The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is fostering innovation in health and wellness, with recent recognition for faculty members involved in integrative health approaches. , UQAM professors were acknowledged at the Humain 360 congress, highlighting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and its impact on Montreal’s socio-economic and cultural development.
Integrative Health Gains Recognition
Caroline Ouellet, a lecturer in UQAM’s Department of Psychology, received the Innovation Award from Humain 360 in collaboration with the Association professionnelle pour la santé intégrative (APSI). Ouellet, who earned her Ph.D. In Psychology in , is a clinical and community psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain management. Her work focuses on translating scientific data into accessible tools for the public. She has previously received the Gloria-Gilbert Award from McGill University (), the CIUSSS-ODI Relève Award (), and a research grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
The approach to integrative health, as practiced and promoted by Ouellet, doesn’t aim to replace conventional medicine but rather to complement and enrich it. It draws on the expertise of various professionals and emphasizes preventative measures, considering emotional and environmental dimensions of health. The World Health Organization recognizes the importance of complementary approaches, with over 70% of health systems acknowledging their value in optimizing patient care.
UQAM’s Role in Health Innovation
François Lalonde, a visiting professor in UQAM’s Department of Physical Activity Sciences, was also nominated for an award in the Academic category at the Humain 360 congress. Lalonde, who holds a doctorate in Physical Activity Sciences from the University of Montreal, is responsible for teaching and training in osteopathy at UQAM. His nomination recognizes his contribution to the creation of the osteopathy study programs at the university. He has received approximately twenty awards and distinctions throughout his career and has conducted research for the Canadian Space Agency, developing customized training protocols and programs for astronauts.
UQAM’s involvement extended beyond the award nominations. Camille Blanckaert, a strategic innovation advisor within the Office of the Associate Vice-President for Health Sciences Development, and students in osteopathy and kinesiology also represented the university at the Humain 360 congress.
UQAM’s Broader Innovation Ecosystem
UQAM’s commitment to innovation extends beyond health sciences. The university, with a student body of nearly 40,000, positions itself as a catalyst for innovative solutions in Montreal. It actively collaborates with key players in the city to address urban issues and develop new solutions for diverse communities. Examples include projects in heritage, transportation, numerical technology, and tourism.
In , UQAM partnered with Tourisme Montréal and the City of Montreal to establish MT Lab, the first incubator in North America dedicated to tourism, culture, and entertainment. MT Lab mentors startups from Quebec, Canada, and abroad, aiming to provide innovative solutions to challenges within these industries and enhance the city’s attractiveness.
Rooftop Lab and AI Research
UQAM also oversees a rooftop lab at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal, which received the AIPC Innovation Award in . This lab facilitates the testing of new technologies. UQAM is engaged in research related to the responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing its pervasive influence across various segments of society.
The university’s Research Laboratory of Personality, led by Dr. Ghassan El-Baalbaki, Professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of Graduate Studies, focuses on the relationship between personality traits and physical illnesses, marital relationships, anxiety, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The lab also includes collaborators such as Dr. Didier Acier, a Professor at the Universities of Clinical Psychology in Nantes, France, specializing in addiction and integrative psychotherapy, and Dr. Marc-Simon Drouin, Director of the Department of Psychology at UQAM, whose research encompasses psychopathology and various psychotherapeutic models. Dr. Christophe Fortin, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Associate Professor at UQAM, focuses his research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These initiatives demonstrate UQAM’s multifaceted approach to innovation, encompassing health, technology, and urban development, all while maintaining a strong focus on social impact and collaboration.
