People in white lab coats posing for picture.

Brain and Mind Research Institute

Since its establishment in 2012, the University of Ottawa’s Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI) has been committed to advancing interdisciplinary research excellence on the brain and mind for greater impact.

uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute

The uOBMRI’s strength is in its unique virtual model to promote collaborations — across disciplines; across our affiliated research hospitals, between researchers and knowledge users; and across the Ottawa region and internationally.  

Featured events

Text reads "Stem Cells and Brain Regeneration." with the uobmri logo and an image of cells in the background.
Jan 24

Stem Cells and Brain Regeneration

Join us to:Learn about neural stem cell biology and brain regenerationUnderstand cellular and molecular mechanisms governing stem cells functionDiscov…

Text in the middle of the graphic writes "25 years." With a background image of neurons with the uOBMRI and Faculty of Medicine logo.
Nov 25

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease

Registration: 3:30pm, RGN AtriumTime: 4:00pm-7:30pmNetworking Reception: 7:30pm-8:00pm…

Black background with a picture of the band Phenotype. Yellow text reads "Rockin' with the Docs." The uOBMRI logo and its sponsors are listed at the bottom.
Dec 6

Rockin' with the Docs

See our docs perform LIVE, and support Brain health research. 

About the Institute

Today, the uOBMRI is the largest institute at the University of Ottawa, and with over 250 members, one of the largest in the country, creating a dynamic hub for internationally recognized research and training. The uOBMRI leverages its extensive network by coordinating interdisciplinary research and training efforts across multiple university faculties, six affiliated hospital research institutes, Carleton University, and internationally recognized research networks and centres.

Our vision

The uOBMRI leads neurodiscovery through innovative research that transforms prevention and care for the health of individuals and society.

Our mission

  • Support world-class research on brain and mind that fosters engagement and collaboration across disciplines, partners and communities;
  • Accelerate the creation and application of research-informed innovations that improve prevention, care and policies for the health and well-being of individuals and society; and
  • Recruit, inspire and develop the next generation of researchers, leaders and innovators.
A woman in a lab code using a microscope with the uobmri logo on a red banner.

Our Focus

Connect.Excite.Heal.
Our 2021-2026 Strategic Plan

Latest news

Research
"New leadership. Dr. Mireille Khacho and Dr. Hanns Lochmuller"
Research

New Leadership for the Centre for Neuromuscular Disease

We are thrilled to announce Drs. Mireille Khacho and Hanns Lochmüller as the new leads of the Neuromuscular Health research hub also known as the Éric…
Research
"New publication. Dr. Baptiste Lacoste" With his picture on the left side.
Research

Dr. Baptiste Lacoste Publishes New Book Chapter About the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer of blood vessel cells that protects the brain by keeping helpful things in and harmful things out. Under…
Research
"Exciting new finding. Dr. Kym Boycott"
Research

Groundbreaking algorithm developed by Dr. Kym Boycott and CHEO researchers leads to rare disease diagnoses for families

The uOBMRI’s Dr. Kym Boycott and fellow CHEO researchers developed the world’s first algorithm to scan electronic health records and identify children…

Contact us

University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute

Faculty of Medicine
University of Ottawa
Roger Guindon Hall
451 Smyth Road,
Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5

[email protected]

Director and administration

Slack, Ruth
Full Professor
Director, uOBMRI
613-562-5425 
Admin: [email protected]

Hollywood, Natasha
Program Manager, uOBMRI
613-562-5461
[email protected]

Fortier, Candace
Liaison and Communications Officer, uOBMRI
[email protected]

MacDonald, Eleanor
Lead Coordinator – Event Management, uOBMRI
[email protected]

Pumphrey, Jordan 
Program Officer, uOBMRI
[email protected]

Sasaki, Aisling 
Communication and Special Projects Coordinator, uOBMRI
[email protected]

Schock, Sarah
Scientific Writer, uOBMRI
[email protected]