Research Chair in Cerebral Palsy
Chaires de recherche en partenariat
Domain(s):
- Sciences de la santé et de l’alimentation
Catherine Mercier
Full Professor
Faculty of Medicine
Occupational therapist by training, Catherine Mercier leads a dynamic interdisciplinary research team studying sensorimotor impairments and pain in children and adults with neurological injuries, as well as the interactions between these problems. Deeply committed to support the development of research in rehabilitation, Dr. Mercier is the Scientific Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS) and the Emeritus Research Scholar of the Fonds de recherche Québec en santé (FRQS).
Chair holder’s Areas of expertise
Neurological rehabilitation
Sensorimotor control
Chronic pain
Neuroplasticity
Non-invasive brain stimulation
Electrophysiology
Virtual reality
Robotics
Objectives
- With partnerships with centers and research networks, serve as a catalyst for research related to the mission of the Chair
- Support researchers and students in carrying out research projects in the field of cerebral palsy
- Facilitate knowledge transfer between researchers, clinicians and people with cerebral palsy and their families
- Ensure the diffusion of Québec and international research projects in the field of cerebral palsy
- Establish a forum bringing together Quebec and international stakeholders working with people with cerebral palsy.
Since its creation in 1991, the Research Chair in Cerebral Palsy has pursued its mandate of promoting research in cerebral palsy at Université Laval. Since 2003, its activities have been concentrated at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS). The work of the interdisciplinary team contributes to the advancement of research in cerebral palsy in both the social and health fields.
Cerebral palsy describes a set of permanent motor disorders limiting daily activities and caused by non-evolving disturbances in the brain of the foetus or infant. These motor disorders are often accompanied by disorders affecting sensory, cognitive and perceptual functions, as well as communication and behavior. Cerebral palsy affects between 2 and 3 children per 1000 live births.
Mission
- To contribute to the advancement of research in cerebral palsy, both in the social and health fields.
- To constitute a forum bringing together researchers from Quebec and elsewhere working with people who have cerebral palsy.
- To support the realization of research projects in the field of cerebral palsy, as well as the dissemination of research results in order to maximize their impact.
Research impacts
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During the past year, the Chair has supported research projects in various fields related to its mission, such as:
The Chair also took on the task of translating a clinical tool for the assessment the motor skills of children in order to make it available to Francophone rehabilitation professionals. Finally, the Chair awarded research initiation scholarships and a doctoral scholarship to promote the development of young talent. |
Research Chair in Cerebral Palsy
Research Chair in Cerebral Palsy
Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec
525, boul. Wilfrid-Hamel, H-1110
Québec (Québec) G1M 2S8
418 529-9141, poste 6701