The research team at Université Laval is making significant strides in tackling a multitude of pressing global health issues, ranging from chronic diseases to mental health challenges. Located in Québec City, Canada, this prestigious institution is at the forefront of a global health revolution, leveraging interdisciplinary research and international collaboration to drive meaningful change.

In recent years, the world has faced complex health challenges, including the startling rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer. Concurrently, the persistence of infectious diseases, worsened by socio-economic disparities, limits access to quality healthcare among vulnerable populations. Compounding these issues are the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which facilitate the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases. There’s also an alarming increase in mental health issues like anxiety and depression, spurred on by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address these urgent issues effectively, Université Laval has adopted an interdisciplinary research model strengthened by international partnerships. The university boasts a rich faculty comprising over 500 professors from various disciplines who are devoted to optimizing health outcomes through research centers like the Québec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre (CRIUCPQ) and the CERVO Brain Research Center. Their groundbreaking work encompasses a spectrum of fields—cardiology, oncology, respiratory health, infectious diseases, mental health, and public health—positioning Université Laval as a pivotal player in addressing global health challenges.

Expanding Horizons with Horizon Europe

Recently, Canada’s acceptance as an associate member in Horizon Europe has empowered Université Laval to amplify its capacity for innovation, unlocking new avenues for joint funding and enhancing collaborations with European research institutions. This pivotal partnership aligns with the university’s mission to combat global health issues through sustainable solutions, marking a new era of impactful research collaboration.

Leading the Charge with Canada Excellence Research Chairs

Université Laval’s commitment to global health is further solidified by the allocation of four Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERCs), among Canada’s most prestigious research honors. These chairs attract elite researchers to spearhead high-impact projects vital to global health innovation. Notably, some CERCs have birthed Joint International Research Units (JIRUs) with prominent European institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary cooperation in health science.

Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness

The global threat of zoonotic diseases was starkly revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting urgent efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness. To address this, Dr. Kanta Subbarao leads the CERC in Biology and Control of Zoonotic and Pandemic Respiratory Viruses at CRCHUQ-UL. This initiative investigates the dynamics of cross-species transmission and aims to develop strategies to prevent zoonotic outbreaks, leveraging a multidisciplinary team of virologists, clinical researchers, and engineers.

Additionally, Université Laval has secured a significant grant to establish the National Primatology Centre for Pandemic Preparedness, Canada’s only research colony dedicated to studying infectious diseases in non-human primates. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with biosafety level 3 labs, will provide invaluable insights into virus behavior and inform vaccine development.

Comprehensive Mental Health Solutions

The pressing need for holistic mental health care has prompted researchers like Dr. Steven Laureys to explore integrative approaches to brain health. As the lead of the CERC in Neuroplasticity, he investigates the neurological effects of lifestyle factors such as meditation, sleep, and exercise. His work aims to correlate these factors with pharmacological treatments to enhance therapeutic efficacy, employing innovative technologies at CERVO—one of Canada’s largest neuroscience centers.

Battling Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

As the world grapples with an escalating obesity crisis—over 2.5 billion adults are classified as overweight, with 890 million living with obesity—Université Laval is responding through targeted research initiatives. Led by Dr. Vincenzo Di Marzo, the CERC focusing on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health seeks therapeutic targets within the gut microbiome and endocannabinoid systems. This rigorous research is set to revolutionize the management of metabolic disorders.

Investigating Childhood Psychiatric Disorders

With psychiatric disorders increasingly afflicting younger populations, the CERC in Neurophotonics, guided by Dr. Pierre Marquet, emphasizes the early diagnosis and prevention of such conditions. Through cutting-edge technological advancements, the program aims to identify unique biomarkers linked to neurodevelopmental changes in children at risk of psychiatric disorders.

A Vision for Future Collaboration

Universitè Laval's strategic CERC initiatives are embedded within a vibrant ecosystem committed to comprehensive health research. These efforts not only address current health crises but also fortify the institution’s position as a global leader in health transformation through international collaboration.

With an invitation to researchers and healthcare organizations worldwide, Université Laval is ready to cultivate innovative solutions and collaborate on tackling global health challenges, ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for communities everywhere. Are you ready to join the movement toward revolutionary health advancements?