Syme research training award recipients announced

The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) is pleased to announce the 2025/2026 S. Leonard Syme Research Training Award recipients. They are: Erene Stergiopoulos, Travis Van Belle, Rebecca Cairns and Emily Howe.

Erene Stergiopoulos is a PhD candidate in health professions education research at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her thesis is titled, “The impact of regulatory policy on disclosure and help-seeking for physicians with medical conditions.”

Travis Van Belle is a PhD candidate in public health science, particularly occupational and environmental health at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. His thesis is titled, “Strategies for safe work among personal support workers working in the home care setting.”

Rebecca Cairns is a PhD candidate in industrial organizational psychology at Saint Mary's University. Her thesis is titled, “Factors influencing lone workers’ safety.”

Emily Howe is a PhD candidate in public safety at the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Fisheries and Marine Institute. Her thesis is titled, “Exploring the impact of Canadian public safety communicator employment on health and wellbeing.”

Established in 2002, the awards recognize Dr. S. Leonard Syme's contributions to IWH as chair of its Scientific Advisory Committee from 1995 to 2002. The awards are designed to support early-career researchers at the master's or doctoral level studying work and health issues. During the 12-month award term, the Syme fellows will be invited to join IWH’s early career training group, and to participate in other aspects of academic life at the Institute.

Congratulations to the new fellows!