Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
@dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
Advancing brain health through research, education and treatment.
Partners: Vancouver Coastal Health & UBC Faculty of Medicine
Partners: Vancouver Coastal Health & UBC Faculty of Medicine
Check out the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health's 2024-2025 Annual Report to learn more about the highlights and achievements from our faculty, trainees and staff over the past year: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/annual-repor...
December 8, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Check out the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health's 2024-2025 Annual Report to learn more about the highlights and achievements from our faculty, trainees and staff over the past year: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/annual-repor...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Brain injury is an overlooked outcome of IPV, up to 92% of survivors may experience one. SOAR and @injuryresearchbc.bsky.social created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), a free 40-min course to help support workers recognize signs & respond with trauma-informed care: cattonline.com/home
December 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Brain injury is an overlooked outcome of IPV, up to 92% of survivors may experience one. SOAR and @injuryresearchbc.bsky.social created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), a free 40-min course to help support workers recognize signs & respond with trauma-informed care: cattonline.com/home
In partnership with UBC's Department of Psychiatry, we are excited to be recruiting for a CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Cognitive Resilience for Dementia Prevention and Mental Wellness in Aging.
Learn more: med-fom-psychiatry-sandbox2019.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/1...
Learn more: med-fom-psychiatry-sandbox2019.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/1...
December 5, 2025 at 12:32 AM
In partnership with UBC's Department of Psychiatry, we are excited to be recruiting for a CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Cognitive Resilience for Dementia Prevention and Mental Wellness in Aging.
Learn more: med-fom-psychiatry-sandbox2019.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/1...
Learn more: med-fom-psychiatry-sandbox2019.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2025/1...
Congratulations to Drs. Kiran Soma and Terry Snutch on being named 2025 Distinguished University Scholars! This award recognizes members of UBC faculty who have distinguished themselves as exceptional scholars and achieved recognition as leaders in their field.
Drs. Kiran Soma and Terry Snutch named Distinguished University Scholars - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Congratulations to Drs. Kiran Soma and Terry Snutch on being named 2025 UBC Distinguished University Scholars! Dr. Kiran Soma, a professor in UBC’s
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
December 2, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Congratulations to Drs. Kiran Soma and Terry Snutch on being named 2025 Distinguished University Scholars! This award recognizes members of UBC faculty who have distinguished themselves as exceptional scholars and achieved recognition as leaders in their field.
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Featured on @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social, VCHRI researcher Dr. Julie Robillard shares how social robots could help comfort patients & their families at the hospital: ow.ly/QE5V50Xys4Q @julie-overthere.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
Social robots comforting patients at BC Children's Hospital
Dr. Julie Robillard stops by CTV Your Morning Vancouver with a friendly faces comforting patients at BC Children's Hospital.
ow.ly
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Featured on @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social, VCHRI researcher Dr. Julie Robillard shares how social robots could help comfort patients & their families at the hospital: ow.ly/QE5V50Xys4Q @julie-overthere.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Shorter, darker & colder days can leave many people feeling down during the winter months. 💡 Research led by VCHRI expert Dr. Raymond Lam explores whether light therapy can help improve mood: https://ow.ly/mwIh50Xys0v Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) The New York Times
November 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Shorter, darker & colder days can leave many people feeling down during the winter months. 💡 Research led by VCHRI expert Dr. Raymond Lam explores whether light therapy can help improve mood: https://ow.ly/mwIh50Xys0v Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) The New York Times
Congratulations to our 19 Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) trainees who are graduating today! Learn more about the new grads on our website.
🎓PhD grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓MSc grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓PhD grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓MSc grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
November 28, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Congratulations to our 19 Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) trainees who are graduating today! Learn more about the new grads on our website.
🎓PhD grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓MSc grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓PhD grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
🎓MSc grads: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/congrat...
Congratulations to Drs. Blair Leavitt and Lynn Raymond on being named recipients of the Huntington Society of Canada’s 2025 Navigator Awards!
Learn more about their research projects: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dmcbh-r...
Learn more about their research projects: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dmcbh-r...
