Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences NEWS

Sunsetting of the Vanier and Banting programs

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:22:45 +0000

In alignment with the Tri-Agency Research Training Strategy and as announced in Budget 2024, the three federal granting agencies, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering and Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are working to offer a harmonized and streaml

Study offers new insights into why ex-smokers remain at elevated risk of lung disease

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:53:24 +0000

A new study by a team of 91˿��Ƶ researchers could help explain why people who have quit smoking remain at elevated risk of lung disease long after their last cigarette.

Their paper, published in Translational Research, provides one of the most detailed pictures to date of how quitting smoking affects the human lung at the cellular level.

91˿��Ƶ researchers receive $14 million in SSHRC funding for 62 projects focusing on societal challenges

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:08:07 +0000

Topics include youth agency through video games and entrepreneurship education in India.

Reducing vehicle emissions could prevent thousands of deaths in Canada

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:25:55 +0000

A shift to cleaner transportation could prevent more than 3,600 premature deaths in Montreal and Toronto by reducing ultrafine particle pollution, finds a new study led by 91˿��Ƶ researchers.

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are microscopic pollutants produced in large quantities by vehicle exhaust. Because of their small size, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and may contribute to serious health problems such as heart and lung disease.

122 91˿��Ƶ research projects awarded $30 million in NSERC Discovery Grants funding

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:43:39 +0000

Funding supports bold ideas across natural sciences and engineering disciplines at 91˿��Ƶ, in fields ranging from ophthalmology and physics to music research and electrical engineering.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded 122 91˿��Ƶ research projects funding from its Discovery Grants competition for a total investment of $30 million.

Gambling addiction treatment underused in Quebec, study finds

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:08:40 +0000

A new study finds public specialized gambling addiction treatment services are underused in Quebec, pointing to a need to better reach people with gambling disorder.

Researchers at 91˿��Ƶ and the Douglas Research Centre followed more than 2,300 people with a gambling disorder over 13 years. Despite free access, patients averaged fewer than two treatments during that period.

Bike infrastructure is expanding in Canada, but access remains uneven

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:57:39 +0000

Children and older adults are consistently less likely to live near bike lanes, finds a new study that mapped cycling infrastructure in three Canadian cities over a decade.

The 91˿��Ƶ-led research analyzed census data for Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria. Across all three cities, neighbourhoods with a higher proportion of children (under 15) and older adults (65+) were located farther from cycling infrastructure.

Prativa Baral awarded CIHR’s STEPS Team Grant

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:30:47 +0000

CIHR funded team will create a new blueprint for public health emergencies: a pan-Canadian Civilian Emergency Reserve

Feeling poorer than peers linked to lower wellbeing, even when incomes are similar

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:22:28 +0000

New research is shedding light on how comparing ourselves to others affects happiness and life satisfaction.

Led by 91˿��Ƶ researchers, the study shows that people who feel worse off financially than their peers are more likely to report signs of languishing, even when their actual income is similar.

The Neuro's Virtual Integrated Patient Platform receives major funding

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:14:59 +0000

Brain Canada support will help accelerate the discovery of new treatments for brain and nervous system disorders

An innovative project led by Dr. Guy Rouleau at The Neuro has received major funding from Brain Canada, one of four platforms that are advancing treatment discovery across a wide range of neurological disorders. In total the four platforms are being supported with a $8,926,500 investment.

To curb overprescribing for seniors, researchers urge annual prescription checkups

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:39:22 +0000

To address the growing problem of overprescribing for seniors, a new Canadian guideline is calling for routine medication reviews.

In Canada, roughly two in three adults age 65 or older take five or more medications. While often necessary, complex drug regimens can increase the risk of side effects and affect quality of life.

91˿��Ƶ researchers leading two new Brain Canada-supported platforms

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:27:01 +0000

Researchers at 91˿��Ƶ are leading two major new Brain Canada-supported platforms to accelerate discovery and improve outcomes for patients living with neurological disorders, as announced today.

Ajitha Thanabalasuriar receives PATH award to advance lung disease research

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 28 May 2026 20:39:47 +0000

Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund will open new avenues to preventing and treating pneumonia.

Blood proteins flag multiple sclerosis years before diagnosis, opening a window for prevention

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:12:51 +0000

Of more than 2,500 blood proteins screened, a small group may drive MS and signal who will develop it

A new study has revealed a group of blood proteins that are altered in people who go on to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), in some cases more than a decade before diagnosis. The findings offer hope that a simple blood test could one day identify people at high risk of MS in time to act before damage occurs.

‘Jumping gene’ helps explain elevated pancreatic cancer risk in French-Canadians

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:13:42 +0000

Researchers at 91˿��Ƶ have discovered a centuries-old genetic mutation that helps to explain why some French‑Canadians in Quebec are at an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer. Until quite recently, standard genetic tests have not been able to identify this “jumping gene” cause.

