Research plays a critical role in shaping the future of lung health. From improving patient care to informing public policy, evidence-based research helps communities better understand the challenges people face and identify practical solutions that can improve lives. At a time when tobacco and nicotine products continue to evolve rapidly, particularly with the rise of youth vaping and new nicotine delivery products, strong advocacy and informed public health action are more important than ever.
That is why the Lung Health Foundation, in partnership with LungNSPEI, is proud to support innovative research that strengthens efforts to reduce the harms associated with tobacco and nicotine use across Atlantic Canada.
Through the 2025/26 Legacy Research Grant program, Dr. Laura Kennedy has been awarded $38,080 to lead an important new study focused on strengthening advocacy efforts among non-governmental organizations (NGOs). With matching support, this investment represents a significant commitment to advancing lung health research and public health advocacy in the region.
Dr. Kennedy’s project, An Atlantic Canadian perspective of the barriers and facilitators to NGO tobacco and nicotine advocacy: Investigating Methods for Promoting Advocacy and Change in Tobacco (IMPACT) Study, will examine how NGOs can more effectively advocate for policies and initiatives that reduce tobacco and nicotine-related harms.
NGOs have long played a vital role in tobacco control, helping shape policy, supporting smoking cessation efforts, raising public awareness, and advocating for healthier communities. However, the landscape continues to change quickly, creating new challenges for organizations working to protect public health. Dr. Kennedy’s research aims to identify both the barriers and opportunities facing advocacy organizations, while exploring strategies that can help strengthen their impact moving forward.
For LungNSPEI, supporting research like this is about ensuring that communities across Atlantic Canada have access to evidence-informed solutions that create meaningful, lasting change.
“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting research that has real-world impact for patients and communities across Atlantic Canada,” said Frank Dunn, Interim President & CEO of LungNSPEI. “By partnering with the Lung Health Foundation, we are able to expand the reach and impact of this important work.”
For Dr. Kennedy, the project represents an opportunity to better understand how advocacy organizations can continue to influence policy and public awareness in an increasingly complex tobacco and nicotine environment.
“I am grateful for the support of LungNSPEI and the Lung Health Foundation,” said Dr. Laura Kennedy. “This research will help strengthen the role of NGOs in advancing tobacco and nicotine policy, ultimately contributing to improved lung health outcomes.”
The partnership between LungNSPEI and the Lung Health Foundation reflects a shared commitment to supporting research that not only advances scientific understanding, but also creates tangible benefits for individuals and communities nationwide.
“At the Lung Health Foundation, we are proud to partner with LungNSPEI on initiatives that advance evidence-based solutions to improve lung health across Canada,” said
Jessica Buckley. “This work reflects our ongoing commitment to funding impactful research and transforming care for Canadians.”
The Legacy Research Grant program supports innovative research, capacity-building, and knowledge translation initiatives designed to improve the way health care services are organized, regulated, managed, financed, delivered, and experienced. Ultimately, these investments help improve the health and quality of life of people living with respiratory disease while strengthening the future of lung health care in Canada.
