The Future of Brain Research

Brain Canada is proud to announce that Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet and Dr. Yves De Koninck have been awarded a 2024 Platform Support Grant (PSG) in recognition of their leadership of the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry. Their work is part of a national initiative to transform how brain research is conducted in Canada. 

Université Laval is proud of the financial support it has received from Brain Canada for the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry. In addition to highlighting the expertise of our professors, this grant is perfectly in line with Université Laval’s research vision, which aims to support and promote diversified and innovative research approaches and methods. Brain Canada’s contribution catalyzes an already highly successful platform, which will undoubtedly be transformative and have a lasting impact on neuroscience research and, ultimately, on society.

Frédéric Picard, Associate Vice-Rector, Research, Creation and Innovation, Université Laval 

About the Platform Support Grants program 

Brain Canada’s signature PSG program accelerates innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration by strengthening Canada’s technical and research capabilities. These shared tools — including facilities, equipment, databases, and biobanks — are essential for bold scientific discovery across neuroscience and mental health.

Unlocking the brain’s complexities requires robust platforms and shared scientific resources. With this funding, we are supporting the infrastructure that allows researchers to ask — and answer — the big questions, while advancing a culture of Open Science that promotes transparency, collaboration, and real-world impact. 

Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada

Meeting the Evolving Needs of Brain Science 

The PSG program fills a critical gap by expanding access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise that individual labs could not sustain on their own. Funding helps researchers collaborate, share data, and generate insights into the most complex organ in the human body —the brain.

Through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) — a public-private partnership with the Government of Canada (Health Canada) — Brain Canada is investing over $18 million, matched by recipient-secured contributions for a total of more than $36 million.

The full list of 14 funded platforms will be announced in the coming weeks — a major step forward in Canada’s capacity to support brain research and improve outcomes for those affected by brain-related conditions.

About the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry  

Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet, and Dr. Yves De Koninck, University of Laval  

Total grant amount: $4.75M 

Optogenetics uses light-sensitive genes to control and monitor brain cell activity. The Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry (COVF) accelerates the development of new light-responsive genes and proteins, positioning Canada as a leader in the field.

With renewed support from Brain Canada, COVF will expand its tools, enhance viral vector properties, and scale up production to meet growing demand. This will ensure COVF continues to drive development and global access to transformative optogenetics tools.

Learn more about the project: www.braincanada.ca/state-of-the-art-tools-in-optogenetics/ 

Learn more about the Brain Canada Platform Support Grants program.

About Brain Canada 

Brain Canada plays a unique national role in convening and advancing brain research. Better understanding the brain leads to improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures for brain disorders.

About the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) 

Since 2011, the Government of Canada has committed $280 million through the CBRF.
Matched by Brain Canada, this represents a $560 million total investment in Canadian brain research. CBRF supports high-potential neuroscience projects that deepen our understanding of brain health and accelerate new therapies.