Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Advancing brain health through research, education and treatment.
Partners: Vancouver Coastal Health & UBC Faculty of Medicine
- Valentine's Day is coming up😍 Do you have a funny neuroscience-themed pickup line? Share it below! A selection of responses may be featured as illustrations on our Instagram. Bonus points for creativity!
- Welcome back to part 2 of Neuroscience in Film: Inside Out! @danipalombo.bsky.social rejoins us to touch on an important topic - long term memory. Did Inside Out portray these memories accurately? Watch the video to find out!
- Ever wondered how scientists study the brain? On Feb 18, join us for NeuroTalks @ DMCBH - Decoding the Brain: How Different Cells Contribute to Disease. Learn about neuroscience research without the textbooks or technical jargon. RSVP: www.eventbrite.ca/e/decoding-t...
- What does it mean to be conscious? And how can we communicate with people who can’t easily communicate with us? Meet Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes, whose research bridges engineering, neuroscience and rehab to better understand consciousness, personhood and recovery after brain injury.
- Welcome to episode 2 of Neuroscience in Film! @danipalombo.bsky.social had the chance to binge the two Inside Out movies with her kids and decided to share her insights with us. First up: are memories actually emotionally coloured like they are in the films? Stay tuned for Part 2!
- January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Learn how Dr. Ann Marie Craig, recipient of the CLEAR Foundation’s 2025 Operating Grant, is advancing critical work to better understand the earliest brain changes that drive memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Research shows that emotional memories are more vivid & long-lasting than non-emotional ones. @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social researcher Dr. Daniela Palombo shares the scientific insights behind the Inside Out movies:
- Looking for a moment of calm? On January 23, join us and @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social for a unique experience beneath the stars at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Sunset Meditation – Mindfulness Under the Stars blends a planetarium experience with a talk on resilience and wellbeing.
- How is technology changing mental health care? From brain stimulation to social robotics and movie-based neuroimaging tools, discover how DMCBH researchers are expanding the ways we support mental wellness. 📅 January 28 📍 UBC Robson Square Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/reima...
- Featured on CTV News Vancouver, VCHRI researcher Dr. Stefan Lang explains how his cutting-edge brain-implant research could help treat the physical symptoms of Parkinson's & improve patients’ quality of life:
- 📣 Please join us for an interactive conversation with experts to discuss early results from a national survey exploring views from people living with SCI on an innovative injectable biomaterial! 🔗 Please register here for free for the Zoom details: www.bit.ly/ccmtg202601
- JOB ALERT: DMCBH Director, Finance and Administration The Director of Finance and Administration plays a lead role in strategic and operations planning, budget management, coordination of new initiatives, facilities and space management, information management, and policies and procedures.
- Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to become calmer and more mindful? Join us on Jan 23 at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and meditate beneath the stars. This wellness-focused evening combines a visually soothing planetarium experience with a meaningful discussion on mindfulness and resilience.
- We are thrilled to learn that Drs. Janice Eng, Adele Diamond and Judy Illes were recently appointed to the Order of Canada! Considered one of the country’s highest honours, this recognition highlights their leadership and impact on the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders.
- 📢 Applications are open for the Advancing Groundbreaking Research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases funding opportunity. We’re supporting BC-led teams advancing understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and care for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. LOI due Feb 2: bit.ly/49pqSlQ
- 👏 Congrats to VCHRI researchers Drs. Adele Diamond, Janice Eng & Judy Illes on being appointed to the Order of Canada for their groundbreaking work improving the quality of life for patients in Canada & beyond: ow.ly/MJ2O50XRcYJ
- Happy holidays from the DMCBH! Grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate and make memories at the DMCBH Holiday Party, capped off with an incredible live performance from The Notes of Ranvier—a band of neuroscience trainees. See you in 2026!
- In partnership with UBC Connects at Robson square, the DMCBH presents leading UBC scholars Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Dr. Julie Robillard, and Dr. Tamara Vanderwal in a conversation about the technologies reshaping mental health care on January 28, 2026. communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/reima...
- Check out the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health's 2024-2025 Annual Report to learn more about the highlights and achievements from our faculty, trainees and staff over the past year: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/annual-repor...
- Brain injury is an overlooked outcome of IPV, up to 92% of survivors may experience one. SOAR and @injuryresearchbc.bsky.social created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), a free 40-min course to help support workers recognize signs & respond with trauma-informed care: cattonline.com/home
- In partnership with UBC's Department of Psychiatry, we are excited to be recruiting for a CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Cognitive Resilience for Dementia Prevention and Mental Wellness in Aging. Learn more: med-fom-psychiatry-sandbox2019.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/1...
- Congratulations to Drs. Kiran Soma and Terry Snutch on being named 2025 Distinguished University Scholars! This award recognizes members of UBC faculty who have distinguished themselves as exceptional scholars and achieved recognition as leaders in their field.