The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Genetics, suggest better-targeted genetic testing could help identify people at higher cancer risk who were previously missed.

91˿��Ƶ’s Bravo Gala shines a spotlight on research excellence

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:18:30 +0000

At event honouring 116 winners of major awards, keynote speaker and SSHRC Gold Medal recipient Myriam Denov emphasized the importance of listening.

91˿��Ƶ celebrated more than 100 researchers at the 21^st edition of Bravo, a gala event May 7 honouring the winners of major provincial, national and international research prizes and awards in 2025.

Provost honours 31 91˿��Ƶ professors for exceptional research achievements

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:18 +0000

The 2026 cohort of Distinguished James 91˿��Ƶ Professors, James 91˿��Ƶ Professors and William Dawson Scholars embody ‘the very best of our academic community’.

Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) Angela Campbell has named 31 91˿��Ƶ professors as Distinguished James 91˿��Ƶ Professors, James 91˿��Ƶ Professors or William Dawson Scholars. The internal awards recognize exceptional research achievements.

91˿��Ƶ awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:51:34 +0000

From fundamental physics to child well-being, 91˿��Ƶ researchers advance discovery across disciplines

91˿��Ƶ has been awarded $18.1 million in federal funding to support 16 Canada Research Chairs – six new and 10 renewed.

$1.25 million for 91˿��Ƶ research from the New Frontiers in Research Fund

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:34:01 +0000

Federal fund will support transformative high risk, high reward research across engineering, science, and medicine at 91˿��Ƶ.

Icing injuries may slow recovery and prolong pain, study finds

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:42:56 +0000

Icing a sprained ankle or sore muscle, long used to reduce pain and swelling, may in the longer run delay recovery and prolong pain, new research suggests.

In a preclinical study published in Anesthesiology, 91˿��Ƶ researchers found that even though cryotherapy (icing) eased pain in the short term, recovery time was more than doubled in some cases.

Discovery of fat-burning ‘switch’ could lead to advances in bone disease treatments

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:38:51 +0000

Scientists’ discovery of a molecular “switch” that activates an energy‑burning pathway in mice has the potential to lead to new treatments for bone disease.

The study, published in Nature, sheds new light on brown fat. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat cells burn calories, producing heat as a byproduct. For years, it was believed this process relied on a single pathway. More recently, researchers discovered a parallel pathway, but how it became activated remained a mystery.

Public education will be critical as provinces roll out new cervical cancer screening method, researchers say

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:37:38 +0000

As Canada moves to modernize cervical cancer screening, a new study suggests most women do not yet understand or trust the shift from the Pap test to human papillomavirus (HPV) based screening.

The national survey, published in Current Oncology, examined women’s preferences for cervical screening – including how they want to be screened and how they want information communicated – as Canada transitions from Pap tests to HPV testing.

Unleashing natural killer cells against cancer

91˿��Ƶ — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:50:22 +0000

Scientists have developed a strategy to boost the cancer-fighting power of natural killer (NK) cells, part of the immune system’s first line of defence. NK cells can detect and destroy cancer cells, but tumours often create a protective barrier that blocks them, allowing cancer to grow.

Researchers at 91˿��Ƶ’s Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Research Institute of the 91˿��Ƶ Health Centre, found that suppressing two specific proteins helps NK cells overcome this blockage, turning them into more potent cancer killers.

NSERC awards two 91˿��Ƶ professors $1.65 million each to prepare the next generation of researchers

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:07:07 +0000

Projects focusing on MedTech and genomics cut across disciplines while mobilizing expertise at 91˿��Ƶ and other Quebec institutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow

AI tool pinpoints cells driving aggressive cancers

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:47:49 +0000

91˿��Ƶ researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can identify small groups of cells most responsible for driving aggressive cancers.

The tool, called SIDISH, offers scientists a clearer path to designing targeted therapies by showing which cells inside a tumour are most strongly linked with poor patient outcomes, rather than treating all cancer cells as if they behave the same way.

Weston Family Foundation awards two 91˿��Ƶ researchers for human microbiome research

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:52:06 +0000

New funding fuels 91˿��Ƶ-led breakthroughs on how gut viruses influence childhood health and how engineered proteins can prevent damaging oral bacterial biofilms.

Largest-ever study of psychedelics could help advance their use in treating mental health disorders

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:39:31 +0000

Scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, that several psychedelic drugs – including psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, DMT and ayahuasca – produce a common pattern of brain activity despite their distinct chemistries.

An international consortium led by a 91˿��Ƶ researcher pooled brain imaging data from labs across five countries, creating the largest study of its kind to date.

91˿��Ƶ launches initiative to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:38:22 +0000

91˿��Ƶ has launched the Initiative for Transforming Healthcare (ITH) to apply a systems-based approach and advance technology-enabled solutions to drive change in Canadian healthcare.

Mounting pressures – from limited access to family doctors to surgical backlogs and emergency room crowding – are straining Canada’s health system. The Initiative will explore ways to resolve these growing challenges through cross-sector partnerships.

