Janna Radi is an Environmental Health Researcher at Greenish and serves as Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Co-Lead for the Children and Youth Major Group to the UN Environment Programme. She completed her undergraduate degree in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa, where her studies focused on understanding human diseases with an emphasis on maximizing impact—whether through researching therapeutics or communicating complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner.

This approach, emphasizing the researcher’s role in actively engaging with the public sector to translate research into meaningful outcomes, inspired Janna to pursue a Master’s program aimed at bridging the gap between academia and public service. During the program, she participated in the Translational Research Program (TRP), which provided guidance on selecting research problems that address pressing health challenges and on extending research outcomes beyond understanding the problem.

Through the TRP, Janna contributed to the development of the Toronto Translational Thinking Framework (TTF), which integrates design thinking, business strategies, and research methodologies to facilitate the translation of findings into practical interventions. She also gained exposure to diverse pathways through which researchers can effect translation, ranging from basic science to population-level and policy-oriented work, to achieve tangible benefits for society.

Since beginning her Master’s, Janna has applied translational tools and approaches in the environmental health sector, advancing advocacy and research to create healthier and safer communities.