Toronto nurse practitioner researching and treating pain in kids wins Gairdner Award

A nurse practitioner at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, Jennifer Stinson, has been awarded the prestigious Gairdner Award for her research dedicated to helping children and teens manage pain.

The Gairdner Foundation in Toronto announced that Stinson is the first nurse to receive this award, which recognizes scientists contributing to human health globally.

Stinson expressed her appreciation for the recognition of nurses’ role in research, highlighting their ability to listen to patients and collaborate across disciplines.

She was awarded the 2025 Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Award along with Daniel De Carvalho for his groundbreaking cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Additionally, five scientists in the U.S. received Canada Gairdner International Awards, and a scientist in Finland received the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award.

Stinson’s work at the Pain Centre at SickKids Hospital focuses on developing digital tools like apps and robots to help children with chronic pain manage their conditions.

One of her innovations, the iCanCope app, enables children to track their pain, set goals, and receive evidence-based advice on pain management strategies.

Stinson’s team also created a robot named Medi to assist children during painful procedures by providing distraction and breathing exercises.

Currently, they are conducting a clinical trial on an AI-enhanced robot that can react to medical procedures in real-time.

Stinson emphasizes the importance of patient input in developing effective pain management interventions and involving patients in all aspects of research.

Several of Stinson’s former patients have pursued careers in medicine, nursing, or health research, demonstrating the impact of patient-centered care on inspiring future healthcare professionals.

The Gairdner Awards, established in 1957, recognize groundbreaking research in various fields, with the 2025 international winners including scientists who have made significant contributions to cystic fibrosis, cancer, and malnutrition treatment.

© 2025 The Canadian Press