University of Alberta Researcher Spotlight Series: Sharing the Story of CSAR and Research4Babies

This month, I had the privilege of presenting at the University of Alberta Researcher Spotlight Series, a monthly webinar that highlights the remarkable work of faculty, alumni, and trainees across our campus. The series brings forward discoveries from all corners of the university—engineering, health sciences, education, computing, public health, and beyond—showcasing how research at the University of Alberta continues to drive innovation, shape policy, and improve lives.

In my session, I introduced the audience to the work of the Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation (CSAR) and our public-facing platform, Research4Babies.org. I shared how our team is dedicated to improving the health of newborns worldwide through cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and global collaborations.

A central part of the talk focused on neonatal resuscitation research, an area where advances can truly mean the difference between life and death. I highlighted how our group is working to answer some of the most urgent questions in newborn care: How do we best help babies who transition poorly at birth? How can chest compressions, ventilation strategies, and oxygen delivery be optimized to protect the brain and other organs? And how can we translate laboratory discoveries into real-world improvements in delivery rooms across the globe?

We also discussed initiatives like the RETAIN board game, used to train healthcare professionals on resuscitation principles, and our growing network of international clinical trials that seek to improve outcomes for preterm and term infants experiencing asphyxia or requiring intensive support at birth.

Research4Babies.org was created to bridge science and families—bringing knowledge, compassion, and engagement together. Sharing our mission during the Spotlight Series was a wonderful opportunity to show how research doesn’t just live in labs and clinics—it reaches parents, caregivers, students, and communities.

I am grateful to the University of Alberta’s Researcher Spotlight organizers for providing a platform that celebrates discovery and connects researchers with the broader community. And I remain deeply thankful to the families, trainees, clinicians, and collaborators who make this work possible.

Together, we continue striving toward safer births, better outcomes, and healthier beginnings for babies everywhere.