Discovery Grants promote the development of new interdisciplinary collaborative ME research teams, foster research excellence, and provide a stimulating environment for research training.
Program Year:2022
Principal Investigator
Simon Décary PT, PhD
Université de Sherbrooke
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to describe the current knowledge levels and educational needs regarding ME in Canadian healthcare professionals using a Canada-wide online survey.
Research Team Members:
- Sabrina Poirier Working Group Chair, Principal patient partner
- Dr. Kathleen Walsh MD Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- Dr. Nina Muirhead MD UK surgeon, medical educator and individual living with ME
- Dr. Daisy Fung MD Family Physician and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta
- Lana LeBlanc MPH ME/FM Society of BC
- Kathleen Dennis R.N (ret.) Patient partner
- Alyssa Minor MScPT Patient partner
- Kaia Arrow, Social worker Patient partner
- Linda Hunter RN, MScN, PhD CIHR/IMHA Advisory Board Member and Patient Engagement Research Ambassador
- Tahlia Ruschioni, BS Education Director, Bateman Horne Center
Principal Investigator
Mathieu Dehaes, PhD
Department of Radiology, Radio-oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal & CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to identify molecular biomarkers of ME patients with a novel approach combining label-free Raman spectroscopy and machine learning models.
Research Team Members:
- Frédéric Leblond Polytechnique Montreal
- Amir Khadir, MD Clinician, Pierre-Legardeur Hospital (Canada)
- Wesam Elremaly CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
- Christiane Garcia Association Québécoise de l’Encéphalomyélite Myalgique (AQEM)
- Maryam Heidarifard PhD student
- Atefeh Moezzi PhD student
Principal Investigator
Robert Durand
Associate Professor
Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal
Host Institution:
Description:
The main objective of the research is to determine the nature of the association between myalgic encephalomyelitis, obstructive sleep apnea and oral health.
Research Team Members:
- Neil McGregor (Co-PI) University of Melbourne
- Ryma Kabir (Co-PI) Université de Montréal
- Nelly Huynh (Co-PI) Université de Montréal
- Gilles Lavigne Université de Montréal
- Ling-Hsuan Tung Jewish General Hospital
- Zoha Kibar Université de Montréal/CHU Ste-Justine Research Center
- René Voyer Université de Montréal
- Mahmoud Rouabhia Université Laval
- Clarice Nishio Université de Montréal
- Caroline Nguyen-Ngoc Université de Montréal
- Christiane Garcia Quebec Association for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
- Intissar Abbaoui Université de Montréal
Program Year:2021
Principal Investigator
Eleanor Stein, MD FRCP(C)
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Calgary
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to identify healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with ME. This preliminary work is an initial step that is achievable within the funding period as part of a systematic approach to improving healthcare for Canadians with ME.
Research Team Members:
- Rosemary Twomey, PhD R.Kin Postdoctoral Fellow
- Izzat Jiwani, PhD
- Alexis Goth (BSc MD CFPC) Hospitalist, QEII Health Sciences Center (Family Medicine, Dalhousie University) and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine (Dalhousie University)
- Moira Sarah Selke (BSc MB MCh BAO CCFP) Staff physician, Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
- Farah Tabassum Consultant Physician, Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
- Christiane Garcia Co-president l'Association Québécoise de l'Encéphalomyélite Myalgique
- Maureen MacQuarrie Former lawyer and policy advisor
- Scot Merriam Patient partner
Principal Investigator
Zoha Kibar, PhD, CHU
Sainte Justine Research Center
Université de Montréal
Host Institution:
Description:
The aim of the research is to identify genetic risk factors for ME/CFS using whole genome sequencing in families with multiple affected members. This is followed by genetic studies in a larger cohort of sporadic cases and generation of a zebrafish genetic model for one strong candidate gene.
Research Team Members:
- Dawei Li Florida Atlantic University
- Eric Samarut Junior Scientist, CHUM, U. of Montreal
Host Institution:
Description:
The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between diet, gut microbiota-derived metabolites and symptoms in ME. The study will explore the associations between: (1) diet quality and intake in specific nutrients (dietary fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and saturated fats) and plasma levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites; (2) diet and severity of symptoms and; (3) plasma gut microbiota-derived metabolites and symptoms. The data generated will serve as pillar for the development of a larger scale study that will relate diet, gut microbiota and its metabolites.
Research Team Members:
- Matthieu Ruiz, PhD Assistant Professor in Nutrition (Université de Montréal)/Researcher, Montreal Heart Institute
- Alain Stintzi, PhD Full Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (University of Ottawa)
- Mrs. Theresa Noon-Hunter Hamilton, Ontario
- Valérie Miller, Christiane Garcia, Claudine Prud’homme AQEM (Association Québécoise de l’encéphalomyélite myalgique) representatives
Simon Décary PT, PhD
Université de Sherbrooke
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to describe the current knowledge levels and educational needs regarding ME in Canadian healthcare professionals using a Canada-wide online survey.
