A researcher in the neuroscience research theme since 2016, Dr. Catherine Larochelle works with her research program to identify innovative treatment targets for neuroprotection in patients with multiple sclerosis. She is also actively involved in the discovery of new biomarkers and pathobiological mechanisms in epilepsy.

Her important scientific advances have earned her numerous publications in prestigious journals such as Brain, Epilepsia, Cell Metabolism, PNAS and Nature Communications.

From a clinical point of view, Dr. Larochelle, a clinician in the CHUM neurology department, has been exemplary in her involvement in fundamental research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has demonstrated the immune changes specific to the disease and identified new treatment targets.

This unparalleled commitment was recognized in 2022 with the Research Award presented by the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec. In 2021, she and a group of other researchers received the CRCHUM Award of Excellence in the category “Scientific Contribution of the Year”.

Supporting the next generation

A clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, the researcher has been directing the clinician-researcher training program there since fall 2023.

This program, from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, is the country’s principal training pathway for the next generation of clinical researchers.

Internationally recognized for her clinical expertise in the treatment of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Dr. Larochelle sits on the board of directors of the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and on the medial advisory board for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Despite all her activities, Dr. Larochelle takes the time to participate in numerous graduate student mentoring or thesis evaluation committees, and also contributes to the smooth running of the institutions.

For all these reasons, the CRCHUM Scientific Committee members have decided to grant her the 2023 Award of Excellence–Emerging Researcher category. This award recognizes the exceptional scientific contribution of a researcher whose research program was established less than 10 years ago.

The official award presentation will take place on May 1, 2024 during the CRCHUM researchers’ retreat.

About the CRCHUM Awards of Excellence in Research

Awarded since 2012, the CRCHUM Awards of Excellence in Research are honorary distinctions recognizing the significant contribution of our researchers to the advancement of health research. Recipients are selected by the Research Centre’s Scientific Committee from our 160 regular researchers.