Research at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute advances discoveries in host-microbe interactions and integrates them into clinical practice to promote gut health as a foundation for overall health, disease prevention, and lifelong well-being. We pursue this vision by adopting an integrative approach that involves interdisciplinary research and collaborations that include immune-physiology, nutrition, and neuro-psycho-immunology in relation to the gut microbiota. Our commitment to the development of innovative therapies for digestive diseases and their co-morbidities is captured in our Microbial Therapy Initiative as well as our Nutrition Initiative. Our vision is supported by a strong infrastructure that includes a large axenic-gnotobiotic facility, and a state-of-the-art sequencing facility complemented by a Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Microbial Research that enables culture and lyophilization of human and animal microbiota. The Institute is closely linked to the Academic Division of Gastroenterology that not only supports our translational research philosophy but provides expertise in Clinical Research Methodology, Guideline Development, Knowledge Translation, and Implementation Science. The Institute is committed to the development of the next generation of investigators in Canada and supports strong graduate and postgraduate training programs for young scientists and clinicians as well as supporting advocacy for patient associations.
