CIHR remembers Dr. David Colman

It is with great sadness that CIHR marks the passing of Dr. David Colman, 62, on June 1, 2011.

A native of New York City, Dr. Colman was appointed Director of the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) in September 2002. Under his leadership, he helped the MNI reintegrate with the Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH) to become the Neuro. In 2007, due to its contributions in basic, clinical and translational research, the Neuro was recognized by the Canadian government as a Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research.

As a Wilder Penfield professor of neuroscience at McGill University, and a Tier I Canada Research Chair, Dr. Colman's research focused on problems related to myelination, spinal cord injury, and on nerve cell development and regeneration. His laboratory made major contributions to our understanding of how nerves are protected and nurtured by the myelin sheath in the brain and in the peripheral nervous system. Most recently, scientists working with Dr. Colman discovered new ways by which nerve cells communicate with one another.

Prior to becoming Director at the MNI, Dr. Colman was the Annenberg Professor of Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, the Vice-Chairman for Research in the Department of Neurology, and the Scientific Director of The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis of The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He received his Bachelor of Science (Biology) with minors in English and Geology from New York University (1970) and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the State University of New York (1977).

A strong supporter of all research initiatives led by CIHR, Dr. Colman will be sorely missed. We pass along our condolences to his family and friends.