‘A great honour and a privilege’: Waypoint scientist appointed to federal research organization’s governing council

Posted on 02/08/2024

A Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care research scientist who is internationally known for his work on drug addiction is one of three new members of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) governing council.

Dr. Bernard Le Foll is among the new additions to the 18-member council, which advises the federal health minister on research matters and guides CIHR’s strategic directions, goals and policies.

“It’s a great honour and a privilege, and also a testament to Waypoint’s reputation in conducting research that improves patient care and leads to the development of cutting-edge treatments in mental health and addiction,” said Dr. Le Foll, who joined Waypoint as Vice-President, Research and Academics, and Chief Scientific Officer in February 2022.

In addition to his role at Waypoint, Dr. Le Foll is a senior scientist specializing in drug addiction at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

He has received many awards and more than 100 grants, and has published upwards of 300 peer-reviewed scientific articles. As well, he has advised multiple agencies, developed clinical guidelines, and been invited to speak at the Senate and House of Commons on addiction-related issues.

In announcing the appointment, Federal Health Minister Mark Holland said Dr. Le Foll and his fellow appointees’ “knowledge and professional experience in the field of health and research will be an outstanding asset to the organization.”

Established in 2000, CIHR is the largest funder of health research in Canada, supporting more than 15,000 world-class researchers from all regions of the country. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, its investments totalled nearly $1.26 billion in such areas as clinical, biomedical, health systems and social/cultural/environmental research.

Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, President and CEO of Waypoint, said Dr. Le Foll has made exceptional contributions to the hospital and will be a valuable asset for CIHR.

“This prestigious appointment to a key influential national research body recognizes Dr. Le Foll’s leadership and track record in health research,” she said. “It’s a tremendous achievement, and we’re so happy and proud to see this.

“Since joining Waypoint, Dr. Le Foll has substantially grown our research that advances understanding of mental illness and addiction and develops patient-centred therapeutic strategies.”