We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rémi Quirion back to the Douglas on September 14 for a special talk, My Unexpected Journey: From Neurosciences at the Douglas to Quebec Chief Scientist.
A neuroscientist and mental health researcher, Dr. Quirion has spent more than four decades contributing to research, research leadership, and science policy in Quebec, Canada, and internationally. His career has spanned academia, research funding, scientific mentoring, and government advisory roles, always with a focus on advancing knowledge and supporting the research community.
Building a Research Centre
As Scientific Director of the Douglas Research Centre from 1996 to 2011, Dr. Quirion helped guide a period of significant growth and development. During his tenure, the Centre expanded its research programs and strengthened its position in neuroscience, mental health, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease research.
He also championed a multidisciplinary approach that brought together fundamental neuroscience, clinical research, social sciences, and population health. This commitment to collaboration helped foster a broader understanding of mental health and contributed to the research environment that continues to thrive at the Douglas today.
Investing in the Next Generation
A defining feature of Dr. Quirion’s career has been his dedication to mentoring trainees and early-career researchers. Over the years, he supervised and trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, helping to launch the careers of many scientists and research leaders.
His commitment to nurturing talent remains an important part of his legacy at the Douglas. In recognition of this contribution, the Douglas Research Centre established the Rémi Quirion Excellence Award, which celebrates outstanding master’s students and their research achievements.
From the Douglas to Quebec Chief Scientist
Following his years at the Douglas, Dr. Quirion served as Quebec’s first Chief Scientist from 2011 to 2026. In that role, he promoted interdisciplinary research, evidence-informed decision-making, and collaboration across sectors. He currently serves as President of the International Network for Government Science Advice and continues to advocate for the role of science in addressing societal challenges.
With more than 750 scientific publications and numerous leadership appointments, including roles at McGill University and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Dr. Quirion has made significant contributions to neuroscience research and science policy over the course of his career.
A Conversation About Science, Leadership, and Discovery
Dr. Quirion’s return to the Douglas offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of neuroscience and mental health research over the past several decades, and on the role that researchers can play beyond the laboratory.
We look forward to hearing his reflections on the people, discoveries, and experiences that have shaped his unexpected journey from researcher at the Douglas to Quebec Chief Scientist.
– A look back at Dr Quirion’s lecture –
The conference, which took place on Monday 14 September at the Douglas, was a great success, bringing together members of the research community, colleagues and members of the public who had come to hear Dr Quirion share the highlights of his career.
