Enhancing health

At Concordia, our researchers collaborate across disciplines to address health-related challenges throughout the human lifespan. From foundational studies to practical applications and innovating in synthetic biology and biomedical engineering, our teams develop new insights and technologies to build healthier communities.

Our School of Health aims to lead in advancing health research and training. We focus on enhancing physical and psychological health and understanding life stage development. We bring together faculty from various disciplines to collaborate on health-related initiatives. We engage citizens, community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance health research and enhance training opportunities.

Research themes

Here are some of the key research themes being explored around health at the university.

Physical and psychological health and well‐being

We explore physical and psychological health at every level — molecular, cellular and systemic. This comprehensive approach helps us understand diseases, healthy states, drug resistance and environmental impacts on health. Concordia's cognitive science and behavioral neuroscience researchers investigate psychological processes, disorders and the biological and social factors influencing behavior.

Our researchers aim to enhance long-term health through disease prevention, health behaviors and nutrition. Additionally, we examine the benefits of creative arts therapies, including visual arts, drama, music and play therapy, for mental well-being. Our research also extends to workforce health and resilience, promoting a healthier society overall.

Synthetic biology and genomics

Our researchers leverage synthetic biology and genomics to advance biomedical science and engineering. We focus on screening and characterizing targets, developing new products and cellular pathways and humanizing yeast and fungi for human protein production. We also mine fungal and bacterial genomes to create novel antibiotics, probiotics and design biosensors. These efforts are crucial in drug discovery and therapeutics, addressing needs from cancer treatment to antibiotic resistance.

Concordia's strengths in bioprocessing involve using natural and genetically modified cells, enzymes and DNA to develop innovative products and services, as well as designing tools and machines for their production and manufacturing.

Empowered aging

Our researchers study the social, political, health-related and technological dimensions of aging, viewing it as a lifelong process that encompasses social, physical, mental, spiritual, economic and creative well-being. This includes finding purpose, building meaningful relationships, maintaining functional health and mobility, having sufficient financial resources and being respected in society.

Our researchers work with older adults and community partners to explore aging's diverse facets, including physical and cognitive health, social engagement, cultural perspectives, mental well-being and technological advancements. We also focus on sustainable design and creative arts therapies to empower older adults.

Biomedical engineering and bioengineering

Our research in biomedical engineering spans a wide range of applications. We specialize in health conditions, sensors, biosensors, computer vision, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, signal processing, image processing, pattern recognition, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, materials science and nanotechnology. Concordia's researchers are also actively engaged in medical imaging, medical devices, lab-on-chip technology and surgical innovations.