On November 9, Dr. Rémi Quirion, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA), was awarded the Wilder-Penfield prize which recognizes outstanding efforts in the field of biomedical sciences.

The Wilder-Penfield prize is one of five scientific Prix du Québec, which were created to honour researchers who have distinguished themselves in their particular fields due to their extraordinary work.

The Prix du Québec is the highest recognition the government of Quebec bestows towards people who have contributed towards social advancement and science. It entails a $30,000 grant, a medal made out of silver (rendered by a Quebec-based artist) and a special parchment with calligraphy writing.

Aside from being Scientific Director for CIHR's INMHA, Dr. Quirion is also professor in the department of psychiatry at McGill University, and associate member in the department of pharmacology and the departments of neurology and neurosurgery. He is an associate professor at the Centre for Studies in Aging, scientific director of the Centre of Research at Douglas Hospital, and founding director of the Quebec Mental Health Network.

Today, Dr. Quirion is one of the most cited neuroscientists in the world. As the author of over 500 scientific publications and five books, he specializes his research in four particular areas: Alzheimer's disease; pain; schizophrenia; and the role of certain neuropeptides in anxiety and depression. He has already been recognized with a number of distinctions including the Prix Galien, membership with the Royal Society of Canada and Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Québec.