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Research Units

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There are 35 research units at º«¹úÂãÎè, which are referred to as centres and institutes. Research units are approved by the º«¹úÂãÎè Board of Governors to pursue research at the university and are distinct from departments and schools. In addition to conducting high-impact research, units establish partnerships with external organizations and initiate collaborations with researchers at º«¹úÂãÎè and other academic institutions. Units also provide opportunities for student training.

º«¹úÂãÎè research units are listed on this page by area research theme. Some units are multidisciplinary and may appear under more than one category.

Biomedical and Health Sciences

Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain (AECRP)

Scientific Director: Reza Sharif Naeini
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

Through activities and international collaborations, AECRP focuses on new discoveries and their clinical applications that will improve the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.

Involved Faculties: Science, Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
Keywords: Disability, Pain management, chronic pain, pain imaging 

Azrieli Centre for Autism Research (ACAR)

Scientific Director: Guy Rouleau
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

ACAR specializes in neurodevelopment and unites a network of researchers and clinicians to advance discoveries in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Keywords: Disability, neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental conditions, Autism research 

Centre for Bone and Periodontal Research

Scientific Directors: Dr. Mari Kaartinen and Dr. Pierre Moffat 
Faculty: Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences

The Centre for Bone and Periodontal Research provides a practical and intellectual focus to advance knowledge on improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the skeleton and oral cavity.

Involved Faculties: Medicine and Health Sciences
Keywords: arthritis, osteoporosis, bone disease, metabolic bone disease, disorder prevention

Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment (CINE)

Scientific Director: Murray Humphries
Faculty: Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

CINE is a multi-disciplinary research and education centre created by First Nation, Inuit, and Metis organizations to address concerns and priorities about the Indigenous Peoples’ food systems. 

Keywords: traditional food systems, Indigenous health and culture, Arctic Environmental research

Centre for Research on Children and Families (CRCF)

Scientific Director: Dr. Delphine Collin-Vezina
Faculty: Arts

CRCF conducts innovative research on child and family programs and policies, aiming to help children and youth achieve their full developmental potential

Involved Faculties: Law
Keywords: Child welfare, Youth development, Youth Violence, mental health problems, disabilities

Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development (CRRD)

Scientific Director: Makoto Nagano
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

As one of the longest-standing research centres at º«¹úÂãÎè, CRRD focuses its efforts towards addressing issues and topics in reproductive health and developmental biology.

Involved Faculties: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: biological mechanisms, reproductive hormones, embryo implants, reproductive biology, developmental biology

Centre for Structural Biology Research (CRBS)

Scientific Director: Martin Schmeing
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

CRBS is dedicated to facilitating cutting-edge research in structural biology by hosting a wide variety of modern biophysical equipment platforms at º«¹úÂãÎè. 

Involved Faculties: Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Engineering, Science
Keywords: structural biology, macromolecules, cellular biology

Cystic Fibrosis Translational Research Centre (CFTRc)

Scientific Director: John H. Hanrahan
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

CFTRc focuses primarily on finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. It provides a platform for basic CF research and the development of therapies targeting the basic defect that underlies cystic fibrosis and other protein trafficking diseases.  

Involved Faculties:Ìý·¡²Ô²µ¾±²Ô±ð±ð°ù¾±²Ô²µ and Science
Keywords: Protein trafficking diseases, bacterial infection, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis

Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM)

Scientific Directors: Anmar Khadra and Frederic Guichard
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

CAMBAM aims to address a growing need for interdisciplinary research between the biological sciences and the physical and mathematical sciences.

Involved Faculties:Ìý³§³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð
Keywords: Bioscience, quantitative biology, population dynamics

Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health

Scientific Directors: Alan Charles Evans, Celia Greenwood, and Micael Meaney 
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

The Ludmer Centre drives global big-data research in computational neuroscience, to exponentially accelerate our understanding and treatment of brain disorders and mental health.

Involved Faculties:Ìý³§³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð
Keywords: neuroimaging, statistics, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, functional genomics

J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical and Geographic Medicine

Scientific Director: Cedric Philippe Yansouni
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

The MacLean Centre is a top North American center for Clinical Tropical Medicine, including neglected tropical diseases. It provides medical care, pre-travel health assessments, and training for healthcare professionals, while participating in global infection surveillance networks.

