The Quebec Node of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM) is entering a new chapter, marked by leadership transitions that build on more than a decade of growth, collaboration, and impact.

After more than 10 years at the helm of the Quebec Node, Dr. Julie Bruneau is passing the torch to Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad as Principal Investigator. The Node is also recognizing the departure of Aïssata Sako from the management of the Quebec Node and welcoming Fatma Boulouednine to this role.

We would like to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Julie and Aïssata to the development and visibility of the Quebec Node over the years and welcome Didier and Fatma as they begin their new responsibilities.

 

Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad Named Principal Investigator of the Quebec Node

After more than 10 years leading the Quebec Node, Dr. Julie Bruneau is passing the torch to Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad.

A physician, clinician-scientist at the CHUM, and Professor in Family Medicine at the University of Montreal, Dr. Bruneau is a recognized figure in the field of addiction. Her research focuses on the factors involved in HIV and HCV transmission among people who inject drugs, with the goal of identifying strategies to prevent new infections.

In 2015, alongside other Canadian researchers, she helped lay the foundations of the national initiative that would become C

RISM. We would like to recognize her tremendous contribution to the network and to the broader community of practice.

Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad will now lead the Quebec Node as Principal Investigator. He will continue the work established over the years to advance priorities in research, knowledge translation, and practice improvement.

Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction at the University of Montreal, researcher at CRCHUM, and Head of Psychiatry at the CHUM, his work focuses on substance use and associated mental health comorbidities and concurrent disorders. As the leader of several national clinical trials, he is particularly interested in the effects of cannabis and methamphetamines, as well as the development of approaches and models of care to support people who use these substances.

 

A Transition in the Management of the Quebec Node

The face of the Node’s leadership is changing—and so is that of its management.

Working alongside Dr. Julie 

Bruneau since the early days of CRISM, Aïssata Sako is stepping down from the management of the Node this year. The lasting imprint of her rigor and excellence will continue to shape the identity of the Quebec Node.

We warmly thank her for the leadership she has demonstrated and for all the work she has accomplished to support the success of the Node and its initiatives.

Fatma Boulouednine will now assume responsibility for the management of the Quebec Node. Holding a Doctorate in Pharmacy and an MBA, she brings extensive experience in health research and innovation.

Recognized for her leadership in cross-sector collaboration and 

her expertise in project management and strategic partnerships, Fatma will support the continuity, development, and visibility of the Node and its team.

 

Looking Ahead

While leadership roles evolve, the mission of the Quebec Node remains unchanged. As we recognize the contributions of those who helped build and strengthen the Node and welcome those who will guide its next chapter, we look forward to continuing to advance research, knowledge mobilization, and collaboration in the field of substance use and addiction across Quebec and Canada.