McGill’s long history of neuroscience innovation began a new chapter of collaboration with the inception of a partnership with the University of Oxford. The two universities are building a framework for neuroscience research, teaching, joint grant bids, student exchanges and faculty crossappointments.
“By working together, we can increase the scope of our research and teaching and look forward to new advances in a wide range of conditions, from autism to Alzheimer’s,” says John Hood, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University.
“In joining forces, we can have a powerful impact,” adds McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum. “Together, we will attract new funding, accelerate the pace of research and, most important, the delivery of results.”
McGill has long been known as a leader in neuroscience research, building on the distinguished history and current strengths of its Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI)—which celebrated its 75th anniversary in November 2009— and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. McGill is home to more than 200 faculty focused on teaching and research directly related to neuroscience, as well as nearly 270 master’s and PhD students in this discipline; Oxford is home to 130 principal neuroscience investigators, some 250 research assistants and over 200 postgraduate research students.
In other McGill neuroscience developments, the MNI’s new Integrated Program in Neuroscience (IPN) will encourage synergy among faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and students from different backgrounds, all with a neuroscience focus. The MNI already has Canada’s largest training program for neuroscience students. The IPN, by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among graduate students, will encourage dialogue between electrophysiologists, neuro-engineers, imaging specialists and behavioural neurobiologists.