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Over the Years: Medical Research History at SickKids
Message from the Chief of Research
Long before the official inauguration of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute in 1954, research has driven clinical excellence at SickKids.
Containing memorabilia that spans over a century, this showcase shines a light on the history of medical research at SickKids. Many of the items displayed relate to influential moments in SickKids history - from Dr. Frederick Banting's appointments at SickKids, the latter in 1922 to assist Dr. Gladys Boyd administer his newly discovered miracle drug insulin to children, to Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui unearthing the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis in 1989.
Today, our vision - Healthier Children, A Better World - relies on the insights of our scientific community to inform novel care approaches. As history, and science, continue to advance, this showcase will be updated to reflect those latest breakthroughs.
I hope that viewers of this showcase find inspiration in its contents, sparking ideas that will transform care at SickKids and around the world.
Dr. Stephen Scherer
Chief of Research
Explore the exhibits
Scientific Instruments
These instruments were once used to conduct the best research of the day. While these tools have now evolved into new, digital instruments, learn more about the history of the Abbe refractometer, Bunsen burner, brass compound microscope, apothecary scale and weights, mouth-blown test tube stoppers and Manual Differential Blood Cell Counter.
Research Meets Clinical Care
The SickKids Research Institute has always worked alongside care providers to inform advancements in paediatric care. Discover how a vial of penicillin, the continuous passive motion device, a mask, some surgical instruments and a spine with scoliosis are connected to research at SickKids.
