scan that can take a picture of the kidney to see if there is scarring and how extensive it is. This first-of-its-kind innovation will revolutionize care for people around the world who are living with chronic kidney disease.
Odette Award for Health System Innovation
Infection Detection: Does Mono Trigger Autoimmune Diseases?
Dr. Dalia Rotstein | Dr. Amirah Momen
Dr. Dalia Rotstein
Clinician Investigator, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Neurologist, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Amirah Momen
Neurologist, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: One in 20 Canadians will develop an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. 90 percent of the world’s population has been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus, which is the virus causing mononucleosis infection. New research suggests that this infection might trigger autoimmune disease later in life.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Dalia Rotstein and Dr. Amirah Momen want to explore the link between mono and autoimmune diseases in different populations. The goal? To see if a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus, currently in clinical trials, could in fact prevent all these diseases in people who are susceptible. If it does, the impact on health and wellbeing would be massive.
Odette Award for Health System Innovation
Kids’ Asthma Alert: Using AI to Predict Attacks
Dr. Benita Hosseini | Dr. Andrew Pinto
Dr. Benita Hosseini
Scientist, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Andrew Pinto
Clinician-Scientist, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Family Physician, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: Right now, more than 850,000 children in Canada live with asthma. Worldwide, that figure is 150 million. This year, half of those children will experience an asthma attack: their symptoms will flare up and they will struggle to breathe. About one in six will end up in the emergency room. With worsening air quality globally, those numbers will only skyrocket.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Benita Hosseini and Dr. Andrew Pinto aim to create an AI model using medical and environmental data to predict severe asthma attacks in children three months before they happen. The goal is to use it to inform families and doctors about the risks so they can take proactive measures. This effort aims to shape public health interventions that lessen environmental asthma triggers–so kids can play outdoors safely, and just be kids.
Odette Award for Health System Innovation
AI Surgical Consult: Is Brain Surgery Needed?
Dr. Alun Ackery | Dr. Christopher Witiw
Dr. Alun Ackery
Clinician-Investigator, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Emergency Physician, Trauma Team Leader, St. Michael’s Hospital
Dr. Christopher Witiw
Surgeon-Investigator, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, and Neurosurgeon, St. Michael’s Hospital
THE CHALLENGE: 165,000 Canadians will suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) this year. TBIs can cause serious long-term disability and even death. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in young people. A rapid diagnosis and transfer to a hospital with a neurosurgeon are critical to save lives. But only one in five cases will end up needing surgery – and as it is, neurosurgeons are overwhelmed by the volume of consults.
THE SOLUTION: Dr. Christopher Witiw and Dr. Alun Ackery have developed an AI-based tool trained using brain imaging from thousands of TBI patients to help doctors decide who will need to undergo surgery. Now they want to test it at community hospitals without a neurosurgeon on staff to see if they can improve system-wide efficiencies.
Meet the 2024 Judges & Host
Lisa LaFlamme - Judge
Lisa LaFlamme has been at the forefront of Canadian journalism for over 35 years tackling some of the biggest issues of our time from war zones and natural disasters to the changing political climate around the world. An Officer of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario, Lisa was the first woman to anchor CTV National News — a role she held for over a decade. Beyond being a decorated, internationally recognized journalist, she's a passionate advocate of democracy and human rights.
Dan Riskin - Judge
Dan Riskin, PhD, is a bat biologist, science journalist, author and speaker. He is best known as CTV’s Science and Technology Specialist, former co-host of Daily Planet on Discovery and author of the bestselling book Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You. When not leading wildlife tours in the tropics, or talking about science on the news, Dan spends time with his wife Shelby and three great kids. His first science book for kids, Fiona the Fruit Bat, was published last year.
Samantha Yammine - Judge
Samantha Yammine, PhD, is a neuroscientist and popular Science Communicator. As @science.sam on Instagram and TikTok, she’s an innovative leader in making science more familiar, accessible, and inclusive. Sam is a regular guest expert on Netflix, TVO Kids, CBC GEM, Discovery UK, CBC Radio, and AsapSCIENCE. She sits on the Board for RCIScience and ScienceUpFirst. Sam was named one of Toronto Life’s Top 50 Most Influential People in Toronto in 2021.
Jennifer Hsiung - Host
As co-anchor of CP24 Breakfast, Jennifer Hsiung delivers all the news that viewers across Toronto and the GTHA need to start their day. With more than a decade of international broadcasting experience, Jennifer has covered a wide range of stories for CP24 both at home and abroad since joining the station in September 2020 – including daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
Thank You To Our 2024 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Top Prize Sponsors
People’s Choice Award Sponsor
Giving Moment Sponsor
Team Biographies Sponsor
Team Award Sponsors
NextGen Sponsors
Corporate Jurors
Jurors
Frank Balazic, PBY Capital
Lloyd & Marie Barbara
Greg & Susie Belton
Chris Burgh
Keri Bush
Tony Cesta
So Hang Chan
David Cooper
Mark Curry
Richard Dansereau
Brad Dunkley
The Hon. Nicky Eaton
Patrick Fournell
Savita Gupta
Richard Harvey
Margaret Harvey
Jake Herman
John Hunkin & Susan Crocker
Colleen Johnston
Patrick Kavanagh
Elaine Kierans & Shawn McReynolds
David Kutas
Jarrett Leach
Katy Livingstone
Jeff Lozon
Mariana MacIntosh
John MacIntyre
Lisa Mack
Magna International
Jeff Marshall
Fernando Massalin
Joe Mazzocco
The Alayne & Ron Metrick Fund
Andrew Mitchell
Rory Mitz
Brendan Mullen
Colleen Myers
Brian O’Connor
Frank Penny
Diane Perry
Gabi Piccininni
Stephanie Pringle
Tony Rodrigues
Ann G. Rothwell
Harry Sale
Brett Schlemovitz
Harcharan (Harry) Singh
Kate Stevenson
Dan & Sandra Sullivan
Samantha Sykes
Frank Techar
Kristine Thompson
Rick & Judy Thorpe
Ashley Vandertorn
Reese Whittaker, Krembil Foundation
Tae Joon Yi, Krembil Foundation
Special Thanks To
Edward Agnew
Louise Cannon
Dynamic Funds
Fidelity
Willa D. Gauthier
GUCCI
Joseph Lebovic and Dr. Wolf Lebovic Charitable Foundation
Barbara Lemaire
Leon’s
Lysander Funds
Manulife
Chris McCulloch
PIMCO
The Toronto Star
Tim & Frances Price
St. Michael’s Hospital Department of Medicine
St. Michael’s Hospital Department of Psychiatry
Beverly Topping
Our 2024 Committee
Gwen Harvey, Co-Chair
Melissa Martin, Co-Chair
Ram Amarnath
Keri Bush
Dr. Erica Conte
John McCartney
Wes McComb
James McPhedran
Sneha Palepu
Bill Pringle
Tony Rodrigues
Dr. Ori Rotstein
Harry Sale
Mich Ward
Join the Research Innovation Council
Want to go behind the scenes of medical research and launch a life-changing project? You can.
The Research Innovation Council is an exclusive group that chooses top scientists to receive RIC funding to launch their research projects. This is your chance to impact some of the toughest and timeliest health issues – like those you’re watching on Angels Den. Invest $10,000 per year over five years – and make medical ingenuity possible.
Contact Chanel to join.