Opening the Door to Survivors’ Futures
When the Ontario legislature welcomed Vijay Thanigasalam, the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to CAMH, it marked more than a routine tour. It was a public reaffirmation of CAMH’s role as a leader in research that translates into real-life improvements for people facing mental health challenges. Minister Thanigasalam — known to constituents as Vijay — first visited CAMH in June, touring the Queen Street site’s Emergency Department. There, he glimpsed the promise of trailblazing work in therapeutic brain interventions and set the stage for a deeper engagement with CAMH’s research ecosystem.
From Tourist to Partner: A Deeper Look at CAMH’s Research Ecosystem
This week, Vijay returned to CAMH, visiting the College Street campus to meet clinicians and researchers who are turning science into precision care. CAMH President and CEO Sarah Downey, Senior Vice President of Communications and Partnerships Lori Spadorcia, and Research Communications Manager Lauren Clegg welcomed him for a research-focused tour designed to showcase how CAMH uses cutting-edge tools to transform mental health treatment.
Brain Imaging and Therapeutic Brain Intervention
The tour began in the Brain Health Imaging Centre, where Chief Radiochemist Dr. Neil Vasdev guided a behind-the-scenes look at two cyclotrons, two PET scanners, and an MRI machine. These technologies enable researchers to map brain structure and activity, informing the development of new interventions for mental illness, addictions, neurological conditions, and improved recovery after traumatic brain injuries. The visit underscored CAMH’s commitment to translating complex imaging data into actionable clinical insights.
Pharmacogenetics: Personalizing Medicine
Next, the Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics welcomed the Minister, with Dr. Jim Kennedy, Scientific Director, explaining how genetics influence medication response. Since its establishment in 2012, the centre has advanced the shift from trial-and-error prescribing toward personalized treatment plans. Saliva-based testing helps determine which medication is most effective for an individual, reducing side effects and expediting recovery. This approach aligns with CAMH’s broader mission to tailor care to the person, not just the diagnosis.
Neuroinformatics and AI: Leveraging Big Data for Better Care
At the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics (KCNI), Scientific Director Dr. Tristan Glatard and his team described how big data, artificial intelligence, and brain modelling are used to deepen our understanding of mental illness. CAMH’s open-science ethos and leadership in integrating diverse data sources have positioned KCNI as a global hub for methods that accelerate discovery and improve care outcomes.
Youth Minds, Longitudinal Insight: The TAY Cohort Study
The final stop of the day featured the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health. Director Dr. Nicole Kozloff and Youth Engagement Coordinator Thalia Phi highlighted the one-of-a-kind Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Cohort study. Tracking 1,500 young people over five years, the study aims to illuminate how symptoms of mental illness develop, identify who is most at risk, and inform strategies to support youth in ways that boost quality of life. This longitudinal lens helps CAMH translate academic findings into practical, scalable services for families and communities.
Investing in People and Places: A Shared Vision for Ontario
CAMH’s leadership stressed that research is not an isolated endeavor but a core component of the health system’s capacity to save lives. The Minister’s visit highlighted how Ontario is investing in innovative science to improve outcomes, reduce the burden of mental illness and addictions, and strengthen care across the province. The partnership between government and CAMH embodies a shared commitment to evidence-based policy and patient-centered care.
Looking Ahead: The Temerty Discovery Centre and Beyond
As CAMH celebrates ongoing breakthroughs, officials looked ahead to the grand opening of the Temerty Discovery Centre in 2027, a facility designed to consolidate research and clinical care in one place. The centre will further integrate neuroscience, pharmacogenetics, neuroinformatics, and translational research, helping CAMH deliver even more precise modelling and personalized medicine, while supporting system-level change across Ontario’s health network.
CAMH remains steadfast in its mission to lead, learn, and invest in research that saves lives. The college campus visit with Vijay Thanigasalam underscored a powerful public partnership—one that promises to translate scientific discovery into tangible health gains for Ontario families now and in the years ahead.
