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About

TaARI was founded in 1988 as a joint venture between the Hamilton Civic Hospitals and McMaster University. Originally called the Hamilton Civic Hospital Research Center, its primary focus was on translating advances in research laboratories into new anticoagulant therapies to treat thrombosis. The Center was renamed the Henderson Research Center when the Hamilton Civic Hospitals were amalgamated into Hamilton Health Sciences. The group moved to the David Braley Research Institute in 2010 and became the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute (TaARI).

Researchers at TaARI seek to understand the mechanisms of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. The space is shared with the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), which provides important opportunities to translate discoveries into clinical outcomes that make a positive impact on patient lives.

Overview

Thrombosis refers to the pathological formation blood clots in veins or arteries and is responsible for one in four deaths worldwide. Thrombosis is the root cause of common cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and acute limb ischemia in patients with peripheral artery disease. Current treatments of thrombosis are limited because they can cause bleeding if not managed properly. Understanding the delicate balance between bleeding and thrombosis is critical for designing new therapies and optimizing patient care.

Mission Statement

“To reduce death and disability from thrombotic diseases by conducting research into the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis.”

Research Objectives

  • To carry out basic and translational research in thrombosis, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases extending from the laboratory to the bedside
  • To conduct clinically-relevant research that can translate into more efficient or effective patient care
  • To maintain research excellence and serve as a national and international leader in cardiovascular biology and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
  • To facilitate continued investment from federal, provincial, local and private agencies into research that improves the lives of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease
  • To develop new technologies and bring them to market through patents and commercialization of discoveries

Educational Objectives

  • To reduce the barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion in biomedical research by maintaining an inclusive and accessible training environment for learners
  • To train the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular disease research by supporting the training of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
  • To develop and utilize new technologies that prepare learners for diverse careers in the natural sciences and health sciences
  • To build competency and confidence in science communication

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge with gratitude the financial support for research provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund. We are especially grateful for the generous support from Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. We also acknowledge the continued support from industry partners who have supported our people, our projects and our seminars.

Land Acknowledgement

We are privileged to conduct research on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations and within the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon wampum agreement. We recognize and respect the presence and stewardship of all Indigenous peoples as keepers of this land.