Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease

The Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease was formed in 1999 to advance our fundamental understanding of neuromuscular development and disease and to discover novel therapies to treat these devastating disorders.

Ottawa boasts one of the highest concentrations of neuromuscular researchers in the world, including 50 Basic Scientists and Clinician/Clinician Scientists, and more than 150 trainees and staff. The CNMD unites researchers from the University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), and the CHEO Research Institute.

Since 2009, CNMD researchers have secured more than $100 million in external research funding and have published more than 1000 peer-reviewed publications. Many CMND researchers have gained international recognition, and serve key leadership roles on local, national and international collaborative research initiatives and on the governing council of numerous government and charitable funding agencies.

The CNMD is a member of the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI).

Ottawa NMD 2023 Conference

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Our Mission

To advance understanding of neuromuscular and related disorders and enhance human health through the development and implementation of novel therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

Our Objectives

Research

Lead cutting-edge, world-class research focused on basic and clinical neuromuscular function and dysfunction.
Promote excellence in translational and multidisciplinary NMD research .
Unite basic science and clinical researchers to foster valuable collaborations to advance NMD research and to rapidly move promising therapies into the clinic.

Educate

Provide an innovative and broad-based NMD training program, ranging from basic discovery to clinical application.
Deliver a highly-collaborative, exceptional training environment for the next generation of basic and clinician scientists dedicated to NMD research.
Connect with patient outreach and other community groups to teach about NMD and the value of NMD research.

Lead

Develop solid research networks between University of Ottawa scientists and clinicians and increase the capacity to compete for external research funding.
Represent the neuromuscular community within the decision-making structures of government and granting agencies.
Serve as a catalyst to consolidate neuromuscular research across Canada and world-wide.

CNMD Community Engagement

The CNMD strives to provide important relationships with patient and stakeholder neuromuscular disease groups.

Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Diseasesupports many community events, including the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, ALS Society of Canada Walk, neuromuscular disease focused presentations for local groups (i.e. MDC Ottawa chapter), as well as the University of Ottawa Brain Health Awareness Week.

The “Scientist for a Day” will allow patients and families to visit the uOttawa laboratories to experience what we do. Please check back for updates on these events. CNMD Scientist for a Day is designed to show patients, families and community stakeholders the ground-breaking research in neuromuscular disease and to give our visitors a taste of life as a scientist. Please check back for updates on this event.