- Featured on @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social, VCHRI researcher Dr. Julie Robillard shares how social robots could help comfort patients & their families at the hospital: ow.ly/QE5V50Xys4Q @julie-overthere.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
- Shorter, darker & colder days can leave many people feeling down during the winter months. 💡 Research led by VCHRI expert Dr. Raymond Lam explores whether light therapy can help improve mood: ow.ly/mwIh50Xys0v Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) The New York Times
- Congratulations to our 19 Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) trainees who are graduating today! Learn more about the new grads on our website. 🎓PhD grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat... 🎓MSc grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
- Congratulations to Drs. Blair Leavitt and Lynn Raymond on being named recipients of the Huntington Society of Canada’s 2025 Navigator Awards! Learn more about their research projects: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dmcbh-r...
- Research that fosters connection 🫂 Learn how the BC Brain Wellness Program led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell brings joy & community through exercise & creativity: ow.ly/gk6250XuSJG @silkeac.bsky.social Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) #ParticipateInResearch
- How do hormones affect the brain and our behaviours, and what does that mean for Canadians? 🧠 Hear from @kiransoma.bsky.social, who was recently elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada. @psych.ubc.ca @src-rsc.bsky.social Read more: www.arts.ubc.ca/news/two-art...
- Concussions are a serious concern for children taking part in winter sports, but DMCBH member Dr. Shelina Babul explains ways to reduce the risk and how to recognize and manage symptoms in this interview with @globalnews.ca.
- This #FallPreventionMonth, discover new research led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose & postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jordyn Rice exploring a home-based exercise program that could significantly reduce the risk of future falls for older adults:
- At last week's UBC Connects at Robson Square event, Drs. Lara Boyd, Silke Appel-Cresswell and Teresa Liu-Ambrose shared their insights on how learning, nutrition and exercise can transform brain health across the lifespan. 📹 Check out our YouTube channel for a recording of the event!
- For Margaret and Bee, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social has been a source of joy and connection. Not only has the program provided exercise and creative outlets, it has also provided a sense of community and fostered new friendships. Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
- Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Computer Science, on recently being appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Cell Biology! Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
- Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Come to the Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Seminar—a student-led series where graduate students share their research and exchange ideas. 🧠 Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C. More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
- Join Julia for a day in the life of a research assistant in the MacVicar Lab! She’s now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Cembrowski Lab. Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
- Learning. Exercise. Nutrition. Understand how simple daily habits can rewire your brain and change your life. Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell. Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
- 💧 Can our tears give us early insights into #Alzheimer’s disease development? Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: bit.ly/47gCOoV
- Congrats to ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for Indigenous youth, which was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025! The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
- Annie Kim, a Master’s student working with Dr. Manu Madhav (@manusmad.bsky.social), is developing a new virtual reality tool to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier by detecting subtle navigation problems. Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
- Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on the need to support mental health & psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
- Congratulations to the DMCBH researchers who have received funding from CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund competition to support new research infrastructure projects, including: ⭐Khaled Abdelrahman ⭐Ryan Hoiland ⭐Tao Huan
- This #WorldMentalHealthDay, discover new research by VCHRI experts Drs. Ivan Torres & Lakshmi Yatham on how cognitive tests could help improve care & treatment for people with bipolar disorder: ow.ly/bqjO50X5llz Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) Mental Health Research Canada
- Margaret Hanson says #YesToResearch to support the discovery of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Learn about her participation in a study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Martin McKeown, exploring a novel smartwatch to help optimise medication scheduling:
- An academic journey defined by perseverance through conflict and limited opportunity – Dr. Printha Wijesinghe’s path to neuroscience is anything but ordinary. As a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Joanne Matsubara's lab, she explores tear-based microRNAs and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Read more:
- What if your brain is more capable of change than you imagined? Join our leading experts, Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Silke Appel-Cresswell, on November 3 to explore how science, lifestyle and wellness shape brain health. Register today: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
- Join Simren from the Wellington lab for a look at a day in the life of a @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy research student! This past summer, she researched biomarkers in the blood related to neuroinflammation from sports-related concussions.
- "Seeing Change" is a unique initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that brings together Indigenous patient partners and researchers in the UBC Research Excellence Cluster in Vision to address barriers to eye care.
- We are pleased to share that Neuroethics Canada's Dr. Judy Illes has been awarded the @sciencepolicy.ca 2025 Trailblazer Award (Science for Policy) in recognition of her pioneering work and its profound impact on policy making in Canada and around the world! 👏 🎉 sciencepolicy.ca/posts/judy-i...
- Great to see this new resource from the #CDC. Thanks for including @soarproject.bsky.social amongst the resources! vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/tbi-ipv...
- Look forward to welcoming you to UBC soon!
- Excited to share that I landed my dream job!🎉🎉🎉 The Pennington Lab will be opening at the University of British Columbia in January 2026! @ubcpsych.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
- By analyzing 25 years of health care data from across B.C., a new study led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Helen Tremlett identified early signs of multiple sclerosis, paving the way for earlier diagnosis & more effective prevention strategies:
- We're proud to be a community partner for the film LIFE AFTER at @viffest.bsky.social! This gripping investigative documentary examines the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a young disabled woman with cerebral palsy, exposing the tangled web of moral dilemmas and profit motives surrounding assisted dying.
