Since the 1950’s, UBC has been the site of groundbreaking discoveries in understanding, diagnosing and treating a number of brain disorders and diseases. It is also home to Canada’s largest integrated research and treatment facility – the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
Today, more than 500 researchers continue to be at the forefront of brain research, pioneering their work around mental health and addictions, dementia, and movement disorders.
Key Research Groups
Spotlight
New national survey finds Canadians’ mental health eroding as pandemic continues
New data has been released by the Canadian Medical Health Association in partnership with UBC researchers.
B.C. youth help guide mental health research at UBC
New UBC initiative engages youth with lived experience to help inform mental health and substance use research.
Empowering young people to live well
Master of Occupational Therapy graduates Natalia Lassak and Emily Brooks develop a new tool to help young adults living with mental health challenges live meaningful lives.
Online supports for COVID-19 stress are there—but Canadians aren’t accessing them
Many Canadians are not making use of virtual resources that could help them cope with the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unique mental health and brain impacts of COVID-19
In a new paper, UBC's Dr. Judy Illes examines the unique neurological impacts and neuroethical challenges posed by COVID-19.
Teens who participate in extracurriculars, get less screen time, have better mental health
A new study found spending less than two hours per day of recreational screen time was associated with lower levels of anxiety.
The psychological toll of the pandemic – Will we ever shake hands again?
Dr. Lakshmi Yatham explores the psychological toll of COVID-19 and offers his advice on combatting stress and anxiety as society adapts to the new normal.
Scientists discover gene that increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease
International research team led by Dr. Weihong Song has for the first time identified a gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
8% of school-age children have thought about or attempted suicide
A new study looks at risk and protective factors associated with childhood suicide.
Light therapy holds promise for people with bipolar disorder
Dr. Raymond Lam explains the growing body of research in this area.