DMCBH researchers receive Huntington Society of Canada's 2025 Navigator Research Awards - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Congratulations to Drs. Blair Leavitt and Lynn Raymond on being named recipients of the Huntington Society of Canada's 2025 Navigator Awards! The
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
November 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Congratulations to Drs. Blair Leavitt and Lynn Raymond on being named recipients of the Huntington Society of Canada’s 2025 Navigator Awards!
Learn more about their research projects: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dmcbh-r...
Learn more about their research projects: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dmcbh-r...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Research that fosters connection 🫂 Learn how the BC Brain Wellness Program led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell brings joy & community through exercise & creativity: https://ow.ly/gk6250XuSJG @silkeac.bsky.social Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) #ParticipateInResearch
New friends, new adventures: Margaret and Bee’s Brain Wellness Program journey - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
When Margaret Miller and Bee Wanstall first crossed paths, it was actually in a boxing class. It wasn’t until they both joined the BC Brain Wellness
ow.ly
November 23, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Research that fosters connection 🫂 Learn how the BC Brain Wellness Program led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell brings joy & community through exercise & creativity: https://ow.ly/gk6250XuSJG @silkeac.bsky.social Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) #ParticipateInResearch
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
How do hormones affect the brain and our behaviours, and what does that mean for Canadians? 🧠
Hear from @kiransoma.bsky.social, who was recently elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada. @psych.ubc.ca @src-rsc.bsky.social
Read more: www.arts.ubc.ca/news/two-art...
Hear from @kiransoma.bsky.social, who was recently elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada. @psych.ubc.ca @src-rsc.bsky.social
Read more: www.arts.ubc.ca/news/two-art...
November 19, 2025 at 8:02 PM
How do hormones affect the brain and our behaviours, and what does that mean for Canadians? 🧠
Hear from @kiransoma.bsky.social, who was recently elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada. @psych.ubc.ca @src-rsc.bsky.social
Read more: www.arts.ubc.ca/news/two-art...
Hear from @kiransoma.bsky.social, who was recently elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada. @psych.ubc.ca @src-rsc.bsky.social
Read more: www.arts.ubc.ca/news/two-art...
Concussions are a serious concern for children taking part in winter sports, but DMCBH member Dr. Shelina Babul explains ways to reduce the risk and how to recognize and manage symptoms in this interview with @globalnews.ca.
Health Matters: Winter sports and concussion prevention | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Health Matters: Winter sports and concussion prevention Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.ca
November 19, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Concussions are a serious concern for children taking part in winter sports, but DMCBH member Dr. Shelina Babul explains ways to reduce the risk and how to recognize and manage symptoms in this interview with @globalnews.ca.
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
This #FallPreventionMonth, discover new research led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose & postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jordyn Rice exploring a home-based exercise program that could significantly reduce the risk of future falls for older adults:
Slower-walking older adults at risk for falls benefit the most from a home-based exercise program
Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization among adults over the age of 65 in Canada. Worldwide, about a third of older adults fall each year, with many requiring medical care to recover or losing their capacity to live independently.
www.vchri.ca
November 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
This #FallPreventionMonth, discover new research led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose & postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jordyn Rice exploring a home-based exercise program that could significantly reduce the risk of future falls for older adults:
At last week's UBC Connects at Robson Square event, Drs. Lara Boyd, Silke Appel-Cresswell and Teresa Liu-Ambrose shared their insights on how learning, nutrition and exercise can transform brain health across the lifespan.
📹 Check out our YouTube channel for a recording of the event!
📹 Check out our YouTube channel for a recording of the event!
Rewiring the Mind: How Science, Lifestyle and Wellness Shape Brain Health
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:57 PM
At last week's UBC Connects at Robson Square event, Drs. Lara Boyd, Silke Appel-Cresswell and Teresa Liu-Ambrose shared their insights on how learning, nutrition and exercise can transform brain health across the lifespan.
📹 Check out our YouTube channel for a recording of the event!
📹 Check out our YouTube channel for a recording of the event!
For Margaret and Bee, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social has been a source of joy and connection. Not only has the program provided exercise and creative outlets, it has also provided a sense of community and fostered new friendships.
