Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease

The Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (CNMD) was formed in 1999 by Dr. Bernard Jasmin and Dr. Rashmi Kothary to advance our fundamental understanding of neuromuscular development and disease and to discover better ways to diagnose and treat these devastating disorders.

Ottawa boasts one of the highest concentrations of neuromuscular researchers in the world, including over 60 Basic Scientists, Clinicians and Clinician Scientists, and more than 150 trainees and staff. The CNMD unites researchers from the University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), and the CHEO Research Institute. The CNMD is a pillar of the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI)

Since 2009, and under the leadership of former co-directors Dr. Jodi Warman-Chardon, Dr. Robin Parks, Dr. Rashmi Kothary, and Dr. Bernard Jasmin, CNMD researchers have secured over $100 million in external research funding and have published more than 1000 peer-reviewed publications. Many CMND researchers have gained international recognition, and serve key leadership roles on local, national, and international collaborative research initiatives and on the council of numerous government and charitable funding agencies.

Dr. Mireille Khacho and Dr. Hanns Lochmüller assumed co-leadership of the CNMD in November 2024.

Ottawa NMD 2025 Conference

The CNMD is hosting the 7th Ottawa International Conference on Neuromuscular Disease & Biology on September 11-13, 2025.
After six previous successful neuromuscular disease conferences in Ottawa, the 2025 conference promises to offer an outstanding program emphasizing recent breakthroughs in basic and translational research and clinical discoveries in neuromuscular disease.
The Conference is structured for both basic researchers and clinicians and will feature internationally-recognized invited speakers highlighting advances in all aspects of NMD research, including novel techniques to diagnose NMD, biology of disease pathogenesis, expanding clinical phenotypes, basic muscle and stem cell biology, and promising therapies to treat these devastating disorders. As in past years, trainees are encouraged to attend and participate – selected abstracts will be featured for platform presentation during the scientific sessions.

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Our Mission

To advance the understanding of neuromuscular and related disorders, and to enhance human health through the development and implementation of novel therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

Our Objectives

Research

Lead cutting-edge, world-class basic and clinical research focused on neuromuscular function and dysfunction.
Promote excellence in translational and multidisciplinary NMD research.
Unite basic science and clinical researchers to foster valuable collaborations that advance NMD research and rapidly move promising therapies into the clinic.

Educate

Provide an innovative and comprehensive NMD training program, ranging from basic discovery to clinical application.
Deliver a highly-collaborative, exceptional training environment for the next generation of basic and clinician scientists dedicated to NMD research.
Connect with patient outreach and other community groups to teach about NMD and the value of NMD research.

Lead

Develop solid research networks between University of Ottawa scientists and clinicians and increase the capacity to compete for external research funding.
Represent the neuromuscular community within the decision-making structures of government and granting agencies.
Serve as a catalyst to consolidate neuromuscular research across Canada and world-wide.

CNMD Community Engagement

The Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease strives to provide important relationships with patient and stakeholder neuromuscular disease groups.

The CNMD supports many community events, including the Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the ALS Society of Canada’s Walk to End ALS. CNMD members regularly present at NMD-focused events for local groups such as those organized by MDC’s Ottawa chapter, as well as the University of Ottawa Brain Health Awareness Week.