The Douglas Research Center is the largest mental health research center in Quebec and second in Canada.
The Douglas team specializes in five key areas of expertise focused on mental health research:
Research Centre
The Douglas Research Centre
The unique expertise and tools available to researchers at the Douglas have created the optimal conditions for developing new, detailed knowledge regarding the human brain. As early adopters of specialized technologies, we are poised to lead the way towards landmark scientific progress for mental illnesses such as chronic depression, schizophrenia , Alzheimer’s Disease and multiple other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Our discoveries reveal the hidden side of mental illness.
Dr. Gustavo Turecki
The Douglas Research Center’s objective is to promote mental health and well-being through a better understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders by applying cutting edge scientific methods to the particular challenges posed by mental illnesses. Our teams are developing a continuous set of skills ranging from scientific discoveries to super-specialized programs that support patients all over the province.
Dr. Gustavo Turecki
Dr. Gustavo Turecki is the Scientific Director of the Douglas Research Centre. He is also Chief of Psychiatry at the CIUSSS Montreal West Island and Head of the Depressive Disorders Program at the Douglas Institute. Dr. Turecki and his research teams aim to eliminate the suffering associated with mental illness by creating new treatments and promoting effective prevention programs so that people affected by mental illness can lead full lives.
Distinctive platforms
Houses and manages more than 3,600 human brains for research. It receives requests from laboratories around the world for access to its samples.
A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to conducting pre-clinical and clinical brain imaging research in the field of mental health.
The platform uses the latest fluorescence microscopy techniques for neuroscience research.
Studies Alzheimer’s disease in its pre-symptomatic stages and transfers our knowledge in basic and clinical sciences with mental health experts.
Research fields
Sleep and Biological Rhythms
Youth Mental Health and Early Intervention
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide
Environmental Adversity, Neurodevelopment, and Mental Health
Aging, Cognition, and Alzheimer’s Disease