University Canada West is strengthening its commitment to applied research through the Health Policy Impact Lab, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on evidence-based healthcare policy, leadership and innovation.
Located within UCW’s Faculty of Business Management, the Lab brings together faculty researchers, students, healthcare professionals, policymakers and community partners to develop practical responses to challenges facing healthcare systems, including workforce shortages, technological change, rising costs and evolving patient needs.
Led by Dr. Vidhi Thakkar, Director of the Health Policy Impact Lab, the initiative draws on expertise across healthcare, business, management, economics, artificial intelligence, ethics and public administration. Its research includes health policy and governance, healthcare finance, digital transformation, health human resources, organizational resilience and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The Lab is also expanding its external partnerships. Dr. Thakkar has been invited to lead an evidence review for an Ontario Ministry of Health annual report for 2026–27. She has also been invited to participate in discussions with leaders from the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health in 2027, with the goal of developing cross-provincial partnerships and applied systems research collaborations.
Other collaborations include work with healthcare, government and community organizations. Through a partnership with the Pegasus Institute, for example, researchers are examining mentorship programs designed to support internationally educated healthcare professionals entering the Canadian healthcare workforce. The project aims to strengthen understanding of workforce integration and inform health human resources policy.
Students are also involved in the Lab’s applied research. MBA and Bachelor of Commerce students have opportunities to work with faculty and external partners while developing experience in areas such as research methodology, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management and knowledge mobilization.
The Lab emphasizes translating research into practical resources, including policy briefs, evidence summaries, executive reports and implementation tools that can support healthcare leaders and decision-makers.
Supported through UCW’s Office of Research and Scholarship, the Health Policy Impact Lab reflects the University’s broader commitment to research that extends beyond academic publication and contributes to organizations, communities and public policy.
