What if your body already held a secret weapon to beating cancer? Mansour Haeryfar, PhD, is tapping into MAIT cells — a rare type of immune cell that can be supercharged with bacterial molecules to hunt down tumours. His research suggests these cells could form a basis for powerful, universal therapies that work across patients. In this episode, he'll reveal how this cutting-edge science could transform cancer treatment and how the inspiration to fight against malignancy came from an unexpected source. 

With Mansour Haeryfar, PhD

Professor, Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Medicine, Surgery, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University 

Scientist, Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Health Care London

Past President, Canadian Society for Immunology 

Robert Pope: the Artist 

MAIT Cells Fighting Cancer Tumors 

The Haeryfar Laboratory 

Imagine if doctors could send tiny, living medicine straight to a tumor — and then watch it move through the body in real time. That's the work of imaging scientist John Ronald, PhD. From eureka moments, to using firefly genes to track cells, in this episode he tells us how curiosity and creativity are leading to cancer treatment breakthroughs, and opening new frontiers in cancer treatment — one where therapies can be monitored, adjusted, and optimized as scientists track their progress inside the body with unprecedented resolution.  

With John Ronald, PhD 

Associate Professor, Medical Biophysics

Director, Imaging Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Western University  

• John Ronald's Lab
• Cell Tracking Research
• Imaging Reporter Genes
• Monitoring Cell Therapies 

Learn how the TRIDENT Platform is Revolutionizing Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Diseases Like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

In this debut episode of The Catalysts, we explore the cutting-edge, open-source TRIDENT research platform, that's revolutionizing and de-risking the drug discovery pipeline for neurodegenerative diseases by focusing on "failing faster" — a strategy designed to save time and money, and ultimately lives.

Join Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Robarts Research Institute scientists Dr. Lisa Saksida and Dr. Ravi Menon as they discuss how this innovative approach led by an interdisciplinary team of scientists at Western University is key to finding the most promising drugs and therapies for age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia while sparing patients from false hope.

Here is your sneak peek to the Catalysts miniseries on the science of aging, featuring fascinating talks with top scientists and clinicians transforming the field, plus an exclusive conversation with the 2024 Taylor Prize laureate.

This miniseries is in association with the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine — one of Canada's most prestigious medical research awards — awardded by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Robarts Research Institute, Western University. 

When it comes to cancer drug treatments, one size doesn't fit all. That's because our unique genetics determine how our body reacts to certain drugs, which can turn a life-saving treatment into a side-effect nightmare. This is the problem Dr. Richard Kim has spent his career solving. He's championed pharmacogenomics: using genetics to match the right drug to the right patient. His persistence helped make Ontario one of the first provinces to adopt genetic testing that prevents severe chemotherapy side effects, saving lives and reshaping cancer care. In this episode, Dr. Kim explains why "one-size-fits-all" medicine is outdated and how innovations in technology are turbocharging genomics and precision medicine. 

With Richard B. Kim MD, FRCPC, FCAHS, FRSC

Wolfe Medical Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics

Professor of Medicine, Physiology & Pharmacology, and Oncology 

Chair, Division of Clinical Pharmacology

Department of Medicine

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University 

Attending Physician, London Health Sciences Centre

Scientist, London Health Sciences Research Institute

• Personalized Medicine at Schulich 
• Groundbreaking Drug Testing 
• Wolfe Medical Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics 
• Pharmacogenomics in the Clinic 

Every cancer journey begins with images—CT scans, MRIs, X-rays. For most of us, they're snapshots that confirm what's already there. But for Sarah Mattonen, PhD, at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, those images hold untold stories. She's uncovering hidden patterns in scans—clues that can reveal if a tumor might come back, or if treatment could cause side effects before patients feel them. With the power of AI, she's turning medical images into roadmaps for truly personalized cancer care. In this episode, we explore how her work is transforming cancer treatment today, and what it means for the future of oncology. 

