Women's Health Research Cluster

09/27/2026

Today marks the final day of , but the work toward gender equity continues every day. 💜 Gender inequality doesn't just show up in wages and leadership. It also exists in access to care, representation in health research, and inclusion in clinical studies.

In Canada, only 6.4% of funded research is dedicated to women's health. These gaps directly influence the quality of care women receive throughout their lives. Advancing gender equality means advancing women's health. When women are represented in research, everyone benefits.

✨ Let's continue advocating for a future where women's health is prioritized, funded, and understood.

09/26/2026

Only 6.4% of CIHR funding supported women’s health-centred research questions.

A study led by researchers from the Women’s Health Research Cluster, CAMH and the University of Toronto found that just 6.4% of CIHR operating and project grant funding supported women’s health-centred research questions. Over this 15-year period, 681 of 10,629 grants were female-specific, meaning they mentioned studying females or women only.

The findings highlight important Canadian opportunities to increase funding, close research gaps, and strengthen evidence across the full spectrum of women’s health needs and life stages. 🔬✨

09/25/2026

🎙️💜 Season 4, Episode 2 is LIVE! 💜🎙️
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Tamar Gur for a fascinating conversation on microbes, mood, mental health, and the realities of being a woman in science.

🧠🦠From the microbiome’s connection to mental health to the historical exclusion of women from clinical research, this episode explores why women’s health research matters and what still needs to change.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.
WomenMind ResearchMatters WomenInMedicine

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

✨🎙️💜 Season 4, Episode 2 is LIVE! 💜🎙️✨

S4E2: The Woman Behind the Research — Microbes, Mood & Mental Health featuring Dr. Tamar Gur

A fascinating conversation about women in science, mental health, inflammation, and the complex world of the microbiome. 🧠🦠

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more!

09/21/2026

Missed the talk? It’s now available on .
Can alcohol advertising reinforce harmful norms for women and LGBTQ+ communities? 🌈🍸

Catch Dr. Carol Emslie’s kickoff session in our Women’s Health Seminar Series, “Drinking to Belong?” — now streaming on .

09/19/2026

Check out Season 4, Episode 1 !✨🎙️💜
Dr. Liisa and Dr. Cindy go way back — from days to groundbreaking research on women’s .

S4E1 dives into how exercise rewires the brain, boosts neuroplasticity, and why women see unique cognitive gains.

🎙️Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio & more!

09/18/2026

Check out our latest Blog Post: Behind the Science 🔬
Can the HPV Vaccine Reduce Cervical Cancer Deaths to Nearly Zero in Women? The Science Explained

This week’s blog breaks down the research so you can get clear, evidence‑based answers on;
🛡️ Why is it important to get the HPV vaccine before exposure to HPV?
👥 What is herd immunity?
🔎 If the HPV vaccine is so effective, why is cervical cancer screening still important for women who have been vaccinated?

Link in Bio!

09/16/2026

✨🎙️💜 Season 4, Episode 1 is LIVE!💜🎙️✨

S4E1: How Does Exercise Change Your Brain? featuring Dr. Cindy Barha
A deep dive into exercise, neuroplasticity, and the newest research shaping women’s brain health.

🎙️Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more!

09/15/2026

Science can be complicated... and navigating health news online isn't always easy 😥

Misleading headlines or misinformation about health isn't just frustrating - it exaggerates risks, distorts findings, and makes it harder to figure out what the research actually tells us. That's why building your scientific literacy toolkit is key to making informed decisions about your health!

We’re kicking off a brand-new series dedicated to helping you decode health headlines, spot red flags, and understand the real evidence behind clickbait 👀

Swipe through for a quick checklist for spotting misinformation, and drop a 💡 in the comments if you're ready for the series!