Research Team Members:
- Sabrina Poirier Working Group Chair, Principal patient partner
- Dr. Kathleen Walsh MD Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- Dr. Nina Muirhead MD UK surgeon, medical educator and individual living with ME
- Dr. Daisy Fung MD Family Physician and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta
- Lana LeBlanc MPH ME/FM Society of BC
- Kathleen Dennis R.N (ret.) Patient partner
- Alyssa Minor MScPT Patient partner
- Kaia Arrow, Social worker Patient partner
- Linda Hunter RN, MScN, PhD CIHR/IMHA Advisory Board Member and Patient Engagement Research Ambassador
- Tahlia Ruschioni, BS Education Director, Bateman Horne Center
Mathieu Dehaes, PhD
Department of Radiology, Radio-oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal & CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to identify molecular biomarkers of ME patients with a novel approach combining label-free Raman spectroscopy and machine learning models.
Research Team Members:
- Frédéric Leblond Polytechnique Montreal
- Amir Khadir, MD Clinician, Pierre-Legardeur Hospital (Canada)
- Wesam Elremaly CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre
- Christiane Garcia Association Québécoise de l’Encéphalomyélite Myalgique (AQEM)
- Maryam Heidarifard PhD student
- Atefeh Moezzi PhD student
Robert Durand
Associate Professor
Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal
Host Institution:
Description:
The main objective of the research is to determine the nature of the association between myalgic encephalomyelitis, obstructive sleep apnea and oral health.
Research Team Members:
- Neil McGregor (Co-PI) University of Melbourne
- Ryma Kabir (Co-PI) Université de Montréal
- Nelly Huynh (Co-PI) Université de Montréal
- Gilles Lavigne Université de Montréal
- Ling-Hsuan Tung Jewish General Hospital
- Zoha Kibar Université de Montréal/CHU Ste-Justine Research Center
- René Voyer Université de Montréal
- Mahmoud Rouabhia Université Laval
- Clarice Nishio Université de Montréal
- Caroline Nguyen-Ngoc Université de Montréal
- Christiane Garcia Quebec Association for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
- Intissar Abbaoui Université de Montréal
Eleanor Stein, MD FRCP(C)
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Calgary
Host Institution:
Description:
The objective of the research is to identify healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with ME. This preliminary work is an initial step that is achievable within the funding period as part of a systematic approach to improving healthcare for Canadians with ME.
Research Team Members:
- Rosemary Twomey, PhD R.Kin Postdoctoral Fellow
- Izzat Jiwani, PhD
- Alexis Goth (BSc MD CFPC) Hospitalist, QEII Health Sciences Center (Family Medicine, Dalhousie University) and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine (Dalhousie University)
- Moira Sarah Selke (BSc MB MCh BAO CCFP) Staff physician, Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
- Farah Tabassum Consultant Physician, Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
- Christiane Garcia Co-president l'Association Québécoise de l'Encéphalomyélite Myalgique
- Maureen MacQuarrie Former lawyer and policy advisor
- Scot Merriam Patient partner
Zoha Kibar, PhD, CHU
Sainte Justine Research Center
Université de Montréal
Host Institution:
Description:
The aim of the research is to identify genetic risk factors for ME/CFS using whole genome sequencing in families with multiple affected members. This is followed by genetic studies in a larger cohort of sporadic cases and generation of a zebrafish genetic model for one strong candidate gene.
Research Team Members:
- Dawei Li Florida Atlantic University
- Eric Samarut Junior Scientist, CHUM, U. of Montreal
Host Institution:
Description:
The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between diet, gut microbiota-derived metabolites and symptoms in ME. The study will explore the associations between: (1) diet quality and intake in specific nutrients (dietary fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and saturated fats) and plasma levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites; (2) diet and severity of symptoms and; (3) plasma gut microbiota-derived metabolites and symptoms. The data generated will serve as pillar for the development of a larger scale study that will relate diet, gut microbiota and its metabolites.
Research Team Members:
- Matthieu Ruiz, PhD Assistant Professor in Nutrition (Université de Montréal)/Researcher, Montreal Heart Institute
- Alain Stintzi, PhD Full Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (University of Ottawa)
- Mrs. Theresa Noon-Hunter Hamilton, Ontario
- Valérie Miller, Christiane Garcia, Claudine Prud’homme AQEM (Association Québécoise de l’encéphalomyélite myalgique) representatives
