At CAMH, we are transforming mental health care through world-leading science, innovative prevention, and evidence-driven systems change for a healthier future.
CAMH is a global leader in mental health research, advancing discovery across the full spectrum of brain science and care—from neuroscience to social determinants, early intervention to system transformation. All research at CAMH takes place within the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, where collaboration, inclusion, and real-world impact are at the core of our mission. Guided by our strategic plan Connected CAMH, we are shaping a more equitable future. Opening in 2027, the Temerty Discovery Centre will expand our research capacity and accelerate breakthroughs to improve mental health for all.
Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute by the Numbers
*data as of 2024 -2025
World Class Institutes, Clinical Divisions & Centres
CAMH's research programs and centres of innovation are leading studies that will help millions of people recover from depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia and more.
Dr. Philip Seeman discovers the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs is directly related to their ability to block the dopamine D2 receptor. This opens the way to a scientific explanation for the drugs’ reactions. His papers are among the most highly cited in the schizophrenia literature.
1977
The Addiction Research Foundation (now part of CAMH) is named the first World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in the field of drugs and alcohol. This international collaborative role continues today; in 2008, CAMH research underlies WHO’s adoption of the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
1977
Addiction Research Foundation develops RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoke) as a pilot project beginning Oct. 1, 1977. Today RIDE (now Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) is used by police across the country.
1992
Opening of Canada’s first PET (positron emission tomography) Centre dedicated to medical imaging research in mental illness. Over the following decade, CAMH’s PET Centre develops several ligands (illuminating radiotracer agents) commonly used in human neuroscience.
1998
Merger of four organizations to form the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Queen Street Mental Health Centre, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Donwood Institute, and Addiction Research Foundation—a pioneering move recognizing the interconnected nature of mental illness and addiction.
2005
CAMH scientists identify a new variant of the gene that causes Rett syndrome, a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that affects almost exclusively females. The discovery is translated into a licensed diagnostic tool for the disease currently available to the public.
2006
CAMH PET studies reveal that most antidepressants miss the key target—serotonin receptors—for treating clinical depression. The discovery establishes a standard that anti-depressants being developed for the market be 80 per cent effective in hitting this target.
2006
Opening of the Krembil Family Epigenetics Laboratory at CAMH—the first psychiatric epigenetics lab in the world exploring the “switches” that turn genes on or off, for example, the impact of nutrition and stress.
2008
CAMH opens Canada’s first pharmacogenetics clinic, dedicated to understanding the genetics of people’s response to psychiatric medication and the side-effects they experience. Its vision is a new era of personalized medicine for people living with all forms of mental illness, including addiction.
2008
CAMH researchers discover the first concrete genetic linkage to schizophrenia via a subtype of the disease called Deletion Syndrome (22qDS).
2010
CAMH scientists demonstrate that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy provides equivalent protection against depressive relapse as traditional antidepressant medication.
2010
CAMH scientists discover higher levels of a brain protein called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in women after childbirth, providing a possible explanation for why postpartum blues and clinical depression occur. Using this knowledge, scientists begin developing supplements to target this loss of nutrients and lower the risk of postpartum depression.
2011
Using brain imaging and genetics, CAMH scientists identify a variation of a gene that may play a role in late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
2011
CAMH launches first mobile research laboratory to study mental health in rural, remote and First Nations communities across Ontario.
2012
The Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, dedicated to understanding brain structure and function to identify the causes and best treatments for mental illness, including addiction, officially opens.
2012
CAMH opens the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention to research innovative non-invasive brain stimulation treatments, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetic stimulation therapy.
2014
Campbell Institute scientists are part of a large international team that identifies 108 genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.
2015
Through brain imaging, Campbell Institute scientists show brain inflammation occurring during major depressive episodes. The finding provides a potential new target for depression treatment, as current therapeutics do not target inflammation.
2015
Opening of the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, the first global centre dedicated to child and youth depression.
CAMH coordinates the launch of NAVIGATE, an early psychosis intervention program at four sites across the province, including North Bay, Sudbury, Niagara and Durham Amaze – Lakeridge.
The new state-of-the-art Temerty Discovery Centre will consolidate and grow CAMH’s research facilities. With nearly 400,000 square feet of space, The Temerty Discovery Centre will consist of cutting-edge laboratories, clinical areas, offices, meeting rooms, and educational facilities. It will also serve as a vibrant community hub.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research
At CAMH, we know that inclusive research is better research. Advancing mental health science means ensuring that every discovery reflects the diverse communities we serve - and actively working to eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent equitable participation and impact.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are central to how we conduct, support, and apply research. From study design to knowledge translation, CAMH Research is embedding inclusive values at every stage of the research process.
Our commitment is exemplified through initiatives like:
womenmind™ - a community of philanthropists, researchers, and leaders working to close the gender gap in mental health research. womenmind is helping to build a future where women researchers thrive and where sex and gender differences are prioritized in scientific inquiry.
The BRIDGES (Building Research and Innovation through Diversity, Growth, Equity and Sustainability) initiative leverages CAMH’s hospital-based research programs to improve mental health outcomes in Black and Indigenous communities, underprivileged youth, as well as other marginalized groups. BRIDGES offers funded research opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and racialized trainees and early-career scientists, and grant competitions focused on studying mental health and substance abuse in underrepresented groups.
The Koerner Centre for Research Training (KCRT) supports the next generation of leaders in mental health and substance use through building key knowledge and skills, informed by current best practices in adult education and centred on EDI principles.
The Azrieli Centre for Adult Neurodevelopment is the first research and education centre in Canada focused on improving care for adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health challenges. It is making major progress in identifying the needs of adults with disabilities, developing best practices, and training a new generation of clinicians and researchers to support people who have been historically underserved.
Shkaabe Makwa is the first hospital-based centre in Canada designed to drive culturally responsive systems to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities through the advancement of research, workforce development, and innovative healing models that harmonize traditional knowledge and medical expertise.
The Research Patient and Family Engagement Core supports the engagement of people with lived experience and family members (PWLE/F) as partners in research. It has been so successful, it is now common practice to include patients and families in clinical research at CAMH.
How We're Putting EDI Into Action
CAMH Research is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through:
Inclusive hiring, promotion, and leadership development to ensure equitable representation at all levels of research.
Capacity building and mentorship opportunities that support equity-deserving researchers and trainees.
Engagement of people with lived and living experience to co-design studies and ensure research is relevant, respectful, and impactful.
Addressing structural biases in research practices, funding systems, and data collection.
Creating an inclusive research culture where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but drive innovation.
Fueled by an anonymous donation of $100 million, the Discovery Fund helps CAMH support young scientists, explore big ideas and leverage data to fuel transformative research.
