About Me
John McLaughlin is Chief Science Officer and Senior Scientist at Public Health Ontario, and a Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. As an epidemiologist he has an international reputation for his work on the origins of illness and in the strategic application of research findings to improve health at the population level. As an active scholar he has more than 250 peer-reviewed publications. Professor McLaughlin established and directed large collaborative teams for major studies of the role of environmental and genetic causes of disease across Canada's diverse populations, and for the delivery of major programs to improve the health of individuals and communities. A distinguishing feature of his work is the integration of population and biological sciences to form platforms that support a broad range of research, development and disease control approaches. In applying newly emerging knowledge to improve chronic disease prevention and control, he directed the launch of Canada's first population-based colorectal screening program. While remaining active as a professor, mentor and supporter of local initiatives, he also advises national and international organizations on how to improve the impact of their health research and services, with a particular emphasis on advancing disease prevention and in focusing efforts where there are the greatest needs and potential for health benefits.