Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) Visits NMHI
NMHI recently welcomed representatives from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) to the University of Alberta for a day of discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing focused on substance use and addiction research.
The visit included Elizabeth Allen, Karen Cumberland, and Dr. Alex Caudarella from CCSA, alongside collaborators from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), including Drs. Elaine Hyshka and Kathryn Dong. Together, researchers and clinicians highlighted the breadth of innovative work taking place across the University of Alberta and the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute community.
Presentations and discussions showcased research spanning basic science, clinical innovation, data science, and community care. Dr. Anna Taylor shared work focused on developing treatments for chronic pain, while Dr. Kevin Skoblenick highlighted the integration of novel therapies within emergency department settings.
Dr. Jeremy Weleff discussed important initiatives in outpatient care and outreach related to substance use and addiction.
Attendees also heard from Dr. Cloud Cao, whose work uses predictive algorithms and health data to identify patient risks, optimize medication dosing, and help reduce over-prescription and waste.
In addition, Dr. Jerome Clifford Foo presented research using animal models to better understand sex- and age-related factors involved in the development of addiction behaviours — work that supports preclinical addiction models, drug discovery, and the development of future treatment approaches.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of substance use and addiction research taking place across the University of Alberta, while fostering new conversations around collaboration, innovation, and impact in research and clinical care.