hands on a piano

Music and Health Research Institute

An innovative and impactful research institute at the intersection of music, health sciences, social sciences, engineering and medicine.

About the Institute

Logo of the Music and Health Research Institute with colored lines in yellow, blue, green and red

Music is the foundation of the Music and Health Research Institute– it is the raison d’être. Music –be it learning, performing, creating, or listening– is universal across societies, generating profound and meaningful experiences throughout the lives of many.

Learn more about the Institute

News from the Institute

Events at the Institute

Speaker in front of a crowd

Speaker Series

This series of seminars is hosted by professionals with expertise relevant to our work at the Institute.
Instructor presenting in a classroom

Student Events

Student events give students a chance to present their research to fellow institute members, as well as learn from workshops and webinars.
Person in medical garb holding a ukulele

MHRI Conference

May 13 to 16, 2025
Call for proposals
Group percussion session

Partnership Spotlight Series

Highlights some of the MRHI collaborations with our partners.
choir director and singers

The Impact of Participatory Music on Mental Health

Dialogue with Researchers, Community Leaders, Health Professionals and Policymakers as part of the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue.
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Documentary on music and health

Introducing the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic, a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Gilles Comeau, the director of the University of Ottawa's Music and Health Research Institute and senior scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal.
Watch the video

Research

research participant with ECG cap

The Institute supports fundamental, applied and clinical research to explore how music can improve health and well-being for individuals and communities.

Research framework

Research axis

Specific research areas

Research initiatives

Donate

Your generous contribution directly supports our innovative and collaborative research at the intersection of music and health. Click the button below to make a donation.
Donate now to the MHRI

Training and mentoring

Person sitting at a piano with a baby

The Institute plays a key role in training the next generation of professionals and leaders. The education students receive at the institute provides them with the skills needed to solve a variety of challenges at the intersection of music, health and well-being.

Learn more about the opportunities

Founding partners

Logo of Bruyère Research Institute
Logo of Carleton University
Logo of Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Logo of Lotus Centre for Special Music Education
Logo of The Royal Mental Health care and research
Julie Saint-Pierre

“The multidisciplinary research carried out at the MHRI embodies innovation in action and will make a unique contribution to improving the health and well-being of Canadians.”

Julie Saint-Pierre

— Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation

Contact us

Music and Health Research Institute

University of Ottawa
50 University Private
Perez Hall, Room 204
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1N 6N5

Tel: 613-562-5800 ext.2704
[email protected]

Administrative team

Director
Gilles Comeau

Associate Director
Anna Zumbansen

Education and Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Stanson

Research Associate
Mikael Swirp

Administrative Assistant
Yuanyuan Lu