About the Foundation

$10,000 Research grant

Awarded to DR SEYEDADEL MORAVVEJI, postdoctoral researcher, as part of the project: Modeling Traumatic Brain Injuries Using The Virtual Brain: Toward Better Understanding and Personalized Treatment. This project will explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injuries (TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury) using innovative brain modeling tools. TBI is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, with complex consequences for patients, ranging from cognitive and motor deficits to neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite scientific advances, there is limited understanding of dynamic changes in the post-traumatic brain, which hinders the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. Thanks to this research grant, Dr. Moravveji will continue his research and further explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injuries. The expected results will promote a better understanding of brain dynamics in disrupted conditions and open the way to treatments tailored to the specific needs of patients with traumatic brain injury.

$10,000 Research grant

Awarded to MR. MAXIME BOUTHILLIER, resident in diagnostic radiology, for a master’s project on the use of artificial intelligence for MRI analyses of traumatic spinal cord injuries, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Julien Cohen-Adad and Dr. Laurent Létourneau-Guillon.

$10,000 Research grant 

Awarded to MS. ROSE JUTRAS, for her project conducted under the supervision of Prof. Catherine Duclos focusing on patients with brain injuries, which aims to compare the functional reconfiguration of brain activity in patients who recover to those who will have persistent cognitive disorders.

$15,000 Research grant

Awarded to M. GUILLERMO EFRAIN MARTINEZ VILLAR, undergraduate student in Psychology, accepted to the master’s in Neurosciences and awaiting the admission decision to the master’s in Biomedical Sciences (Computational Medicine option), as part of the project: The development and validation of a new prognostic tool to predict the recovery of patients in the acute phase of severe brain injury, who are currently in a coma, a vegetative state, or a minimally conscious state.

$15,000 Research grant

Awarded to Mme Mar SAAVEDRA MITJANS, PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences, as part of the project: Mixed quantitative and qualitative study aimed at identifying the experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals providing care to agitated traumatic brain injury patients in order to understand their care practices.

$15,000 Research grant

Awarded to Mme Meriem Sabir, PhD student in Biomedical Sciences, Experimental Medicine option, as part of the project: Evaluation of cortical excitability during the chronic phase of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

$5,000 Research grant

Awarded to M. Nabir Nathoo-Khedri, first-year medical student, research internship as part of the project: A comparison of Rytvela and Anakinra on inflammation and clinical outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

$38,403 Research grant

Awarded to Dr Alain Ptito, Director of the Psychology Service at the MUHC, a recognized specialist in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Research topic: Validation study using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. This research will use the Advanced Nystagmus System (ANS), an eye headset, newly developed, as an objective diagnostic tool for traumatic brain injuries and concussions.

This system will make it possible to analyze the coordination of the eyes and the head and will be tested on concussed patients in order to discover new markers to locate damaged neural centers and to track the progression of healing of injuries.

$5,000 Research grant

Awarded to Mme Morgane Régniez, master’s student at the University of Montreal, and working at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal in the Department of Neurosciences. Her research supervisor is Dre Marina Martinez at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and has a strong reputation in NeuroTraumatology.

Research topic: A Study of the neurobiological mechanisms of psychomotor recovery following a NeuroTrauma. The Method consists of using an animal Model of spinal and brain polytrauma, with electrophysiological, behavioral, and neuroanatomical techniques.

$500 Research grant

Awarded to Mme Fanny L’Écuyer Giguère, PhD(c) Researcher, who gave the best oral presentation during the 2018 Trauma Research Day at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, and recipient of the Research grant.

Research topic: Beyond classic symptomatology: the evaluation of olfactory disorders in the first 24 hours following an mTBI.

$8,000 Research grant

Awarded to M. David Williamson, PhD, Regular Researcher at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal.

Research project: A systematic review and a network meta-analysis, with the Cochrane group, on sedative agents in traumatic brain injury, a project to be carried out from 2017 to 2019.

Partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé, the FRQS

The NTMR Foundation partners with the FRQS and becomes the 5^th partner of the Consortium for research funding with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSSQ), the Steering Committee for Trauma Research, the Provincial Research Network in Rehabilitation (REPAR) and the S.A.A.Q.

As part of this partnership, the NTMR Foundation will offer $150,000 over the next 3 years, i.e., $50,000 per year, for a research project that will focus on best clinical practices during the first 15 days following a traumatic brain injury, in order to avoid or reduce permanent sequelae and improve quality of life, thus promoting superior social reintegration.

