This press release was written in French by the ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation du Québec and Industry Canada and translated by the Douglas Institute.

Inauguration of the Brain Imaging Centre Send this video to a friend Copy URL About this video Tweet

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, and Mr. Sam Hamad, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, are pleased to celebrate the inauguration of the Douglas Institute's Brain Imaging Centre. In 2009, the Canadian and Quebec governments awarded non-repayable financial support for this project totalling $19,671,675, which included $5,418,397 from Industry Canada and $14,253,578 from the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation.

 The first brain imaging centre in Quebec dedicated to psychiatry and mental health, the Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) at the Douglas Institute is a new, cutting-edge facility with two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that will be used for studies of brain function. The centre also houses clinical research laboratories in experimental neuroscience and forms part of a new building constructed specifically for brain imaging research.

"Our government's investment in the economy of knowledge, and more specifically in the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, has provided researchers with the infrastructure they need to conduct research projects that target mental illness. Indeed, this new brain imaging centre will allow scientists to better serve and help the community," said Minister Christian Paradis in a statement, as he was not able to attend the inauguration.

"Improvement in care delivery arises in particular from quality research that advances our knowledge of the human condition. Thanks to this investment, our government has equipped the Douglas Institute with leading-edge technology. Our researchers can now step up their efforts to improve diagnosis, better predict disease outcomes, and ensure that patients receive optimal follow-up. This announcement is excellent news for people living with a mental illness and their loved ones. Once again, Quebec is showing that our research centres are world-class thanks to the researchers who work day in and day out for the well-being of our communities," declared Minister Hamad through Verdun MP Henri-François Gautrin.

The BIC is a unique, world-class platform. Animal imaging studies at the centre will enhance our knowledge base developed from human studies and vice versa. It will allow researchers to conduct non-invasive studies of brain structures and functions that are affected by mental illness (such as depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease), which will ultimately lead to early detection and treatment optimization.

"With this centre fully devoted to mental health research, Douglas Institute researchers can now carry out the full research cycle at this single site. Our findings will therefore become part of a true 'bench to bedside' approach," said Alain Gratton, PhD, Interim Scientific Director, Douglas Institute Research Centre. "The inauguration of the Brain Imaging Centre once again establishes our institute's leadership. Support from our government partners has been key in this project, and I would like to extend them my sincerest thanks," concluded Ms. Lynne McVey, Nurse, MSc, Executive Director of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute.