As the largest bilingual research centre in America, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval is advancing its health research in Canada across seven programmes supported by advanced scientific platforms.
The Chu de Québec-Université Laval is one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare institutions in Canada, with over 17,000 employees dedicated to delivering advanced care and medical expertise to the population of Eastern Québec. Guided by a mission to provide exceptional healthcare services, conduct pioneering research, and contribute to education and training, the CHU is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities throughout the region.
At the heart of the CHU’s operations are its core values: compassion, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. These values are the foundation of the organisation’s True North, a strategic compass guiding every decision and action. By prioritising patient-centred care and the continuous pursuit of improvement, the CHU strives to create an inclusive, respectful environment that values the needs and voices of patients, families, and employees alike. This commitment to excellence extends across the CHU’s five hospital sites, making high-quality, specialised, and ultra-specialised care accessible to residents across Eastern Québec.
As an integral part of the Réseau Universitaire Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l’Université Laval (RUISSSUL), the CHU de Québec-Université Laval serves a critical role in this vast network, covering more than 2 million residents. The RUISSSUL promotes close collaboration across healthcare, research, and educational initiatives, thereby strengthening the delivery of care throughout the region. This collaborative structure ensures the availability of specialised expertise across the continuum of care, from primary to ultra-specialised services.
Renowned nationally and internationally for its exceptional research teams and state-of-the-art facilities, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre has built an enviable reputation through its outstanding achievements. The largest French-language research centre in America and one of the ten largest in Canada, the institution is at the forefront of translational research, where laboratory discoveries are rapidly translated into concrete clinical applications, directly benefiting patients and the general population.
Seven research programmes, dedicated to exploration and innovation
With its seven research programmes, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval is the only centre in Québec whose work spans the entire continuum of life sciences, from conception to end-of-life care.
Endocrinology and Nephrology: Hormones at the heart of body regulation
Kidney, liver, prostate, thyroid, bones… So many vital organs whose unresolved mysteries drive our research teams to develop innovative treatments that improve the quality of life for people with hormone-sensitive diseases.
Infectious and immune diseases: Understanding, preventing, and curing infectious and immune diseases
Bringing together experts in microbiology, immunology, rheumatology, and public health, our division works to combat pathogens and understand autoimmunity in rheumatological disorders to better protect populations.
Regenerative medicine: Repairing, regenerating, and replacing human body tissues
Pushing the limits of the human body, our researchers develop innovative treatments for patients with eye diseases, cancers, vascular diseases, or severe burns. Laboratory-reconstructed tissues using biomaterials or cells allow for testing new drugs, regenerating defective tissues, and restoring organ functions.
Neurosciences: Better understanding our brain
The brain is the favorite subject of study for neuroscience researchers who seek to uncover its secrets to better understand how diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis appear and to find treatments for them.
Oncology: Searching for new ways to counter cancer
One of the great scourges of our society, cancer, leaves no one indifferent. Thanks to the work of our researchers, who demystify its mechanisms, we are able to develop new treatments and ways to prevent it.
Reproduction, maternal and child health: Ensuring our future
From planning a pregnancy to childbirth, from birth to adolescence, the health and improvement of care and quality of life for families is the primary concern of our researchers.
Population health and optimal health practices: Addressing current and future population health issues
Our researchers in public health and other medical specialties, such as nursing, pharmacy, economics, administration, and social sciences, contribute to improving population health and adopt innovative practices and care and science-based health policies.
Cutting-edge scientific platforms for health research in Canada
The research teams and students at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre have
access to seven scientific platforms equipped with state-of-the-art devices. Managed by experts, they offer services and support for the completion of various research projects.
Genomics Centre
Providing personalised health services in Canada through the sustained activity of its integrated proteomics and genomics platforms, supported by a bioinformatics platform and validation technologies.
Medical chemistry
Developing new drugs and creating innovative molecular research tools.
Regenerative medicine
Bringing together services such as 3D printing, cellular reprogramming, histology, and production of models through cell culture or tissue engineering and tissue analyses.
Bioimaging and cytometry
Offering high-throughput image analysis, cytometry, and bioimaging, as well as a cellular imaging unit with advanced technologies.
Animal models
Facilities designed to meet the highest standards of animal welfare, offering a secure and well-suited environment for the specific needs of each strain, as well as imaging and irradiation services.
Clinical and evaluative research platform
Supporting clinical research with services such as quality assurance, methodological and biostatistical support, and blood sample collection services; promoting the well-being of staff involved in clinical research; and optimising the centre’s clinical research potential.
SCIENTA: Data valuation and utilisation centre
Facilitating the exploitation and enhancement of health and social services information from the CHU de Québec-Université Laval through expertise in data science, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and modern technologies.
An inclusive and welcoming environment
The CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre is an exceptional training ground where innovation and excellence come together to help you develop your skills and achieve your goals.
Every year, we welcome over 1,000 students from undergraduate to doctoral levels, as well as postdoctoral trainees from various scientific backgrounds and academic programmes.
With students from over 85 countries and representing more than 100 languages and dialects, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre is a true crossroads of exchange and collaboration.
The Innovation Office of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval: A pillar for healthcare across Eastern Québec
At the forefront of CHU’s innovative efforts is its Innovation Office, which is dedicated to advancing medical and technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of the region. This office is pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation within the RUISSSUL, enabling the development and integration of new healthcare models, technologies, and practices that enhance both patient experience and service efficiency.
Through groundbreaking initiatives in fields such as oncology, neurology, and surgical techniques, the Innovation Office brings the latest advancements to the healthcare sector, ensuring that patients in Eastern Quebec benefit from cutting-edge treatments and improved quality of life.
Medscint: A revolution in radiation therapy
A significant example of this innovative approach is the development of Medscint, a groundbreaking technology designed to enhance radiation therapy in a more precise and effective way, offering patients a safer alternative to traditional methods. Medscint utilises advanced scintillator dosimetry to accurately measure radiation doses, ensuring optimal treatment while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Developed within the cutting-edge environment of the CHU Research Center, this technology allows healthcare professionals to deliver radiation therapy with unprecedented precision, significantly reducing the risks of complications and improving patient outcomes. Unlike traditional dosimetry methods, Medscint provides real-time feedback and high-resolution measurements, promoting a more targeted and efficient treatment process.
This project reflects the Innovation Office’s commitment to integrating state-of-the-art technologies into medical care. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of radiation treatments, reduce side effects, and improve the overall quality of life for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Kalego Solutions: creating a positive impact through cutting-edge technologies
Founded by two graduate students at CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Kalego excels in modifying the surface of materials at the nanoscale using plasma technology. Combining a passionate scientific mind in plasma technology and a doctoral student in infectious diseases, they aim to create a positive impact through cutting-edge technologies.
With products such as plasma reactors and industrial coatings, Kalego’s vision is to enhance society’s health and well-being by harnessing the versatility of plasma technology. From the lab to the market, Kalego’s team shows how graduate students can become entrepreneurs.
Synergy between research and care: Meeting local and global needs
These innovations, stemming from the collaboration between the Innovation Office, researchers, employees, and students at the Research Centre, as well as clinicians at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, underscore the importance of synergy between research and care in improving healthcare services.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary expertise, these collaborative efforts not only accelerate the development of new treatments but also enhance patient outcomes.
Through initiatives like these, the CHU is establishing itself as a key leader in health research, addressing the needs of populations in Eastern Québec while having a global impact. This proactive approach ensures that the latest advancements in healthcare reach patients swiftly and effectively, creating a model of care that balances both local relevance and international excellence.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.
