Newswise — Université de Montréal medical professor has been appointed scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA).
Her four-year term starts July 1, CIHR president Dr. Paul Hébert announced today.
In her new position, Conrod – a researcher at the UdeM-affiliated CHU Sainte-Justine - will guide CIHR’s health research priorities and investment strategies to improve the health of people in Canada and around the world.
Conrod is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on neurocognitive and personality risk factors for substance use and mental disorders. Her research has also significantly contributed to understanding the harmful effects of social media and cannabis use on adolescent brain development and mental health, which has helped inform drug and online safety policies in Canada and internationally.
“This appointment recognizes Professor Conrod's scientific excellence and builds on her leadership to support the development of Canadian research in neuroscience, mental health and addiction,” said UdeM rector Daniel Jutras.
“Every day, we see the growing importance of these interconnected fields of research for our societies,” he added. “Interdisciplinary and collaborative research remains our best ally in improving prevention and care for those in need as well as their families, and Professor Conrod is well-placed to continue CIHR's important work in these areas.”
Holder of the Canada Research Chair in Preventive Mental Health and Addiction, Conrod leads a major research program at the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine, where her team uses state-of-the-art brain imaging technology.
She is the founder and co-director of the Centre IMAGINE, a pediatric brain imaging facility, and director of SENSUM, UdeM’s Strategy for Neurosciences and Mental Health.
Among her many accomplishments, Conrod founded the coVenture cohort study in 2011. Involving 3,800 middle- and high-school students in Montreal, the study has been used to evaluate cognitive and behavioural interventions to help young people manage their risk of developing substance-use problems. It has also provided opportunities to study the impact of adolescent substance-use and screentime on mental health and cognitive development.
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