This new network supports interdisciplinary collaboration to advance digital health innovation
SOURCE: The Institute
December 18, 2024
On November 27 the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) hosted the official launch of the Digital Health Network (Réseau santé numérique; RSN). Funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and co-directed by Sara Ahmed, Philippe Després, Aude Motulsky, Bouchra Nasri and Martin Vallières, this initiative aims to bring together healthcare researchers, technology innovators and key stakeholders to explore cutting-edge solutions in digital health.
The event took place at The Institute’s Montreal General Hospital site, where the Osler Amphitheatre was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic audience. The launch highlighted the network’s focus on advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, and data-driven research to address pressing global health challenges.
“The launch of the Digital Health Network marks a pivotal step toward transforming healthcare delivery,” says Sara Ahmed, PhD, Director of the RSN, a Senior Scientist in the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program and member of the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation at The Institute. “Our mission is to harness the potential of digital systems to improve healthcare. We now have over 180 researchers and trainees involved, with participation from multiple platforms and institutions.”
The RSN is committed to addressing key challenges faced by researchers in digital health, including professional isolation, fragmented ecosystems, and barriers to accessing data. By consolidating resources and fostering collaboration across stakeholders, the network aims to act as a catalyst for progress in healthcare research, innovation and training.
The launch event addressed some of these challenges through featured presentations on strategic priorities, cutting-edge technologies and collaborative international models. Highlights included a keynote on Switzerland’s digital health experience by Dr. Antoine Geissbühler, insights from the FRQ’s vision for digital health research with Carole Jabet, and discussions led by patients, researchers, and policymakers on transforming healthcare through digital systems. The day concluded with strategic action planning and networking opportunities over lunch in Livingston Hall.
As next steps, the RSN will continue to develop its road map with partners, mapping data and research tools in cartography, training, scientific conferences, and funding for strategic projects.
More information about the RSN is available on the Réseau santé numérique (RSN) website or by emailing RSNQuebec@rimuhc.ca.
Related news
RI-MUHC successes in Networks funding from the FRQ-S
Lancement du Réseau santé numérique (FRQ website; in French)