Two AllerGen researchers awarded CIHR Early Career Investigator grants
Two AllerGen researchers are among 16 outstanding early career investigators funded by CIHR to conduct research that aims to have a significant impact on maternal, reproductive, child and youth health.
Dr. Meaghan Jones and Dr. Jennifer Protudjer, both at the University of Manitoba and the Children’s Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), have each been awarded a CIHR Early Career Investigators in Maternal, Reproductive, Child and Youth Health (2019) grant.
Dr. Jones, along with co-investigator Dr. Andrew Halayko (University of Manitoba), has been awarded the grant to study the effects of prenatal cannabis smoke exposure on developing offspring in mice. The project uses epigenetics (a kind of cellular memory) to understand what marks are left behind on cells when exposed to cannabis smoke. This work will help researchers understand the potential impact of cannabis smoke exposure to human infants in the womb.
Dr. Protudjer, along with co-Principal Investigator Jennifer Gerdts (President, Food Allergy Canada) and a team of food allergy researchers, will explore the mental health impact and needs of those living with food allergy. The project will examine how food allergy impacts families, schools, care providers and the healthcare system, and will enable the creation of a needs-focused pediatric food allergy support program for low-income children and their families. The work will also help inform a national strategy for families with food allergic children, to help inform decisions for maximizing available resources, to provide optimal care for those with food allergy, and to assist with future planning.
Both grants were awarded by CIHR’s Institute of Infection and immunity (III) for a three-year period.