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Story: Bloorview Partners with Utrecht University

This summer, Bloorview scientists Patty Rigby, Steve Ryan and Jan

Andrysek, were awarded their PhDs from Utrecht University in the Netherlands - considered one of the best universities in Europe. 

This opportunity was the result of a new partnership with Utrecht University, in which the university considers both academic and hands-on research experience in selecting students for its PhD program.  As such, research conducted by Rigby, Ryan and Andrysek as Bloorview scientists was recognized, and they were granted advanced standing in the program.

“This program offers an opportunity for formal recognition for outstanding research, says Colin Macarthur, VP research. “This opportunity was a fitting recognition of the contributions Jan, Steve and Patty have made to the field of childhood disability.”

This was the first time the University received Canadian applicants. Macarthur and Paul Helders, of Utrecht University, co-supervised the candidates throughout the year-long preparation of their dissertations.   

Sheila Jarvis, President and CEO, was present to observe the thesis defense and degree conferral.

“Being able to observe the thesis defense and degree conferral was a surprise and unique experience,” says Jarvis.  “The questions that each of the faculty asked our PhD candidates revealed that they had given a great deal of thought and reflection on the candidates’ work.  Listening to the candidates answer questions about their work was truly impressive.”

Utrecht University has an international reputation for conducting high-impact research in childhood disability.  Bloorview’s partnership with the university began because of a long-standing relationship between key Bloorview staff, including Jarvis, and Paul Helders, a professor with an academic appointment at Utrecht University.   

Helders has actively been involved with Bloorview and has consistently renewed his relationship with Bloorview by visiting regularly, meeting with staff and presenting on various research topics in pediatric rehabilitation. Helders also lent his expertise to Bloorview when we were in the planning stages of creating the Bloorview Research Institute.

The partnership with Utrecht University is important for the development of research and retaining top notch scientists.  Rigby, Ryan and Andrysek now have top credentials, opening the door to further collaboration with academic institutions like the University of Toronto.    

This initiative is a great example of progress that Bloorview is making on two of its key strategic priorities – research and teaching and learning. It illustrates our commitment to supporting our staff in pursuing their academic interests, and at the same time, it’s an active way that Bloorview staff are adding to the body of knowledge on childhood disability internationally. 

“This opportunity has opened many doors for affiliation with the University of Toronto – I am now able to receive appointments, teach, supervise and mentor students at the bachelor and graduate levels,” said Andrysek.

The calibre of candidates and their research was noted on by all faculty present at the thesis defence, demonstrating Bloorview’s ever-increasing prominence in the area of research.

“Receiving my doctorate will help me to link with like-minded researchers and clinicians nationally and internationally,” says Ryan.  “I know that these collaborations will help to further our understanding of childhood disability and create new possibilities for children with physical disabilities and their families.”

International partnerships are key in working towards Bloorview’s goal of providing global leadership in improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities and their families.

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