$15,000 Research grant

Awarded to Dr Emmanuel Charbonney, MD PhD, from the University of Montreal and the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, with the collaboration of Dr Francis Bernard, MD and M. Guy Rousseau PhD.

Research topic: The role of uric acid (alarmins) in inflammation leading to organ failure after multiple trauma with brain trauma. The objective is to study the role of alarmins, such as uric acid, and their involvement in triggering inflammation that leads to organ failure and brain inflammation.

Two Research grant of $1,000 each

To reward excellence in NeuroTraumatology research to the two researchers who gave the best presentations, as part of the 6th Annual Scientific Day in NeuroTraumatology at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal.

These Research grants were given for presentations on:
1) Parallel recovery of consciousness, cognition, and the sleep–wake cycle in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury (Mme Catherine Duclos);
2) Impacts of a mild traumatic brain injury on olfactory capacities (Mme Fanny L’Écuyer Giguère).

Awarding of a $15,000 Research grant

Granted by the CCAM, the Corporation of Montreal Automobile Dealers and the FNTMR, the Marie-Robert NeuroTrauma Foundation. This Research grant was given to Dr Louis De Beaumont of the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal for the implementation of the project: “Stimulate in the acute phase to reduce impairments of the concussed brain.”

This project focused on two components, namely:
a) Adapt an intervention method whose effects are lasting, in order to reduce sequelae and promote the recovery of motor functions in young concussed athletes;
b) Evaluate the predictive value of structural and metabolic impairments of the motor system in the acute phase – 72 hours post-concussion.

Awarding of a $20,000 Research grant

Granted from the Marie-Robert Foundation Fund at Laval University for the implementation of the TRACS Project, focusing “on the effect of tranexamic acid as a medical treatment for chronic subdural hematomas.”

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a very frequent complication of traumatic brain injury, particularly in the elderly, where it is the most frequent reason for consultation in cranial neurosurgery.

This Multicenter Project involves researchers from the CHUS (Sherbrooke) & the CHU de Québec HEJ, namely:
Dr Christian Iorio-Morin, Neurosurgeon, CHUS, Lead Author;
Dr David Mathieu, Neurosurgeon, CHUS, Supervisor;
Dr Paule Lessard Bonaventure, Neurosurgeon, CHU de Québec Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus, Laval University;
Dr Hélène Khuong, Neurosurgeon, CHU de Québec, Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus, Laval University.

Awarding of Research grants

To reward excellence in NeuroTraumatology research to the two researchers who gave the best presentations, as part of the 5th Annual Scientific Day in NeuroTraumatology at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal.

These Research grants were given for the presentations on:
1) Visual fixation in intensive care: an early indicator of the severity of traumatic brain injury and prognosis (Mme Caroline Arbour);
2) Sleep disorders following a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (Mme Héjar El-Khatib).

Awarding of the Claire Garon Robert Research grant valued at $30,000

Granted by the Fund of the Marie-Robert Foundation at the University of Montreal, for the implementation at CHU Sainte-Justine of the Project aiming to “develop an automated system for diagnosing the brain state of people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury, in order to analyze data received from different monitoring systems and provide continuous recommendations to optimize treatments based on the patient’s condition.”

This project will be carried out with the close collaboration of a multidisciplinary team from CHU Sainte-Justine and the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, and “will allow an improvement in the care provided, both in children and in adults.”

Awarding of a Research grant from the Fund of the
Marie-Robert Foundation for research on traumatic brain injuries at the University of Montreal

To carry out at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal the Project on “the evaluation of circadian rhythms in the acute phase of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.”

Awarding of a Research grant from the Fund of the
Marie-Robert Foundation at Laval University

Granted to a neurosurgery research team at the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus in Quebec City, to carry out the Project on “the use of psychostimulants as an arousal and cognitive recovery treatment for victims of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.”

Grant

For the Study “of cerebral metabolism and electrical brain activity in the acute phase of a severe traumatic brain injury in humans, from a prognostic and therapeutic perspective.” This Study is conducted by researchers from the Montreal General Hospital – MUHC in collaboration with the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and the CHA Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus in Quebec City.

Financial contribution

For “the purchase of an essential instrument” for carrying out a fundamental research Project on traumatic brain injuries at the Research Center of Hôpital St-Luc affiliated with the University of Montreal Hospital Center.

Funding

For the project on the “Motor capacities of children who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury,” carried out at the Montreal Children’s Hospital – MUHC.

Grant of $50,000

To finance the TBI-Research Project, a large-scale provincial project involving the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, the Association of Hospitals of Québec, and the Federation for Rehabilitation in Physical Disability of Québec.

Official Launch www.DefiCasseTete.ca

A fun way to discover the functions of the brain and to share them with friends, loved ones, or colleagues by offering them virtual neuron supplies… and an original way to make a donation!

Formation of the Steering Committee of the Marie-Robert Foundation Fund for Research on Traumatic Brain Injury at Laval University

It is composed of five members: DR LÉO CANTIN, DR PIERRE FRÉCHETTE and DR RENÉ LAMONTAGNE representing Laval University, and DR LOUIS CREVIER and ME MARIE ROBERT representing the Foundation.

Official Launch

Website launch of the MARIE-ROBERT NEUROTRAUMA FOUNDATION.

Official Announcement

To highlight the creation of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION RESEARCH FUND ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AT LAVAL UNIVERSITY.

Official Announcement

To highlight the major partnership of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION with LAVAL UNIVERSITY, CHA HÔPITAL ENFANT-JÉSUS, THE SOCIÉTÉ DE L’ASSURANCE AUTOMOBILE DU QUÉBEC (SAAQ), and THE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES OF QUÉBEC.

Official Announcement

To highlight the creation of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION RESEARCH AND TRAINING RESEARCH GRANT FUND AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL.

Official Announcement

In the presence of MR CLAUDE CASTONGUAY, meeting of the Executive Directors of the six Tertiary Trauma Centers of Québec, and announcement by ME MICHEL MASSICOTTE of their alliance and involvement with the Foundation.

Mr. Castonguay officially declared the alliance of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION with the six Tertiary Trauma Centers of Québec, namely:

HÔPITAL DU SACRÉ-CŒUR DE MONTRÉAL;
MONTRÉAL GENERAL HOSPITAL – MUHC;
CHARLES LEMOYNE HOSPITAL;
L’ENFANT-JÉSUS HOSPITAL;
SAINTE-JUSTINE HOSPITAL;
MONTRÉAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – MUHC.

Inauguration of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION

In the presence of several executives of the SOCIÉTÉ DE L’ASSURANCE AUTOMOBILE DU QUÉBEC (SAAQ), including the President, the Vice-President of Accident Services, the Medical Director, and several neurosurgeons.

Incorporation of the MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

February 2016, to DRE NATALIE LE SAGE, Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Axis, Research Center – CHU de Québec, Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus

Subject: Support for the research project “Validation of a clinical decision rule integrating the use of biomarkers for early detection of persistent symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)”.

In November 2015, to DR PATRICK ARCHAMBAULT, Associate Professor, Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Laval University

Subject: Wiki Trauma Project – Adaptation of a shared-decision-making tool on the decision to perform a cranial CT scan for victims of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and development of training for health professionals: rapid prototyping supported by a wiki.

Promoting Best Practices in Traumatology

2019
Project progress report
Decision-making tool prototype (adults)
Decision-making tool prototype (children)

2015
Patient-Oriented Research Meeting
Participation of Me Marie Robert in the WikiTrauma planning meeting and the establishment of the project to implement a Wiki to promote best traumatology practices and share knowledge-translation tools for patients and professionals.

2014
At Laval University, nearly 40 participants held decision-making roles (INESSS – National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services, patients including Me Marie Robert, clinicians, researchers, engineers, IT specialists, private industry such as Telus and Thales, and professional associations such as ASMUQ, AMUQ, AGIIUQ, AQESSS).
The presence and support of Me Marie Robert were extremely important to show peer committees that the patient was at the center of concerns, as she also participated in the planning meeting.

2013
Significant participation of Me Marie Robert as a stakeholder during the writing of the grant application to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

2012
Letter of support from Me Marie Robert for the WIKI TRAUMA PROJECT, stating that Marie Robert would represent patients for this project and attend the meeting in person in May 2014.

September – Meeting with Dr Patrick Archambault, during the CIT (Interprofessional Colloquium of Montreal) involving:
HÔPITAL DU SACRÉ-CŒUR DE MONTRÉAL; CHU SAINTE-JUSTINE; MONTRÉAL GENERAL HOSPITAL – MUHC; and MONTRÉAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – MUHC.

MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION RESEARCH AND TRAINING RESEARCH GRANT FUND

This Fund, totaling more than $400,000, aims to support researchers and students who excel academically and who are dedicated to research on traumatic brain injuries.
http://chirurgie.umontreal.ca/recherche/chaires-et-fonds/

MARIE-ROBERT FOUNDATION RESEARCH FUND ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

This Fund, over $200,000, aims to support research and teaching on traumatic brain injury, to train high-quality future researchers in this field.