Dr. Tom Chau named vice president of research and director of the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Dr. Tom Chau, biomedical engineer and Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation Engineering, has been appointed vice president of research and director of the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, announced Sheila Jarvis, Holland Bloorview's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Chau joined Holland Bloorview, Canada's largest hospital for children with disabilities, in 1999. He is well-known for his work in leading the Infinity Centre for Access Innovations, a multidisciplinary research initiative to equip children and youth in Canada and around the world with a means of communications. Chau and his team are discovering novel communication channels for non-verbal kids, enabling them to have greater control of their environment and a means of self expression. Chau's technological breakthroughs in the field of pediatric disability have transformed the lives of children and their families worldwide.

"Tom Chau is a bright and accomplished leader. He demonstrates passion, tenacity and commitment to children and youth with disabilities and their families," said Jarvis.

Since 2000, Chau has held 51 funded grants totalling more than $12 million, has published 115 articles in peer reviewed journals. He was the recipient of Canada's Top 40 under 40 award in 2007, and was named by the Globe and Mail as one of 25 Transformational Canadians in 2010.

"I am deeply humbled and honoured by the opportunity to serve as VP of research and director of the Bloorview Research Institute. Groundbreaking research happens every day at the Bloorview Research Institute with the aim of providing every possibility to every child," says Tom. "I look forward to working closely with the various research, clinical and administrative teams in my new role to further cultivate our global leadership in childhood disability research."

Dr. Chau takes over his new role on April 1, 2012.