With Sarah Mattonen, PhD  

Assistant Professor of Medical Biophysics and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University 

Scientist, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute 

Cancer Imaging at the Baines Centre 

Alumni profile  

Paper in International journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics 

Paper in the Journal of Thoracic Disease 

Paper in the International Journal of Medical Physics Research and Practice 

Cancer can feel like a battle fought in darkness - but what if you could turn on the lights? In this episode, Dr. David Palma, a radiation oncologist and clinician-scientist, explains how he's changing the way patients understand and fight their diagnosis. He's transformed personal loss into a mission to empower patients to become the heroes of their own medical stories. As well, as a leading expert in precision radiotherapy, he'll discuss how he's pushing  the boundaries of how radiation can treat advanced cancers. With a bestselling book and decades of expertise, Dr. Palma will reveal how every patient can turn their cancer diagnoses into a roadmap to hope. 

With Dr. David Palma  

Professor, Department of Oncology , Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University 

Radiation Oncologist, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, London Health Sciences Centre

Taking Charge of Cancer, by David Palma 

Sapiens, by Yuval Noha Harari 

Precision Radiation 

Bio 

Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of 2024 Taylor Prize Laureate Professor Rusty Gage, whose landmark discovery transformed our understanding of the brain by showing that humans continue to generate new neurons well into adulthood and even as we age.

In this episode, we explore the latest research in the field of neurogenesis and learn how Professor Gage and his team are unlocking innovative approaches to revitalizing the aging brain. We'll also get a glimpse into the inspirations behind his work—from systems theory to intriguing concepts in astrophysics—revealing how these ideas drive his pioneering research in neuroscience.

Why do some older adults in their 80s, 90s and even 100s age well? What's the secret to their excellent cognition? Is it genetics or environmental factors? Join us as we take a sneak peek into the world of the SuperAgers.

In this episode, Western Professor Angela Roberts flips the aging problem on its head and looks at why some age exceptionally well. Discover what makes the Canadian cohort of SuperAgers extra special – a diverse group of older adults with exceptional cognition, an unquenchable thirst for life and adventure, and to top it all, resilience against time and adversity.

Tune in to learn how VR can transform the aging experience – from enhancing social connections to creating mystical experiences.

In this episode, Western professor Paul Andrew Frewen shares insights from his research on virtual reality, psychiatry, and psychology. Discover how wearable VR technology is being harnessed to enhance mental well-being, promote social connection, revolutionize mental health interventions and create profound experiences for the aging population.

As Canada marks six years of cannabis legalization, we explore the shifting landscape of cannabis use among older adults, the fastest-growing group of consumers.

In this episode, Western professor Jibran Khokhar, PhD, delves into the latest research on edibles, oils, THC, CBD, and even psychedelics, examining their potential effects on the aging body and brain. Are older adults use cannabis for medicinal purposes or it is just for recreation? Are the effects of cannabis real or could it simply be a placebo effect? Tune in to find out.

Tune in to explore the link between gait and cognition, and learn how the right dose of physical exercise and cognitive training can delay the onset of dementia.

In this episode of The Catalysts, renowned Western University geriatrician Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, discusses the connection between falls, frailty and mobility issues, and cognitive decline in older individuals. Dr. Montero-Odasso shares how his research using motor biomarkers, dual-task gait testing and innovative interventions, such as the SYNERGIC Trials, is proving effective in delaying dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Tune in to learn about the vital role of mobility in aging and the promising strategies to maintain cognitive and physical health as we grow older.

Can the trillions of microbes in our gut hold the key to transforming cancer treatment? Through relentless persistence, Saman Maleki, PhD, is pioneering research that uses the gut microbiome and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) to boost the power of cancer-fighting immunotherapy. In this episode, he shares the science, the challenges, and the hope driving a new frontier in cancer care. 

With Saman Maleki, PhD 

Associate Professor, Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Oncology, and Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University 

Scientist, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) 

Scientist, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute 

Saman Maleki's Poop Pills  

FMT Phase 1 Trials 

FMT at Work 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, with 1 in 8 women facing a diagnosis in their lifetime. It's a complex foe, shaped by biology and lifestyle, made difficult by invasive treatments and cumbersome diagnostic techniques.

In this episode, Dr. Ana Lohmann, a medical oncologist and scientist at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, discusses how this complexity is being met head-on. Her research explores how obesity and metabolism shape cancer diagnosis and recurrence, and how lifestyle, access to care and social inequities influence outcomes. She also discusses emerging tools like liquid biopsies and the growing focus on survivorship and quality of life. 