Keywords: Malaria, parasitology, parasite diagnostics, epidemiology, vaccine immunology, circumpolar health

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Studies in Aging (MCSA)

Scientific Director: Pedro Rosa
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

MCSA is dedicated to gerontological research and postgraduate teaching on the mechanisms of aging as well as prevention of age-associated disorders.

Involved Faculty: Science
Keywords: gerontological research, neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, gerontology

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Translational Research in Cancer (MCTRC)

Scientific Director: Gerald Batist
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

MCTRC provides the infrastructure and focus of purpose to bring key investigators involved in translational research together to generate novel approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Biochemistry, drug design. immunotherapies, translational proteomics, computer science

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Viral Diseases (MCVD)

Scientific Director: Chen Liang
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

MCVD supports innovative research and fosters education in globally threatening viral diseases. They strive to provide solutions to viral diseases that threaten public health, by advancing research, education, and patient care through inter-disciplinary efforts.

Keywords: emerging viral infections, epidemiologic health research, viral therapies

º«¹úÂãÎè International TB Centre (MTBC)

Scientific Director: Richard Menzies
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

The MTBC participates in innovative and interdisciplinary research that will result in the transformative new tools and strategies needed to help end Tuberculosis.

Keywords: Tuberculosis research, preventative treatment, vaccination

º«¹úÂãÎè Research Centre on Complex Traits (MRCCT)

Scientific Director: Jörg Fritz
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

The MRCCT is a multidisciplinary research and education centre dedicated to identifying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of infectious, inflammatory, and immunity-related diseases.

Involved Faculties: Science
Keywords: Host-Microbe interactions, Cellular Dynamics, Computational genomic medicine

Brain and Nervous System

Azrieli Centre for Autism Research (ACAR)

Scientific Director: Guy Rouleau
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

ACAR specializes in neurodevelopment and unites a network of researchers and clinicians to advance discoveries in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Keywords: Disability, neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental conditions, Autism research 

Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM)

Scientific Director: Denise Klein
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

CRBLM is a strategic research group with a unique interdisciplinary focus on language and music, their intersection, and their effect on communication and speech.

Involved Faculties: SSM, Arts, Science 
Keywords: communication, cognition, speech 

Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health

Scientific Directors: Alan Charles Evans, Celia Greenwood, and Micael Meaney 
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

The Ludmer Centre drives global big-data research in computational neuroscience, to exponentially accelerate our understanding and treatment of brain disorders and mental health.

Involved Faculties:Ìý³§³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð
Keywords: neuroimaging, statistics, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, functional genomics

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Studies in Aging (MCSA)

Scientific Director: Pedro Rosa
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

MCSA is dedicated to gerontological research and postgraduate teaching on the mechanisms of aging as well as prevention of age-associated disorders.

Involved Faculty: Science
Keywords: gerontological research, neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, gerontology

Digital Technologies

Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM)

Scientific Directors: Anmar Khadra and Frederic Guichard
Faculty: Medicine and Health Sciences

CAMBAM aims to address a growing need for interdisciplinary research between the biological sciences and the physical and mathematical sciences.

Involved Faculties:Ìý³§³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð
Keywords: Bioscience, quantitative biology, population dynamics

Centre for Intelligent Machines (CIM)

Scientific Director: Derek Nowrouzezahrai
Faculty:Ìý·¡²Ô²µ¾±²Ô±ð±ð°ù¾±²Ô²µ

Since 1985, CIM has been a world leader in intelligent systems research, focusing on topics such as robotics, and AI. Formed by members from various engineering and computer science departments, CIM collaborates globally to advance knowledge and meet the growing demand for intelligent systems across industries. 

Involved Faculties: Science
Keywords: computer vision, computer animation, reinforcement learning

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Media and Technology (CIRMMT)

Scientific Director: Marcelo Wanderley
Faculty: Schulich School of Music

CIRMMT provides a leading environment for integrated studies of music, acoustics, cognitive science, engineering, digital media and performance sciences.

