February 12
2026
An essential mobilization to support affected research teams and preserve scientific momentum in mental health.
In late January 2026, the Douglas Research Centre was severely impacted by major water damage caused by the rupture of several pipes. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the scale of the impact is already clear.
To date, at least eight researchers have suffered significant losses in their laboratories, directly impacting more than 120 staff members and students. These damages compromise not only infrastructure and equipment, but also months, and in some cases years, of scientific work.
Teams mobilized on the ground
Since the incident, on-site teams have been fully mobilized and are working tirelessly to limit losses and secure the facilities. The Douglas Foundation is working closely with them to ensure that the people directly impacted by this crisis can weather the storm.
An emergency campaign to support research
To respond to the urgent needs created by this water damage, we have launched a targeted campaign to raise $1 million. With the support of our Board of Directors, $500,000 has already been secured.
We are now calling on the solidarity of our community to help ensure that our research teams have the resources they need to continue their essential work and build hope for breakthroughs in mental health research.
Direct consequences on scientific research
The loss of valuable research data, combined with the costs associated with interrupted work, has resulted in a significant disruption of scientific momentum. These impacts have direct consequences on future research funding and on the advancement of knowledge.
As one of the affected students shared:
“We were in the middle of making important discoveries, and this incident has truly slowed our progress.”
A human issue above all
Beyond infrastructure and equipment, the greatest loss is human. Behind every affected laboratory are dedicated researchers, students, and staff deeply committed to advancing mental health research.
Every contribution will have a real impact during these challenging times. Will you join us in supporting those who are building the future of mental health research?
Thank you for your continued commitment to the Douglas Foundation.
The Douglas Foundation is pleased to welcome Laurence L’Abbé, Jaime Freyre de Andrade, and Werner Muelhemann to its Board of Trustees.
Thanks to a major commitment from Manulife Canada, the Fondation Douglas is advancing a first in Quebec: a clinic dedicated to personalized dementia prevention, helping people act earlier and transform cognitive health trajectories.
The Ouverts d’esprit evening broke a new record last Thursday, February 26, at the Théâtre Paradoxe — marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking impact!