Our research

Research at the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute

There are 100 trillion connections between neurons in the human brain, grouped together into billions of distinct networks in which brain cells work together at the speed of thought. The brain can also be quite adaptive and malleable (plastic), which provides hope for therapies. However, very little is known about the interconnected webs of cells that form the brain's fundamental architecture.

How do brain cells work together? How does this change as a result of disease? We seek to answer these questions and determine how protective, regenerative and restorative strategies—including pharmacotherapy, gene therapy, exercise and deep brain stimulation—improve brain circuit function in patients with brain disorders. By understanding and manipulating brain connectivity in meaningful ways, we can develop effective treatments for neurological disorders.

The ultimate goal of uOBMRI is to incorporate and represent all brain- and mind-related activities in a cohesive fashion. In consultation with our stakeholders and the uOBMRI Scientific Council, the institute has generated a multiphase plan of action with the initial focus on the following areas of strength and expertise.

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uOBMRI Team Grant | Awardee Announcement

Research themes

Researchers using technology to monitor patient.

Concussion

Eliminate the wait by offering timely access to appropriate information and guidance for those with concussion injury. This will include proactive and reactive measures, such as refining the predictive algorithms based upon patient symptoms and tests of who are at risk for more debilitating symptoms and developing sensitive tests to determine when normal activity can be resumed.

Dr. Amy Hsu smiling and holding an iPad.

Memory and cognition

In 2016, the leading memory and cognition researchers in Ottawa including from The Bruyère Research Institute formed the uOBMRI-Memory and Cognition Group (MCG) to systematically research the underlying mechanisms of the cognitive decline, unravel memory loss processes, discover innovative ways to stop and heal cognitive decline and improve delivery of care at our partnering hospitals.

Three researchers, including Dr. Nafissa Ismail, are talking and smiling in a lab.

Mental health

The Mental Health pillar of the uOBMRI is the newest pillar of the institute and includes basic scientists, clinical researchers, and clinicians who are working together to understand the fundamental mechanisms and factors involved in the onset of mental health disorders across the lifespan, to develop effective preventative measures and treatments for various mental illnesses, and to facilitate access to mental health professionals and effective multicultural clinical care.

Two researchers analyzing brain scan on computer.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological condition where patients face recurrent episodes of disability that come and go (relapses and remissions) as well as the prospect of significant and progressive permanent disability.

Two researchers writing formulas and research on glass.

Neural dynamics

Central nervous system function is managed by sophisticated and dynamic sets of neuron networks and circuits that regulate brain function. These highly active and tightly controlled circuits in turn instruct all behavioural and cognitive outputs of the brain, including movement, mood and memory. Understanding this complexity is fundamental to deciphering basic brain function but also to generating rational therapies for all neurological disorders, including mental disorders, neurodegenerative conditions and injury.

Researchers in lab all looking at something hidden and smiling.

Neuromuscular disease

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) represent a broad group of more than 150 genetic and acquired disorders, many causing disability and even premature death through progressive muscle wasting. Collectively, NMDs affect over 1 million people in Canada and the U.S.

Two researchers sitting at table discussing something with laptop open.

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease affects 10 million people worldwide. It is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that leads to slowness of movement and rigidity and, in a large proportion of patients, depression and dementia. Currently, while there are strategies to alleviate early motor symptoms, there is no cure.

Stroke

The leading stroke researchers in Ottawa have established the SRC-uOBMRI in order to systematically research the underlying mechanisms of injury, unravel regeneration processes, develop new approaches to optimize recovery and implement innovative rehabilitation processes at our partnering hospitals in Ottawa.

Our Members in Action

Research

Dr. Jérémie Lefebvre Shares About Cell Diversity in the Brain

Dr. Lefebvre is an associate professor with the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Science.

Research

Jennifer Chandler Interviewed in MIT Technology Review

Jennifer Chandler leads the uOBMRI’s research hub on Neuroethics, Law, and Society. She is a Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law at the University …

Clinical care resources

One of the goals of the uOBMRI is to implement fundamental changes in patient care, offering more integrated, personalized treatment plans based on findings from our clinical care research. Given the complexity of the brain and associated neurological disorders, an integrated approach is absolutely necessary to ensure effective research and clinical care delivery. This is of particular importance since it is highly unlikely that answers to brain-related scientific and clinical questions will arise from single individuals or groups working in isolation. The uOBMRI scientific community is therefore working together to link enhanced scientific progress and exceptional clinical care.

Charities

Organizations that may provide additional information include: