About
The Quebec Network for Research on Aging supports multidisciplinary and intersectoral research on aging at both the national and international levels. Bringing together researchers from a wide range of fields, the RQRV offers funding programs to its researcher and student members.
Objectives
1996
Creation of the RQRV
Founded in 1996 by Dr. Réjean Hébert, the RQRV has evolved from a research network focused on loss of independence to a broader network dedicated to aging research.
Over the years, its mission has expanded to encompass the many dimensions of aging, supporting interdisciplinary research and knowledge mobilization aimed at improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults.
1996 - 2001
Dr. Réjean Hébert, founder of the RQRV
A geriatrician, gerontologist, epidemiologist, distinguished researcher, professor, and author, Dr. Réjean Hébert founded and directed the RQRV from 1996 to 2001. He also served as Scientific Director of the Institute of Aging from 2000 to 2003.
Dr. Hébert has held several prominent leadership positions, including Quebec Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister responsible for the Estrie region, President of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke.
He led the RQRV from its founding until 2001 and continues to contribute to public debate through regular appearances in the media as an analyst and commentator on issues related to aging, health care, and public policy.
2001 - 2003
Dr. Pierre Durand, director of the RQRV
Professor and researcher Dr. Pierre J. Durand served as Director of the RQRV from 2001 to 2003.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Université Laval, he currently serves as Scientific Director of the Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ) and chairs the provincial sectoral committee of the integrated university health networks dedicated to aging in Quebec.
His research focuses on palliative care for people living with dementia and on pain management and treatment.
2003 - 2009
Dr. Howard Bergman, director of the RQRV
A professor, researcher, and administrator at McGill University, Dr. Howard Bergman served as Director of the RQRV from 2003 to 2009, alongside Associate Directors Dr. Pierrette Gaudreau and Dr. Yves Joanette.
Dr. Bergman has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including serving as Vice-President of Scientific Affairs at the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). He co-founded the Solidage Research Group on Frailty and Aging and established a memory clinic at the Jewish General Hospital.
He has also played an important role in the development of public policies related to aging and health care, contributing to several governmental commissions and initiatives aimed at reforming Quebec’s health-care system in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
2009 - 2023
Dr. Pierrette Gaudreau, the first woman to lead the RQRV
Professor, researcher, Director of the Aging Neuroendocrinology Laboratory at the Centre de recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), and Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal on Aging, Dr. Pierrette Gaudreau co-led the RQRV from 2009 to 2023 alongside Co-Director Dr. José A. Morais.
Throughout her tenure, she played a key role in strengthening the RQRV and expanding its national and international collaborations. She is particularly recognized for developing partnerships with leading French institutions, including the Pasteur Institute and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, fostering scientific exchange and collaboration in aging research.
Depuis 2023
Dr. Sylvie Belleville, current director of the RQRV
Dr. Sylvie Belleville is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal and Director of a research laboratory at the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM).
She was appointed Director of the RQRV in May 2023. Drawing on her extensive expertise in aging, cognitive health, and neurodegenerative diseases, Dr. Belleville brings an inclusive and interdisciplinary vision that supports the continued growth and development of the Network. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration across sectors and disciplines to address the complex challenges and opportunities associated with aging.
