Research Statement:
Dr. Jim Hu's major research goal is to develop novel gene delivery strategies in order to translate the genetic discoveries into clinical applications. His team developed novel viral vectors that can protect CF mice from acute lung bacterial infection and established methods for efficient airway gene delivery to large animals. His current endeavour is to achieve permanent airway gene correction by targeting the airway stem cells.


Dr. Jim Hu is presently a Senior Scientist in the Physiology & Experimental Medicine Program at the Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). He is also a Professor in the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Paediatrics, and is a member of the Graduate Faculty of the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto. He is currently a member of the University of Toronto Graduate Education Council (2014-2017).
His PhD studies on RNA polymerase and gene transcription were carried out under the supervision of Dr. Lawrence Bogorad in the Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology. After graduating, Dr. Hu came to SickKids for his postdoctoral training in RNA splicing with Dr. James D. Friesen in the Department of Genetics.

Dr. Hu serves as a member of the American Society of Gene Therapy Genetic Diseases Committee (2007-2010), and a member of the Medical/Scientific Advisory Committee of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Chair of its Research Subcommittee (2006-2009). He has served as a panel member for the CIHR Respiratory Committee and for the Canadian Lung Association several times. He also served as a grant panel member for the National Science Foundation of China several times.