Timmons appointed Scotiabank Chair in Child Health Research at McMaster University

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to child health research and his international standing in pediatric exercise science, effective January 1, 2024, Brian Timmons has been appointed as the new Scotiabank Chair in Child Health Research at McMaster University.

The Chair was established in 2007 through a gift from Scotiabank directed to the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation in support of child health research at McMaster University.

“It is an absolute honour; there is no doubt about it,” Timmons said about his new appointment.

“To be trusted with the Scotiabank Chair in Child Health Research is humbling, and I am energized to take on this leadership position at a time with so many exciting opportunities in front of us.”

Timmons joined the Department of Pediatrics in 2007 and, since 2015, has been the Canada Research Chair in Child Health & Exercise Medicine.

Additionally, he serves as the Research Director and Clinical Development Lead of the globally acclaimed Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program (CHEMP), renowned for its impactful translational research and training initiatives.

One of his many accolades includes establishing the novel Exercise Medicine Clinic within the Children’s Exercise & Nutrition Centre (CENC) at McMaster Children’s Hospital, which is designed to assess and help improve the physical fitness and function of children with significant chronic medical conditions.

Taking a ‘lab bench to park bench’ approach to understanding the exercise-health connection, his program aims to shape public health policies and clinical care standards advocating exercise as a vital part of healthcare for all ages and health statuses.

“Thanks to his leadership and dedication to collaboration, the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program is now globally recognized for its research on the link between physical activity and health,” Gita Wahi, Associate Chair of Research, said. “This work has crucial implications for the well-being of children worldwide, especially those navigating life with a chronic condition or disability.”

As the Scotiabank Chair, Timmons will continue his mission to promote exercise as medicine, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for children living with chronic conditions.

He adds that some of his goals as the Scotiabank Chair are to support early-career investigators in their research and to promote the significance of representation in child health research by prioritizing issues of sex, gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion in research design. He also emphasizes the value of incorporating families as active partners in the research process.

His work will be supported by an international network of pediatric exercise medicine experts, further strengthening McMaster University’s commitment to advancing child health research and is a testament to improving the lives of children and youth through physical activity.

Timmons acknowledges that this new appointment is the culmination of collaborative efforts with a myriad of individuals.

“I want to acknowledge the numerous students, trainees, and staff, along with countless collaborations and partnerships that have shaped the Child Health & Exercise Medicine Program,” Timmons said.

“Nobody succeeds alone, and I look forward to bringing the ingredients of collaboration, non-categorical thinking, mentorship, and respect to the work required to advance child health research at McMaster and Hamilton Health Sciences.”

Timmons is the third Scotiabank Chair appointee, with the position previously held by Drs. Jan Willem Gorter and Peter Rosenbaum.