The CRN was officially established as a University Centre in 1986 under the leadership of Dr. Albert Aguayo (photo). Originally, the focus of听research was to understand neural regeneration, with听the aim of听reducing the harmful effects of trauma to the brain and spinal cord. This focus stemmed from听听by Dr. Aguayo and his colleagues, Drs. Peter Richardson, Sam David, Garth Bray and Michael Rasminsky. Their work showed听that听CNS neurons had the capacity to regenerate axons over long distances. This discovery overturned dogma that had existed听for decades, and launched a world-wide effort to identify factors that would stimulate CNS regeneration.
Continued Excellence
With construction of new CRN laboratories in 1993 and continued expansion since, the group has broadened its focus to include research into the development of neural tissues, synapse formation and plasticity, the assembly and function of neural circuits, and behavior, while maintaining our strengths in regeneration and repair (click here for more details). This work has led to major advances in basic and medical neurosciences, and has contributed to a better understanding of some brain diseases. See our latest successes here. The CRN has been and remains home to some of Canada鈥檚 most distinguished neuroscientists, and we number more than 60 trainees and staff at any time, including postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduates, and technicians.
A World of Opportunities
The CRN offers a program to train pre-doctoral students for an MSc or PhD degree, as well as post-doctoral PhD or MD graduates for careers in biomedical research. Please see our Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies section for more information.
Directors of the CRN, past and present
Dr. Albert Aguayo
1986 - 2000
Dr. Pierre Drapeau
2000 - 2005
Dr. Sal Carbonetto
2005-2015
Dr. Keith Murai
2015 - 2024
Dr. Jesper Sj枚str枚m
2024 - present
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