Dr. Ciaran Murphy-Royal is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the Université de Montréal and a principal investigator at the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM). His research focuses on neuron-glia interactions, particularly the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity and the effects of stress on the central nervous system.
Dr. Murphy-Royal completed his Ph.D. at the University of Bordeaux in 2014, where he studied the surface diffusion of astrocytic glutamate transporters and their influence on synaptic transmission. He then pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Calgary, focusing on astrocyte function in stress conditions.
In 2020, he joined the Université de Montréal as an assistant professor and established his laboratory at CRCHUM. His lab employs techniques such as two-photon microscopy, electrophysiology, in vivo imaging, and behavioral analysis to investigate how stress affects astrocyte structure and function, and how these changes influence neuronal activity and behavior.
Dr. Murphy-Royal has received funding from organizations including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation. His work has been published in journals such as Nature Neuroscience and Nature Communications, contributing to the understanding of astrocyte involvement in stress responses and synaptic function.
Beyond his research, Dr. Murphy-Royal is active in science advocacy. In November 2024, he participated in the Canadian Association for Neuroscience’s Hill Day in Ottawa, engaging with policymakers to promote research funding in Canada.
Dr. Murphy-Royal’s contributions are advancing the field of neuroscience, particularly in understanding the role of astrocytes in stress-related disorders, with the goal of developing therapeutic strategies for conditions like anxiety and depression.
This content has been updated on 31 January 2025 at 21 h 16 min.
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