A new Canada‑wide brain imaging platform will give scientists unprecedented views of how brain cells communicate, change, and fail in disease, bringing researchers one step closer to understanding conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, autism, and Parkinson’s.
Led by neuroscientist Flavie Lavoie‑Cardinal, Researcher at the CERVO Research Centre and professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine, the Advanced Optical Nanoscopy Platform for Neuroscience has received nearly $1 million in Brain Canada–supported funding through the 2025 Platform Support Grants program.
The initiative unites world‑class expertise and ultra‑powerful microscopes at Université Laval’s CERVO Brain Research Centre, The Neuro at McGill University, and Polytechnique Montréal.
Optical nanoscopy, sometimes described as super‑powered microscopy, allows scientists to see individual proteins and molecular events inside living brain cells, far beyond what conventional microscopes can reveal. These tiny, constantly changing structures underpin learning, memory, and behaviour, and are often disrupted in neurological disorders.
“This investment is about access, collaboration, and acceleration. By bringing cutting‑edge technology and training together in one open platform, we are strengthening Canada’s leadership in brain research and helping discoveries move faster from the lab to the clinic.” - Brain Canada President & CEO Viviane Poupon
The Platform is designed to make these advanced tools easy to use, even for researchers who are not imaging specialists. The team will develop clear, step‑by‑step protocols, deliver hands‑on training workshops, and create online resources so neuroscientists across Canada can incorporate nanoscopy into their work.
In addition to providing access to state‑of‑the‑art super‑resolution microscopes, the Platform will integrate artificial intelligence to improve image analysis, develop custom imaging tools for complex neuroscience experiments, and explore opportunities to translate new technologies into real‑world applications.
“Our goal is to let scientists focus on the biology, not the technical barriers. By making nanoscopy more accessible and collaborative, we can uncover how brain cells change over time, and how those changes lead to disease or recovery.” - Flavie Lavoie‑Cardinal, Lead Principal Investigator and researcher at Université Laval
Spanning 2026 to 2029, the Platform strengthens Quebec’s position as a hub for neurophotonics and molecular brain imaging, while supporting a national research community working toward better brain health for all Canadians. This research platform is supported by Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation.
About the Advanced Optical Nanoscopy Platform for Neuroscience
The Platform brings together experts in neuroscience, physics, engineering, and artificial intelligence to provide open access to next‑generation optical nanoscopy technologies. Its mission is to accelerate discoveries in brain health through shared tools, training, and innovation.