Involved Faculties: Education, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science
Keywords: Instruments, cognition, perception, movement, music information, musical practice

Environment and Sustainability Science

Brace Centre for Water Resources Management

Scientific Director: Nathalie Tufenkji
Faculty: Engineering

The Brace Water Centre aims to advance research, education, training, and policy development in water resources management, leveraging º«¹úÂãÎè’s expertise to support innovation and societal development related to water. 

Involved Faculties: Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: climate change, Food security, ecosystem quality, energy security, water management

Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment (CINE)

Scientific Director: Murray Humphries
Faculty: Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

CINE is a multi-disciplinary research and education centre created by First Nation, Inuit, and Metis organizations to address concerns and priorities about the Indigenous Peoples’ food systems. 

Keywords: traditional food systems, Indigenous health and culture, Arctic Environmental research

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Society, Technology and Development (STANDD)

Scientific Director: Colin Scott
Faculty: Arts

STANDD fosters collaborative learning and fieldwork training through international critical and engaged community-based research.

Involved Faculties: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, Science
Keywords: biodiversity conservation, sustainability, food systems, food sovereignty, domestic economy, community health

Humanities and Social Services

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Media and Technology (CIRMMT)

Scientific Director: Marcelo Wanderley
Faculty: Schulich School of Music

CIRMMT provides a leading environment for integrated studies of music, acoustics, cognitive science, engineering, digital media and performance sciences.

Involved Faculties: Education, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science
Keywords: Instruments, cognition, perception, movement, music information, musical practice

Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC)

Scientific Director: Gwyn Campbell
Faculty:Ìý´¡°ù³Ù²õ

IOWC promotes study of the history, economy, and cultures of the countries in the Indian Ocean World – from China to Southeast and South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

°­±ð²â·É´Ç°ù»å²õ:ÌýEnvironmental History, Climate change, slavery studies, migration & diaspora

Institute for Human Development and Well Being (IHDW)

Scientific Director: Claudia Mitchell
Faculty:Ìý·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô

IHDW research addresses leadership and policy-making role in human development and well-being.

Involved Faculties: Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Arts
Keywords: disability, emotional health issues, mental health issues, indigenous peoples

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for Society, Technology and Development (STANDD)

Scientific Director: Colin Scott
Faculty: Arts

STANDD fosters collaborative learning and fieldwork training through international critical and engaged community-based research.

Involved Faculties: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, Science
Keywords: biodiversity conservation, sustainability, food systems, food sovereignty, domestic economy, community health

Yan P. Lin Centre for the Study of Freedom and Global Orders in the Ancient and Modern Worlds

Scientific Director: Catherine Lu
Faculty: Arts

The Lin Centre draws from the humanistic social sciences to study the social structures, social transformations, and ideas about social values throughout different eras and across various parts of the globe.

Involved Faculties: Engineering
Keywords: Constitutional Studies, Democracy, technology, global justice, human nature, values in the digital age, traditions, global modernities

Law and Public Policy

Scientific Directors: Nandini Ramanujam and Alana Klein
Faculty: Law

CHRLP focuses on innovative legal and interdisciplinary research, dialogue, and outreach on human rights and legal pluralism

Involved Faculties: Arts, Education, Science
Keywords: Discrimination and Inclusion, Globalization, Economic justice, Children and Conflict

Centre for Intellectual Property Policy (CIPP)

Scientific Director: Richard Gold
Faculty: Law

CIPP brings together scholars, government policy-makers, communities, and firms to advance thinking on intellectual property and innovation.

Keywords: Intellectual property law, regulation of innovation, technology, drug discovery

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Montreal (CIRM)

Scientific Director: Pascal Brissette
Faculty: Arts

CIRM focuses on studying the city of Montréal and urban life, with the goal to develop projects that will affect Montrealers directly.

Involved Faculties: Law, Engineering
Keywords: Urban Planning, Mobility, Social Innovation, citizen participation

Centre for International Peace and Security Studies (CIPSS)

Scientific Director: Jennifer Welsh
Faculty:Ìý´¡°ù³Ù²õ

CIPSS is interested in issues related to international cooperation, global governance, and the effects of conflict.

