Clinicopathological studies and brain drug delivery in neurodegenerative diseases
Description
One in three Canadians will be affected by a central nervous system (CNS) disease at some point in their life. We have several ongoing research projects on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as on Essential tremor. We routinely perform preclinical testing of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals in animal models, but we also lead clinicopathological studies in these diseases. We also focus on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to understand to role in diseases, but also to improve the transport of drugs into the brain using novel nanoformulations,
Research Field
- Alzheimer
- Parkinson
- Blood-brain barrier
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacology
- Essential tremor
Research Supervisor
Frédéric Calon
Research Environment
CHU de Quebec Research Center
Our laboratories are located in the Research Center of the CHU de Québec (Neurosciences Axis, CHUL). They are affiliated with the Faculty of Pharmacy at Laval University and the Institute for Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), which offer a very dynamic research environment and include numerous cutting-edge equipment. The International Associated Laboratory (LIA) OptiNutriBrain is a joint initiative of INAF and NutriNeuro (Bordeaux, France).
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Pharmacy Science
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$20000 per year for 4 years.
These amounts represent a minimum and will increase based on experience, performance, and scholarships received. The majority of my students manage to obtain scholarships from external or internal sources
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
| Submission of the project outline |
$2,000 |
| Successful completion of the doctoral exam |
$1,000 |
| Successful completion of all courses by the end of the 8th semester |
$500 |
| Principal author of a first scientific article by the end of the 12th semester |
$1,000 |
| Principal author of a second scientific article by the end of the 12th semester |
$1,500 |
| Principal author of a literature review article or a third article by the end of the 12th semester |
$750 |
| Successful completion of the doctoral seminar and first submission of the dissertation by the end of the 12th semester |
$1,500 |
| Dissertation defence and final submission within 4 weeks of the defence |
$2,500 |
| Total |
$10,750 |
Teaching and Research Fund: Maximum amounts up to $17,500–$25,500 for doctoral students.
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Pharmacy Science with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$15500 per year for 2 years.
These amounts represent a minimum and will increase based on experience, performance, and scholarships received. The majority of my students manage to obtain scholarships from external or internal sources
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
| Submission of the project outline |
$500 |
| Successful completion of the research proposal during the 1st semester |
$250 |
| Successful completion of the seminar during the 6th semester |
$500 |
| Accelerated doctoral track / First submission of thesis |
$1,000/$500 |
| Total |
$1,750 (2,250$ if accelerated track) |
Teaching and Research Fund: Maximum amounts up to $12,500–$17,500 for Master’s students.
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Medecine
- Pharmacy
- Biomedical Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
Requirements and Conditions
- Successfully completed studies in biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacy, biology, or the equivalent
- High degree of motivation
- Good academic results
- Relevant experience
Required Documentation
- Text about research interests
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Our publications:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Calon+F&sort=date
Application Deadline
June 30, 2025
Find Out More
Frédéric Calon
Faculté de pharmacie
Frederic.Calon@pha.ulaval.ca