The CRM contributes to the emergence of a new Santé Numérique thematic network
The Santé Numérique network, funded by $900,000 per year for four years by the Fond de Recherche du Québec en Santé, is led by Sarah Ahmed (McGill University), Philippe Després (Université Laval), Aude Motulsky (Université de Montréal), Bouchra Nasri (Université de Montréal) and Martin Vallières (Université de Sherbrooke). The network aims to federate expertise and resources in digital health and quantitative methods in Quebec, and will help consolidate the ecosystem of researchers in Quebec and beyond. The network lies at the confluence of quantitative methods and digital technologies applied to the health sciences and at the intersection of health sciences, the humanities and social sciences, and data sciences in the service of health.
Four thematic axes focus the network’s scientific activities: digital platforms, data governance, modeling, and digital transformation. These axes are based on essential founding principles such as sustainable health, citizen engagement, trust in digital technology, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and open science. Three strategic approaches have been identified to facilitate networking between the axes: capacity building, interdisciplinary training of the next generation, and knowledge mobilization. At its launch, the network benefited from the support and collaboration of 52 partner members, 164 regular members and 362 student members.
Several CRM members are involved in the network, in its governance or as members: Robert Platt (co-leader of the Data Axis); Denis Talbot and Morgan Craig (co-leaders of the Modeling Axis); Anmar Khadra (co-leader of the Interventions Axis); Celia Greenwood (co-leaders of Interdisciplinary Training); Yoshua Bengio, Jacques Bélair, Octav Cornea, and Aurélie Labbe (co-mentors on the advisory committee), as well as Félix Camirand Lemyre, Josée Dupuis, Fréderic Guichard, Alexandre Bureau, Karim Oualkacha, Fahima Nekka, Mamadou Yauck, Vladimir Reinharz, Jean-Marc Lina, Arthur Charpentier, Janie Coulombe, Hélène Guérin, Éric Kolaczyk, and Qihuang Zhang.
- Octav Cornea, CRM Director:
“I am delighted with the success of this initiative, which the CRM has fully supported, the network in its current form having emerged from the merger of two projects, one of which focused on quantitative methods in health sciences and was steered by the CRM. The applications of mathematical sciences and statistics that are among the objectives of this network are most fascinating, and I am certain that a multitude of high-level collaborative activities will rapidly develop between the CRM and the Santé Numérique network.”
- Bouchra Nasri, co-director of the new network and CRM member:
“We enthusiastically welcome new student members, regular members, and partners eager to contribute to the advancement of digital health in Quebec. If you’re passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare and want to be part of a dynamic and innovative community, we invite you to join us.”