Involved Faculties: Law
Keywords: Civilian protection, global governance, humanitarian action, international cooperation, international organizations, international peace, peaceful change, security, women, world politics

Centre for Research in Air and Space Law (IASL)

Scientific Directors: Andrea Harrington and Vincent Correia
Faculty: Law

IASL undertakes multidisciplinary research on technical, economic, policy and legal implications of a variety of aviation and aerospace issues. It also publishes literature and offers educational products around the world on the topic.

Keywords: International aviation policy, outer space security, outer space resources, air navigation services, Air and Space Law.

Centre for Research on Children and Families (CRCF)

Scientific Director: Dr. Delphine Collin-Vezina
Faculty: Arts

CRCF conducts innovative research on child and family programs and policies, aiming to help children and youth achieve their full developmental potential

Involved Faculties: Law
Keywords: Child welfare, Youth development, Youth Violence, mental health problems, disabilities

Centre on Population Dynamics (CPD)

Scientific Director: Erin Strumpf
Faculty: Arts

CPD conducts quantitative research on demographics and health changes globally to find social and economic determinants of health.

Involved Faculties: Medicine and Health Sciences
Keywords: Family dynamics, Social and Economic determinants of health, migration, child marriage, intergenerational wealth transfers

Institute for Human Development and Well Being (IHDW)

Scientific Director: Claudia Mitchell
Faculty:Ìý·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô

IHDW research addresses leadership and policy-making role in human development and well-being.

Involved Faculties: Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Arts
Keywords: disability, emotional health issues, mental health issues, indigenous peoples

º«¹úÂãÎè Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE)

Scientific Director: Laurette Dubé
Faculty: Desautels Faculty of Management

MCCHE seeks to fundamentally transform individual and community diets, lifestyles, markets and health systems through better health and economic convergence.

Involved Faculties: Medicine and Health Sciences
°­±ð²â·É´Ç°ù»å²õ:Ìýcommunity diets, individual diets, health challenges, health systems, obesity

Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law

Scientific Directors: Mark Antaki and Michelle Cumyn
Faculty: Law

The Crépeau Centre unites legal scholars from Quebec and beyond to renew theoretical investigations of Quebec’s private law institutions. Its ambitious research program explores various axes, aiming for a dialogical understanding of local law within global legal traditions.

Keywords: Civil Law treatise, Civil Law codification, legal terminology, transsystemic legal education, Comparative Law

Manufacturing and Materials

Centre for the Physics of Materials (CPM)

Scientific Directors: Tami Pereg-Barnea and Bradley Siwick
Faculty: Science

The CPM unites top research groups to deepen our understanding of the physical processes responsible for material properties and develop new, beneficial technologies.

Involved Faculties:Ìý·¡²Ô²µ¾±²Ô±ð±ð°ù¾±²Ô²µ
Keywords: Electron diffraction, electron scattering, photon occupancy

º«¹úÂãÎè Metals Processing Centre (MMPC)

Scientific Director: Roderick Guthrie
Faculty:Ìý·¡²Ô²µ¾±²Ô±ð±ð°ù¾±²Ô²µ

MMPC research program is centred on the quantitative description and mathematical modelling of liquid and solid metal processing operations related to the manufacture, processing and characterisation of steels and the light metals.

Keywords: Metallurgy, Liquid Metal Studies, Solidification Studies, Advanced metallurgical materials

Space and the Universe

Trottier Space Institute (TSI)

Scientific Director: Victoria Kaspi
Faculty:Ìý³§³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð

TSI at º«¹úÂãÎè unites researchers in various space-related fields – including astrophysics, astrobiology, and planetary science - to foster collaboration, support technology development, and share their research with the public.

Keywords: Early universe, cosmology, galaxy evolution, astrophysics, planetary science

Centre for Research in Air and Space Law (IASL)

Scientific Directors: Andrea Harrington and Vincent Correia
Faculty: Law

IASL undertakes multidisciplinary research on technical, economic, policy and legal implications of a variety of aviation and aerospace issues. It also publishes literature and offers educational products around the world on the topic.

Keywords: International aviation policy, outer space security, outer space resources, air navigation services, Air and Space Law.

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