By: Alexandra Fabre, Communications Officer, Hôpital Montfort

As Hôpital Montfort continues its evolution as a leading academic institution, its Institut du Savoir Montfort (ISM) stands out for pioneering a centralized model of research support — demonstrating how strategic infrastructure and dedicated teams can dramatically expand research capacity and impact in a young research institute.

Montfort’s commitment to research excellence is clear: for the eleventh consecutive year, the hospital has been recognized among  Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals. Since joining this elite group in 2015, Montfort has more than doubled its research projects, now supporting over 170 initiatives and generating $14.9 million in annual research activity. This impressive growth directly supports the hospital’s and ISM’s strategic goal to expand both the volume and quality of research, ultimately driving improvements in patient care. The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan places research at the heart of Montfort’s mission, emphasizing the creation of new knowledge to benefit patients and the broader health system 

One Team, Seamless Support 

At the core of Montfort’s success is a centralized, integrated support system. The ISM Research Office operates as a comprehensive hub where Research Associates, Research Coordinators and Research Assistants assist 143 researchers  including 72 clinician Researchers and a growing number of research chairs. 

This team provides end to end support across the entire research lifecycle: designing research programs, assisting with preparing grant applications, managing approvals, coordinating with clinical departments, facilitating data access (notably through collaborations with organizations like ICES - Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), overseeing recruitment, reviewing grants, and handling finances and financial reporting. This comprehensive support allows researchers to focus on innovation rather than administration and supports emerging researchers. 

"Our mission is to make research come alive at the hospital," explains Steve Levesque, Research Facilitation Manager at the Institut du Savoir Montfort. "We're building programs and nurturing the next generation of clinician-researchers." 

Developing Tomorrow's Research Leaders ​

ISM is dedicated not only to supporting current projects but also to developing new research talent among clinicians. As Montfort’s academic identity evolves, fostering novice clinician-researchers has become a strategic priority. Many clinicians start with limited research experience, but through mentorship, academic and community connections, they gain the skills and confidence to lead their own programs. 

Ontario’s Alternative Funding Plan (AFP) plays a key role, offering physicians protected time for teaching, quality improvement, and research removing major barriers to participation. This approach has transformed pilot projects into long-term research programs, with several initiatives securing permanent funding and driving lasting improvements in patient care. The deliberate investment in capacity-building ensures that Montfort’s research community remains vibrant and innovative. 

"Many of our clinicians didn't initially have extensive research experience," notes Levesque. "Through mentorship and community connections, they develop the skills and confidence to eventually lead their own programs." 

Research that Addresses Real Needs 

ISM’s research network spans institutions nationwide, including University of Ottawa, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Université de Sherbrooke, and Université de Moncton. This collaborative environment fosters the free flow of expertise and ideas. Research priorities include integrating mental and physical health care, developing innovative care models, advancing emergency services, and maternal/postpartum care—leveraging Montfort’s role as a leading obstetrics provider in the region.  

A unique focus of ISM’s work is the impact of language on care delivery. Studies show that receiving care in one’s primary language improves clinical outcomes, while language barriers can lead to misdiagnosis, medication errors, and adverse events. This highlights Montfort’s strength in bilingual research and its commitment to advancing care for Francophone populations. By addressing both broad health system priorities and the specific needs of linguistic minorities, ISM’s research has a tangible impact on patient safety and quality of care 

Building for the Future 

Montfort is a member of the Ottawa University Health Network (UAHN), contributing to a research ecosystem where all members have maintained Top 40 status for eleven years. In 2025, UAHN institutions collectively increased research spending by 14.6%, reaching $256.6 million. Montfort continues to scale its capabilities, with the upcoming launch of EPIC—an advanced electronic patient data management system—enabling larger datasets and multi-institutional collaborations. Recent investments in three new research chairs in family medicine signal exciting new projects in geriatric care, health equity, and artificial intelligence.  

With 176 active research projects and 13 ongoing clinical trials, ISM stands as a testament to how strategic vision and dedicated support can transform research capacity. By making research more accessible to clinicians, Montfort has created not just a research centre, but a model where innovation is woven into daily care and bedside questions spark the breakthroughs that shape tomorrow’s healthcare. ​