Research Groups

Brain Circuit Modelling

Dr. Hay’s research uses computational models of cortical microcircuits to study the mechanisms of brain processing in health and mental disorders. Dr. Hay and his team integrate human cellular, circuit and gene-expression data to develop detailed computational models of human cortical microcircuits in health, depression and schizophrenia. Hay lab uses the models to better understand the neuronal circuit mechanisms of brain function and mental health, test in silico new pharmacology for treatment, and identify corresponding biomarkers in clinically-relevant brain signals to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of mental health.

Lab site: www.haybrainlab.com

Cognitive Network Modelling

Dr. Andreea Diaconescu and her team build and apply computational models that infer subject-specific disturbances of information processing in neuronal circuits from behaviour as well as whole-brain neuroimaging and electrophysiological measures, in order to address practical clinical questions in psychiatry. In particular, her team focuses on characterizing disease states by symptom-relevant design of tasks and experiments using multimodal imaging techniques.

Lab Website: cognemo.com

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health

We are thrilled to be adding two new AI focused scientists to the KCNI in 2026. 

Dr. Fiona Coutts - AI Scientist - Dr. Coutts will be joining us from Kings College London to lead a lab focused on clinical machine learning.  Dr. Coutts builds predictive models to identify risk, forecast outcomes, and guide treatment in mental health conditions such as psychosis, depression, and bipolar disorder. 

Dr. Ariel Rokem - AI Scientist - Dr. Rokem will be joining us from the University of Washington’s eScience Institute. His work develops computational tools to study the biological basis of brain function and applies them to large-scale neuroscience questions. His lab will focus on neuroscience-driven AI, developing models that deepen understanding of brain circuitry and cognitive processes.

Together with Dr. Glatard, these new appointments mark the establishment of three AI-focused teams under one integrated umbrella, advancing both foundational and applied research across CAMH.

These research efforts help improve long-term outcomes for people living with mental illness and move the world closer to personalized medicine in mental health care. The team’s research areas of focus are in digital biomarkers, personalized health trajectories, bias in digital mental health, and the clinical utility of artificial intelligence and technology.

Computing and Data Management

Under the leadership of David Rotenberg, the Centre is building a world-class ecosystem that unifies multi-modal research and clinical data within a common schema and advanced knowledge graph. Integrating neuroimaging, genomics, health records, wearables, and longitudinal cohorts, this platform bridges care and discovery. High-performance computing, cloud systems, and federated architectures enable AI-driven discovery, data mining, and interactive engagement, with embedded provenance ensuring integrity, reproducibility, and attribution—positioning the Centre as a leader in global brain health innovation.

Digital Mental Health Lab

Dr. Gillian Strudwick and her team leverage digital technologies to support mental health service design and delivery, where and when people require them. The digital mental health lab works with patients, health professionals, and caregivers to ensure that digital mental health innovations are best utilized to benefit those who can use them the most. To achieve this, they use implementation science and knowledge translation methods to ensure seamless integration of innovations into routine practice. 

Lab Website: https://www.digitalmentalhealthlab.ca/