With Dr. Ana Lohmann, MD PhD 

Medical Oncologist, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre

Associate Scientist, London Health Sciences Research Institute

Assistant Professor, Western University

Dept. of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Dept. of Oncology 

• Breast Cancer and Obesity
• Bio
• Breast Cancer and Diabetes Drugs 

What if we could teach the immune system to fight cancer? Dr. Carl H. June pioneered the bold ideas behind CAR T-cell therapy, a breakthrough that is transforming cancer treatment and holds the potential to reshape care for millions. In this episode, he reflects on a remarkable career that has spanned the Vietnam War, the HIV epidemic and the rise of modern immunotherapy. He shares how curiosity has driven his work, and why he remains a champion for science in an era when it is increasingly under threat. Dr. June is the 2025 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine laureate.

With Dr. Carl H. June 

Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 

Director, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at The University of Pennsylvania 

Director, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania 

 Links: 

Dr. June: A Global Titan of Cancer Research 

Emily Whitehead Foundation 

Official Film Trailer: Of Medicine and Miracles 

For Eric Arts, curing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not a question of how, but when.  

One of Canada's leading researchers in combatting HIV joins host Patrick Morley to discuss an equitable approach to treating the roughly 40 million people living with the virus around the world.  

Arts also chats about his own in experience in treating HIV in Uganda, as well as the healthy future being promised by Western University's upcoming Pathogen Research Centre. 

Eric Arts, PhD, is the Canada Research Chair in HIV Pathogenesis and Viral Control and a Professor in Microbiology & Immunology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. 

Related resources:  

• Western leads new international, public-private initiative for equitable access to HIV cure 

• Western University building one-of-a-kind facility to test how infectious diseases spread 

• The Arts Lab 

• Frugal Biomedical Innovations 

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Learn more about The Catalysts

The Catalysts is produced by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in association with the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine — one of Canada's most prestigious medical research prizes. 

When it comes to predicting your health, the answer often lies in your DNA.

That's according to Dr. Rob Hegele, whose life's work has led to numerous breakthroughs for patients combatting cardiovascular disease. In this episode of The Catalysts, we catch up with the 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductee to learn about reading DNA, treating high cholesterol, witnessing groundbreaking research and the art of curiosity and discovery.

Dr. Rob Hegele is a Distinguished University Professor in the Departments of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology) and Biochemistry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He is a Scientist at the Robarts Research Institute, where he serves as Director of the London Regional Genomics Centre.

He is also the holder of the Edith Schulich Vinet Chair in Human Genetics, the Jacob J. Wolfe Distinguished Medical Research Chair in Human Gene Function and the Martha G. Blackburn Chair in Cardiovascular Research.

Related links:

• The London Regional Genomics Centre
• The Lipid Genetics Clinic
• Dr. Robert Hegele inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:37 – Predicting health with genes
• 9:19 – On treating high cholesterol
• 14:59 – The power of genetic diagnoses
• 17:23 – The birth of statins
• 21:12 – Theories on cholesterol
• 26:45 – Dr. Hegele's musical origins
• 30:12 – The art of discovery
• 35:50 – The future of cardiovascular disease

The health of our planet requires a solution that bridges perspectives, knowledges and people.

It's a solution that Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, has promoted at regional, national and international levels, working to advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in both human and planetary health research and practice. In this episode of The Catalysts, we catch up with Redvers to learn about her prescription for planetary health.

Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, is a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation (Northwest Territories, Canada), and is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University.

• Indigenous Community & Planetary Health Research Lab
• Stories of Hope & Strength – Healing Hearts
• The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles

Timing may vary after final edit of podcast.

• 0:00 – Intro
• 1:21 – Linking planetary health and human health
• 3:54 – Understanding planetary health
• 5:29 – Indigenous Peoples and land stewardship
• 7:07 – Policy and planetary health
• 15:27 – Communicating planetary health
• 19:55 – Bridging knowledge and perspectives
• 26:50 – Healing Hearts
• 31:49 – The importance of wellness
• 36:30 – The future of planetary health