Shalini Lal, PhD, a researcher completing postdoctoral work in youth mental health services at the Douglas Institute, is the recipient of the 2014 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant. This greatly sought-after award is given by the U.S. based Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation. Dr. Lal is this year’s only Quebec recipient.

Young promising scientists from all over the world apply for this grant, which supports research seeking to improve the quality of life of individuals with mental illness through enhanced treatments and prevention strategies. The selection process is rigorous and competitive. Laureates receive a maximum amount of $ 60,000 over two years. Researchers from the most reputable institutions submitted their candidature, notably Harvard, Stanford, and the Massachusetts Institutes of Technology.

The grant will support Dr. Lal's research program which is focused on developing and evaluating new technologies for increasing access and quality of mental health services for youth. Dr. Lal was also recently appointed to the position of Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal.

(Source: Shalini Lal and the University of Montreal's Nouvelles)