Dr. Ernst Meyer, a native of Switzerland, came to the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital in 1972 as an expert with an MSc in Physical Engineering from the Université de Montréal. While working as a key member of the scientific team at The Neuro, Ernst completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Neurology and Neurology at McGill University in 1980 and was then appointed as a faculty member.
Ernst was integral in developing the world’s first operational Positron Emission Tomograph (PET) at The Neuro in 1975. The PET machine revolutionized neuroscience research around the world and led to major advances in our knowledge through research and clinical applications. In his research, Ernst used both PET and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the relationship between cerebral blood flow and metabolism under normal and pathological conditions. He also worked to improve techniques for measuring cerebral blood flow and volume in healthy subjects and in patients undergoing neurosurgery.
Dr. Meyer collaborated with colleagues to advance the use of non-invasive PET and fMRI for pre-surgical functional mapping as an alternative to invasive, exploratory craniotomy in patients with epilepsy and other conditions. Ernst published widely both scientific papers and books, and presented his research at international symposia. He was a former Killam Scholar at the MNI and a Fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine.
Ernst was a passionate musician who shared his love for music generously in The Neuro community and beyond. Ernst and The Blue Monkey Project were favorites at the Neuro’s annual Spring Fling and he never hesitated when asked to play the piano at a reception following one of our many events.
Ernst passed away on February 5, 2010 after a struggle with cancer.
He leaves his daughter Stéphanie, her partner Matthias and their daughter Antonia; his companion Laeticia Muteteli and her daughter Chaste; his siblings Marie-Anne, Uli and Puch; Mira Zikri, mother of Stéphanie; and a large and caring community of colleagues and friends.
He will be sadly missed.
