Working together to advance research

Studies grounded
in the Realities of Families

Discover the projects that bring together researchers, clinicians, and participants around a common goal: advancing knowledge and improving care.

Our partners and funding agencies:

Ongoing studies

Thanks to the ongoing commitment of the participants and their families, these projects are helping to advance knowledge and improve Mother-and-Child Care.

CAN-B + FAM cohort
Cannabis & Mother-Child brain health

CAN-B + FAM cohort

The CAN-B + FAM cohort (Cannabis, Neurodevelopment, and Family Environment) follows mothers, their partners, and their children from the end of the first trimester of pregnancy until the child’s first birthday. It aims to better understand the links between cannabis use during prenatal exposure and the child’s brain and behavioral development.

By including both parents in the follow-up, the study explores the role of their mental health, cognitive abilities, parent-child interactions, and the family environment in the development of infants and toddlers. To achieve this, it combines cognitive and neurodevelopmental assessments, neuroimaging, observation of parent-child interactions, tracking of substance use habits, and the collection of biological samples.

This research will help clarify the biological, family, and environmental factors that influence child development, whether or not children were exposed to cannabis in utero.

Interested in participating?
CAN-B Cohort
Cannabis & Mother-Child brain health

CAN-B Cohort

The CAN-B cohort (Cannabis and Infant Neurodevelopment) follows mothers and their children from early pregnancy through the child’s second year of life. It aims to better understand the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on child development, maternal health, and the parent–child relationship. By combining neurodevelopmental assessments, neuroimaging, monitoring of consumption patterns, and biological sample collection, the study explores the underlying mechanisms of these effects and develops approaches to better characterize exposure to cannabis and its metabolites in both mother and child.

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The MYRNA Cohort
Maternal mental health & neurodevelopment

The MYRNA Cohort

The MYRNA Cohort (Mothers and Children: Relationships with Neurodevelopment and Behavior) follows mothers and their children from early pregnancy through the child’s second year of life, to understand how maternal mental health (anxiety, depression, and antidepressant use) influences a child’s neurodevelopment and behavior. By combining clinical data, brain imaging, cognitive and behavioral assessments, and comprehensive biological samples collection, this study provides an opportunity to go further in understanding physiological mechanisms.

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ICF-PP Study
Neuroimaging & pregnancy

ICF-PP Study

The ICF-PP study (Cerebrovascular Imaging in Peripartum Women) uses brain MRI to better understand how the brain’s blood vessels adapt during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and how these changes may affect maternal health.

ICM Study
Menopause & the brain

ICM Study

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the ICM (Cerebrovascular Imaging and Menopause) study is exploring, for the first time, how menopause and hormone therapy affect blood flow in the brain. It also examines the links between these changes and menopausal symptoms, particularly brain fog, with the goal of improving women’s health and well-being. We are currently recruiting women aged 45 to 55 to participate in this study.

Interested in participating?
The Healthy fo Baby Study
Health of expectant parents

The Healthy fo Baby Study

The Healthy for Baby study evaluates the impact of personalized support on the lifestyle habits of expectant parents living with overweight, both before and during pregnancy. This project, conducted by Dr. Isabelle Hardy as part of her doctoral research, aims to improve nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and overall well-being to promote healthier pregnancies and give families a healthier start.

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Studies we collaborate on

SNACS Study
Clinical trial & prematurity

SNACS Study

SNACS is a clinical trial led by Dr. Sarah McDonald and conducted at 24 Canadian hospitals. It compares two treatment approaches using steroids administered before birth to promote fetal lung development in cases of preterm birth. The study aims to determine whether a lower dose could be as effective as the standard treatment, while giving babies the best chance at good health and minimizing long-term effects.

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EDUQ-CMV Study
Infection & prevention

EDUQ-CMV Study

The EDUQ-CMV study, led by Dr. Isabelle Boucoiran, aims to better understand the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among early childhood educators in Quebec. By comparing their situation to that of women who are not occupationally exposed to young children, this project seeks to better understand the risks of infection and to develop effective prevention strategies to protect the health of pregnant women and infants.

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Understanding and Participating

Better understanding of research, how studies are conducted, and the experiences of our participants.

Participating in a study means contributing to improving care and advancing research in the health of women, children, and families. Some people choose to participate to help others, better understand their own health, or contribute to improving treatments for future generations. While there is no guarantee of personal benefit, every participant makes a valuable contribution to advancing knowledge.

A clinical research study aims to better understand health, diseases, and treatments in order to improve the care provided to patients. Some studies, known as observational studies, involve following participants without altering their medical care, allowing researchers to observe how their health evolves under real-world conditions. Others, such as clinical trials, evaluate different approaches or treatments to determine which are most effective and safe.

In all cases, participation is voluntary and essential: this research would not be possible without the people who choose to take part.

Participating in a study is entirely voluntary. Before enrolling, all relevant information will be explained to you so that you can make an informed decision. Your participation will generally involve follow-ups (questionnaires, appointments, or examinations), depending on the type of study. Your personal information is kept confidential and protected throughout the study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without any impact on your care. Compensation may be offered to acknowledge the time and travel involved in your participation.

Testimonials from our participants

“The staff who supported me throughout the study were attentive, understanding, and kind. They answered all my questions clearly and without judgment.”

Interested in participating in one of our studies?

Every contribution helps advance knowledge and improve the health of women, children, and families. Our team will take the time to answer your questions and support you every step of the way, with a compassionate, respectful, and caring approach.

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Supporting MFM Research

By supporting our research, you are directly contributing to the advancement of knowledge andhelping improve care for women, children, and families.

Donate to the MFM Research Chair Donate to the CHUS Foundation