- This week is BC Concussion Awareness Week. The goal of this annual campaign is to improve British Columbians’ knowledge of #concussions and help spread awareness of proper concussion recognition, diagnosis and management. Learn more about concussions from this article featuring Dr. Shelina Babul:
- This past summer, DMCBH members welcomed a number of Indigenous students into their labs as part of ICORD's seed2STEM program. Participants had the opportunity to explore neuroscience research and gain hands-on experience in lab environments.
- On Saturday, September 6th, the Wellington Lab hosted its first-ever Friends and Family Open House at the DMCBH! This graduate student-led initiative allowed trainees to practice their knowledge dissemination skills and share their research with a general audience. Read the recap + view photos ⬇️
- This summer, the @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy Undergraduate Research Program provided opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience working in different DMCBH labs. Learn more about the students' experiences: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/sbme-sy...
- 📢BMBDG Seminar! Join us October 6, 2025 for an in-person presentation by Dr. Annie Ciernia. 📷 October 6, 2025, 2:30 PM, LSC 3 Hope to see you there!
- 1. Media coverage of a new paper by @ryantomm.bsky.social w @brandonforys.com, @dr-stan.bsky.social et al. Building on Stan’s rodent work, Ryan found that > depression levels were associated w reduced capacity to learn to actively button-press to avoid a nasty sound www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
- In BC, five people die every day due to unregulated drug overdoses. Many of these deaths occur after an overdose leads to cardiac arrest. Harjeev Sudan explores the ethical challenges along the continuum of care for substance use disorders and more.
- Depression in young patients is associated with difficulty in taking action to avoid something unpleasant, while the ability to withdraw and not act remains intact, a study by Ryan Tomm, a PhD candidate in UBC psychology, suggests. Read more: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
- Join Riya from @markcembrowski.bsky.social's lab for a look at a day in the life of a @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy Research Program student! This summer, she studied the hippocampal-amygdaloid transition area (HATA), a brain region that may play a role in major depressive disorder.
- We are thrilled to announce Dr. @kiransoma.bsky.social, a @ubcpsych.bsky.social professor, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) — one of the country’s highest honours for distinguished scholars, artists and scientists.
- After Richard’s stroke, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social became a lifeline for him and his wife, Gail. Together with Exercise Coordinator and kinesiologist Darius Darabi, they found strength, resilience and independence — showing how brain wellness transforms lives.
- Introducing our Neuroscience in Film series, where we take a closer look at the science behind what we watch on screen. We asked Dr. Catharine Winstanley, a behavioural neuroscientist who studies impulse control and gambling, for her thoughts on Squid Game. Would you risk it all for the jackpot?
- Burgers To Beat MS is back at @aandwcanada.bsky.social! Buy a Teen Burger today and $2 will go towards supporting Canadians living with multiple sclerosis.
- In a recent article, researchers Harjeev Sudan, Dr. Daniel Buchman, and Dr. Judy Illes call for a patient-centered reimagining of the ethical standards and approaches to clinical decision-making regarding withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UAK5T...
- Join Adam from the NINET lab to see what a day in the life of an MD/PhD student looks like! Under the supervision of Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Adam is researching the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
- From reshaping our understanding of ALS with his “dying forward” hypothesis to founding the ALS Society of BC & ALS clinic at VGH, Dr. Andrew Eisen has transformed ALS research, care and advocacy. Last week, we recognized his achievements with the naming of the Dr. Andrew Eisen Atrium in the DMCBH.
- A new study led by Dr. Helen Tremlett finds that people with #multiplescelorsis show increased healthcare usage up to 15 years before their first symptoms. This suggests the existence of a “prodromal phase” to MS—a period where non-specific signs & symptoms occur before the onset of disease.
- Join Isabella & Tetiana from the Wellington lab to see what a typical day as a neuroscience grad student looks like. From human biomarker research to animal models, see how their work comes together to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about the Wellington lab: wellingtonlabubc.wordpress.com
- In a recent @ca.theconversation.com article, Drs. Judy Illes and Erik P. Pioro emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare teams and provincial ALS societies before investing in alternative treatments. 📖 Read the full article here:
- How does #TraumaticBrainInjury (TBI) alter the brain? 🧠 To understand this, the Cembrowski lab at @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social used spatial #transcriptomics to identify signatures of TBI at the region- and cell- specific levels. See the abstract in @cp-cellreports.bsky.social : bit.ly/44ld8az
- Every year on July 22, the world comes together to celebrate World Brain Day. This year, we're focused on brain health for all ages – through childhood, adulthood, and into older age. Read more about how research from the DMCBH helps us advance brain health across the lifespan:
- Congrats to the DMCBH members who were awarded funding from CIHR's Spring 2025 project grant competition! Projects range from exploring how aerobic exercise supports brain health in perimenopause to harnessing AI for eye disease research.
- Hey UBC graduate students! Several part-time positions are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds to support translational research & innovation in neuropsychiatry and the Multidisciplinary Alliance for Translational Research & Innovation in Neuropsychiatry (MATRIX-N)! Learn more:
