Responding to a major public health problem in Canada and many countries worldwide, CIHR has established a new initiative to promote research on Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias through a global collaborative effort. The initiative corresponds to priorities outlined in the Government of Canada's Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy and similar national and regional priorities. CIHR's objective is to develop a global research network and to shape a research funding program with a major focus on disease prevention and innovative therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Quirion was the inaugural leader of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction serving as Scientific Director since 2001. Dr. Quirion is a McGill University Full Professor and Scientific Director at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre (a McGill affiliated teaching hospital). Under his leadership, the Douglas Hospital Research Centre became a premier research facility in Canada in the fields of neurosciences and mental health. Dr Quirion promoted the development of neurosciences and clinical research in Neurology and Psychiatry as well as social and evaluation aspects of research in mental health and addiction.

I look forward to working closely with Dr. Quirion and the members of the Advisory Board, as we move forward with this crucial initiative.

Thank you

Alain Beaudet, MD, PhD
President
Canadian Institutes of Health Research