About Us

The unexpected death in June of David Colman, our Director for the past 9 years, left us shocked and saddened. In the intervening weeks, we have reflected on his unique leadership, the highly significant impact he had on our lives and how he had succeeded in uniting The Neuro community behind a common vision that celebrated our achievements and our bright future.

The ceremony that was held to honour him on June 3 was a wonderful tribute that held great meaning for all who attended. We plan to celebrate David’s academic life and contributions by holding a symposium in Spring 2012 that will be inspired by his favorite saying of George Santayana : ‘Don’t be safe, be brilliant’.

As noted in last month’s Neuro News, McGill and the MUHC are working together to select a new Director for The Neuro. Discussions on the terms of reference and the composition of the selection committee have progressed and we are confident that this group will work quickly to identify an outstanding candidate for the leadership of The Neuro.

As interim directors, our primary goals are to ensure continuity of our operations and set the stage to allow a seamless transition for the new Director. We are working closely together to develop our major projects and campaign priorities.

Philip Barker

Martine Alfonso

The coming months will be a time of transition that will inevitably provide challenges and opportunities. During this period, we know we will have the support of The Neuro community and are confident that together we will be able to steer The Neuro well.

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital is a unique academic medical centre dedicated to neuroscience. Here multidisciplinary teams of basic and clinical scientists generate fundamental information about the nervous system and apply that knowledge to understanding and treating neurological diseases. In 2007, the Canadian government named the MNI as one of seven Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research in recognition of our innovative and outstanding work.

With 11 research units closely integrated with clinical activities, the MNI is engaged in the full spectrum of contemporary neuroscience research and patient care. Among the MNI's internationally recognized strengths are the groups in Epilepsy Research and Treatment, the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology, Complex Neural Systems, and Neuromuscular Disease. Extensive molecular and cellular biology is also carried out in the Centre for Neuronal Survival and the Cell Biology of Excitable Tissues Group, while researchers in the Brain Tumour Research Centre work closely with colleagues in the Neurosurgical Research group.

The Neuro is an ideal environment for translational research where experts apply discoveries of basic science research to improve the care of patients suffering from neurological diseases. Patients benefit from close interaction among clinical and basic scientists and can receive treatment for ALS, brain tumours, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, pain, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Patients also benefit from technical advances in brain imaging, neuro-radiology, neuro-navigation and neuro-stimulation. Many patients participate in studies of the newest treatments available through our Clinical Research Unit.

Since its founding in 1934, the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital has offered outstanding training, and former fellows hold prominent positions around the world. Today’s trainees, from more than 60 countries, will also have a world-wide impact as we reach out through international collaborations, formal relationships with sister institutes, and high visibility in professional organizations.

I encourage you to learn more about the Neuro by exploring this site or by visiting us in person. Throughout the year, the Neuro offers programs for the public, hosts conferences and lectures for experts, and welcomes visitors from around the world.