Since the inception of its research department 17 years ago, the JRH has recognized that a strong foundation of research is needed for the growth and development of good clinical practice. In that regard, the JRH has been a leader in "evidence-based practice" before the concept became broadly emphasized recently in medical education and health care.

To date, the JRH research centre houses 13 full-time researchers and 15 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Nine of the thirteen researchers have full-time academic appointment at McGill University. JRH researchers are recognized as core members of the Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal Métropolitain (CRIR) in the areas of posture and gait research, speech pathology, driving evaluation and training, as well as family research and community reintegration. While JRH researchers are regarded nationally and internationally, the tradition of dynamic interactions with JRH clinicians to improve health care practice continues.