Scientific Leadership

Scientific Directors

Director: Dr. Alan Evans

Associate Director: Dr. Doina Precup


Research Themes

Theme 1: Neuroinformatics and Computational Modelling

Leader: Dr. Mallar Chakravarty

Headshot of Mallar Chakravarty.

Associate Leader: Dr. Blake Richards

"The human brain is the most sophisticated, adaptable computer known to exist. It still outperforms even the most advanced digital supercomputers in the world in areas like perception, motor control and communication. Understanding this incredible computer, and treating it when it suffers problems, cannot be achieved without insights from computer science. The task before us will require sophisticated formal models and advanced neuroinformatics for analyzing experimental data."

Headshot of Blake Richards.

Theme 2: Mechanistic Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Leader: Dr. Edith Hamel

“Preventing, delaying and treating neurodegenerative diseases is more than ever at the forefront of modern neuroscience. Deciphering common and disease-specific mechanisms will lead to novel therapeutic avenues.”

Associate Leader: Dr. Sylvia Villeneuve

“Brain aging is complex. There is often a discrepancy between the amount of brain damage and the severity of cognitive deficits, with more than 25% of cognitively normal older adults meeting the pathological criteria of a neurodegenerative disease. Understanding the brain alterations and related clinical deficits is essential to slow down the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.”

Headshot of Sylvia Villeneuve.

Theme 3: Applied Cognitive Neuroscience of Brain Plasticity

Leader: Dr. Lesley Fellows

“The brain never stands still! As we master skills, solve problems and adapt to new circumstances, our brains are changing. Understanding the basis of this amazing neuroplasticity may uncover new strategies to improve human performance, protect brain health and optimize function in those living with neurological or psychiatric disorders.”

Headshot of Lesley Fellows

Associate Leader: Dr. Madeleine Sharp

“Every day and every moment brings us new experiences. This requires us to be highly adaptive — we are constantly learning from the past and applying it to the present. What we learn from and how much we use that learning, can really shape our interactions with the world. Studying this adaptability, how it changes across the lifetime and how it is affected by brain disorders will provide key insights into improving brain health.”

Headshot of Madeleine Sharp.

Theme 4: Population Neuroscience and Brain Health

Leader: Dr. Martin Lepage

“How do we transform basic research on the brain into helping people with mental health problems or brain disorders? The considerable progress made in brain research in the past few decades needs to be translated into better prevention, care and treatment for those afflicted by mental or brain health conditions. As such, now is the perfect time to invest in the implementation of our knowledge of the brain in order to improve health care.”

Headshot of Martin Lepage.

Associate Leader: Dr. Tuong Vi Nguyen

“How can we use research here and now to minimize the human and economic costs of mental health disorders? We need to translate neuroscience findings into accessible tools for health professionals and the population at large within an acceptable timeframe, and connect with mental health advocates and policy makers to elaborate better mental health care strategies.”

Headshot of Vi Nguyen.

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