Goals

The specific objectives of SENSUM are as follows:

  1. Supporting excellence in research and teaching

SENSUM’s primary objective is to support excellence in research and teaching. Excellence is encouraged by bringing together the strengths and expertise in neuroscience and mental health. The increase in critical mass allows for better support of transdisciplinary and translational research, accelerating knowledge mobilization and transfer, which are core goals of current biomedical, clinical, and psychosocial research funding.

The choice of innovative research themes promotes knowledge transfer between discoveries on the fundamental mechanisms of brain function (such as neuronal circuitry, learning, cognition, and research on individual differences) and research on psychiatric and neurological diseases (including developmental disorders, the genetic and psychosocial determinants of disorders, and the organization of care and services), while integrating new technologies and artificial intelligence tools, which is a unique strength of the University of Montreal.

 

  1. Enhance visibility

SENSUM’s second objective is to increase the visibility of the expertise within the various components of the University of Montreal and its affiliated centers (groups, centers, axes, initiatives, units, departments, etc.) working in neuroscience and mental health. SENSUM aims to stand out by its high level of integration of research in mental health and neuroscience. This allows the institution to distinguish itself from other major research hubs in Canada, where the research of these two disciplines is often, for historical reasons, separated at organizational and institutional levels. SENSUM aims to increase the visibility of University of Montreal researchers and their work through the dynamic circulation of information and resources, establishing a bidirectional communication between the academic neuroscience/mental health community and society. SENSUM encourages collaborative exchanges with renowned centers to increase the sharing of knowledge and resources and serve as a prominent platform responding to opportunities at the provincial, Canadian, and international levels.

 

  1. Develop the impact of research and teaching

The work of some members of the neuroscience and mental health scientific community has significant and concrete societal impacts. SENSUM develops mechanisms to increase the influence of neuroscience and mental health researchers on Quebec and Canadian policies and highlight their expertise in major advisory committees. This influence materializes through the dissemination of research results to the general public, practitioners, academics, media, and policymakers. Ultimately, SENSUM aims to be recognized as a center of excellence in neuroscience and mental health at the national and international levels by promoting innovative solutions in research and teaching.

This content has been updated on 19 September 2024 at 23 h 14 min.