Neuro researchers lead projects awarded $14.5 million

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:31:29 +0000

Funds will help acquire and develop cutting-edge infrastructure to advance research capacity

Five researchers from The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) are leading innovative new projects that have received major funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Innovation Fund. They will be funded for a total of $14.5 million, part of $42 million going to 91˿��Ƶ scientists.

New injectable gel could help repair damaged swallowing muscles

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:15:32 +0000

A new injectable gel developed by researchers at 91˿��Ƶ and Kyoto University could enable stem cell-based treatments for swallowing disorders.

While stem cells have the potential to repair damaged swallowing muscles, ensuring their survival after injection has been a major challenge. In a preclinical study published in Biomaterials, the new approach improved stem-cell survival by more than five times compared with traditional methods.

Two 91˿��Ƶ professors awarded 2026 Dorothy Killiam Fellowships

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:40:28 +0000

Professors Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey and Jill Baumgartner will lead innovative research focusing on anti-Black carceral systems and climate-related health risks respectively

Some young gamers may be at higher risk of mental health problems, but family and school support can help

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:16:18 +0000

Pre-teens who struggle to control their video gaming habits are more likely to have psychotic-like experiences a year later, a new study has found.

91˿��Ƶ researchers and colleagues at Maastricht University found that 12-year-olds who showed signs of problematic gaming were more likely to experience mild paranoia, unusual beliefs or disturbed perceptions at age 13.

CIHR and partners invest $7.9 million in cancer prevention research at 91˿��Ƶ

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:05:07 +0000

Part of the largest CIHR-led cancer prevention investment, 91˿��Ƶ researchers will develop approaches to reduce cancer risk and improve early detection

How stepping into nature affects the brain

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:02:16 +0000

Spending time in nature, even briefly, triggers changes in the brain that calm stress, restore attention and quiet mental clutter, a new study has found.

Researchers at 91˿��Ƶ and colleagues at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile have examined more than 100 brain-imaging studies from various disciplines. The result is one of the most comprehensive reviews to date of how the brain responds to nature.

Engineered nanoparticles could deliver better targeted cancer treatment

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:42:37 +0000

Scientists at 91˿��Ƶ and the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute have developed a new way to deliver cancer immunotherapy that caused fewer side effects compared to standard treatment in a preclinical study.

Which childhood abuse survivors are at elevated risk of depression? New study provides important clues

91˿��Ƶ — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:53:23 +0000

Scientists have identified a pattern of gene activity present in some female survivors of childhood abuse that is associated with an elevated risk of depression.

2026 SCSD Research Day

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:51:35 +0000

Friday February 13 2026 • 3pm to 5pm
McIntyre Building, room 330, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal QC, H3A 1A3

CIHR grants $55.9M to 91˿��Ƶ health research

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:35:40 +0000

56 91˿��Ƶ research projects were awarded funding through CIHR’s Fall 2025 Project Grant competition, to support high-potential health research across all areas and career stages.

Night owl or early bird? Study finds sleep categories aren’t that simple

91˿��Ƶ — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:05:32 +0000

The familiar labels “night owl” and “early bird,” long used in sleep research, don’t fully capture the diversity of human internal clocks, a new study has found.

The 91˿��Ƶ-led study published in Nature Communications found the two sleep-wake patterns, called chronotypes, contain a total of five distinct biological subtypes, each associated with different patterns of behaviour and health.

RNA therapy may be a solution for infant hydrocephalus

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:57:57 +0000

For the first time, drug targeting genetic mutation shown to have positive impact in mice models

Hydrocephalus is a life-threatening condition that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 newborns and is often treated with invasive surgery. Now, a new study offers hope of preventing hydrocephalus before it even occurs.

Hippocampus does more than store memories: it predicts rewards, study finds

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:58:01 +0000

A preclinical study published in Nature has found evidence that the hippocampus, the brain region that stores memory, also reorganizes memories to anticipate future outcomes.

FMHS Tuition Statement 2024-2025

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:40:59 +0000

IMPORTANT: The majority of our graduate programs are NOT AFFECTED by the recent Quebec government announcements regarding tuition increases.

Out-of-province and International MSc-Thesis and PhD students will NOT be impacted by these proposed tuition increases.

PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay the same tuition as students from Quebec.

Tuition will increase by approximately ~3% per year, as in past years.

FMHS Minimum Funding Packages_ 2024/2025

91˿��Ƶ — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:47:33 +0000

91˿��Ƶ FMHS 2023 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship winner Alex Wiseman

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:00:30 +0000

91˿��Ƶ FMHS 2023 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship winner Andrea Luppi

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:55:27 +0000

91˿��Ƶ FMHS 2023 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship winner Claire Adams

91˿��Ƶ — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:50:01 +0000

MDCM-PhD Newsletter September 2023 Edition

91˿��Ƶ — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:18:39 +0000