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
New friends, new adventures: Margaret and Bee’s Brain Wellness Program journey - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
When Margaret Miller and Bee Wanstall first crossed paths, it was actually in a boxing class. It wasn’t until they both joined the BC Brain Wellness
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
November 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
For Margaret and Bee, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social has been a source of joy and connection. Not only has the program provided exercise and creative outlets, it has also provided a sense of community and fostered new friendships.
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Computer Science, on recently being appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Cell Biology!
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Dr. Xin Tang appointed Canada Research Chair - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) and the Department of Computer Science,
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Computer Science, on recently being appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Cell Biology!
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Come to the Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Seminar—a student-led series where graduate students share their research and exchange ideas. 🧠
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
November 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Come to the Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Seminar—a student-led series where graduate students share their research and exchange ideas. 🧠
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Join Julia for a day in the life of a research assistant in the MacVicar Lab! She’s now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Cembrowski Lab.
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
A day in the lab at the MacVicar lab #neuroscience
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Join Julia for a day in the life of a research assistant in the MacVicar Lab! She’s now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Cembrowski Lab.
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Learning. Exercise. Nutrition. Understand how simple daily habits can rewire your brain and change your life.
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
October 22, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Learning. Exercise. Nutrition. Understand how simple daily habits can rewire your brain and change your life.
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
💧 Can our tears give us early insights into #Alzheimer’s disease development?
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
October 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
💧 Can our tears give us early insights into #Alzheimer’s disease development?
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Congrats to ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for Indigenous youth, which was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025!
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
seed2STEM honoured with City of Vancouver Leadership in Reconciliation Award
ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for high school youth has been awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025. seed2STEM transforms reconciliation principles …
icord.org
October 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Congrats to ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for Indigenous youth, which was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025!
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
Annie Kim, a Master’s student working with Dr. Manu Madhav (@manusmad.bsky.social), is developing a new virtual reality tool to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier by detecting subtle navigation problems.
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Using Virtual Reality to find signs of Alzheimer’s disease - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Slip on a VR headset, and an ordinary room transforms into a foggy mountain landscape dotted with colourful landmarks. This virtual world is part
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
October 16, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Annie Kim, a Master’s student working with Dr. Manu Madhav (@manusmad.bsky.social), is developing a new virtual reality tool to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier by detecting subtle navigation problems.
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on the need to support mental health & psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Mental Health and Addictions Integrated Research Program
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on the need to support mental health & psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Congratulations to the DMCBH researchers who have received funding from CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund competition to support new research infrastructure projects, including:
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
DMCBH researchers receive new government funding from CFI JELF competition - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Today, the Government of Canada announced nearly $134 million through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to support research infrastructure
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
October 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Congratulations to the DMCBH researchers who have received funding from CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund competition to support new research infrastructure projects, including:
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
This #WorldMentalHealthDay, discover new research by VCHRI experts Drs. Ivan Torres & Lakshmi Yatham on how cognitive tests could help improve care & treatment for people with bipolar disorder: https://ow.ly/bqjO50X5llz Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) Mental Health Research Canada
Helping people with bipolar disorder see their cognitive strengths
Uncover insights about bipolar disorder and cognitive abilities. The mismatch between self-view and performance opens new intervention paths.
ow.ly
October 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This #WorldMentalHealthDay, discover new research by VCHRI experts Drs. Ivan Torres & Lakshmi Yatham on how cognitive tests could help improve care & treatment for people with bipolar disorder: https://ow.ly/bqjO50X5llz Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) Mental Health Research Canada
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Margaret Hanson says #YesToResearch to support the discovery of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Learn about her participation in a study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Martin McKeown, exploring a novel smartwatch to help optimise medication scheduling:
Wearable alert system to prevent Parkinson’s medication ‘wearing off’ symptoms
Now retired from working as a project manager in the tech industry, Margaret Hanson’s active lifestyle is intimidating. The 68-year-old rock climbs, mountain climbs, hikes, skis, goes on backpacking trips — mainly with her husband of 18 years, Tony — and still seems to have energy to spare. However, in December 2016, just nine months after celebrating her retirement, Hanson received news that no one ever wants to hear.
www.vchri.ca
October 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Margaret Hanson says #YesToResearch to support the discovery of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Learn about her participation in a study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Martin McKeown, exploring a novel smartwatch to help optimise medication scheduling: