Dr. Dennis Matthews, NSF Center for Bio-Photonics, UCDavis
Dr. Dennis Matthews is a leading expert in optically based biosensors and medical devices, serving as the Principal Investigator and Director of the UC Davis National Science Foundation’s Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology. He also holds key roles at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he develops cutting-edge technologies for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Matthews has pioneered several medical devices, including an opto-acoustic stroke treatment device and a miniature x-ray source for coronary artery restenosis. He is also recognized for his work on x-ray wavelength lasers, which are used in both biological imaging and material science. Beyond research, Dr. Matthews actively commercializes technologies from national labs, helping to launch start-ups and secure funding for innovative projects.
Dr. Daniel Côté, Canada Research Chair in Bio-Photonics, Laval University
Dr. Daniel C. Côté, Ph.D., is a distinguished Full Professor at Université Laval, where he holds the prestigious position of Canada Research Chair in Biophotonics. As a key member of the CERVO Research Centre, his research is at the forefront of studying neural circuitry and plasticity through advanced biophotonics techniques. Dr. Côté’s expertise lies in leveraging photonics to explore and manipulate biological systems, contributing significantly to our understanding of brain function and neurological disorders. His work has positioned him as a leading figure in the field, driving innovation in both fundamental research and practical applications.
Dr. Côté’s academic journey is marked by notable post-doctoral experiences, including his time at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School) under Dr. Charles Lin, and at the Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto with I.A. Vitkin and Dr. B.C. Wilson. Originally trained in laser and condensed matter physics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Côté has also developed specialized software tools to enhance his research capabilities. His work is widely recognized, with numerous publications and collaborations that continue to push the boundaries of biophotonics. His contributions not only advance scientific knowledge but also have the potential to impact clinical practices in neurology and beyond.
Dr. Alexandre Prat, Director, Neuro-Immunology Research Center, University of Montreal
Dr. Alexandre Prat is a leading expert in neuroimmunology, serving as the Director of the Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory at the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM) and a Full Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the Université de Montréal. He also holds an Adjunct Professorship in the Department of Immunology, Infectiology, and Microbiology at the same institution. Dr. Prat’s research focuses on the immunological functions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in multiple sclerosis, particularly the mechanisms of monocyte and lymphocyte migration across endothelial barriers and the role of glial cells in regulating these processes.
In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Prat is a practicing physician in the Division of Neurology at CHUM. He is the Chairholder of the Power Corporation of Canada Chair in Neurosciences and the Canada Research Chair in Multiple Sclerosis at the Université de Montréal. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of TH17 lymphocyte subsets, novel regulatory pathways during inflammation, and the identification of new adhesion and tight junction molecules in the human BBB, making him a prominent figure in the field of neuroimmunology.
Dr. Guy Lamouche, Senior Research Officer chez National Research Council Canada
Dr. Guy Lamouche is a Senior Research Officer at the National Research Council Canada, where he has made significant contributions to the development of optical characterization techniques for both biomedical and industrial applications. His work is particularly focused on advancing optical coherence tomography, a powerful imaging technology used in various fields.
Dr. Lamouche holds an M.Sc.A. degree from École Polytechnique de Montréal and a Ph.D. from Université de Montréal, where his research centered on guide-wave optics and the optical properties of semiconductors and quantum structures. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), conducting research at Université Paris VII and Université Joseph Fourier in France. Since joining the National Research Council in 1998, Dr. Lamouche has been at the forefront of optical research, developing innovative techniques that have applications in both the biomedical and industrial sectors.
Dr. Caroline Boudoux, Professor in biophotonics, École Polytechnique of Montreal
Dr. Caroline Boudoux is a Professor of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal, where she is also a prominent researcher affiliated with Ste-Justine Hospital, the University of Montréal’s Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Quebec’s Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers (COPL). With a BASc in Engineering Physics from Université Laval and a PhD from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Dr. Boudoux has established herself as a leader in biomedical optics. Her work focuses on the design and application of innovative fiber optics assemblies for endoscopic applications, including optical coherence tomography and confocal endomicroscopy. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the field, including Canada’s University Faculty Award, Quebec’s Star Researcher title, and a Fulbright Award as a Visiting Scientist at Stanford.
Beyond her research, Dr. Boudoux is an influential educator and mentor, having authored the comprehensive textbook Fundamentals of Biomedical Optics and trained over 35 graduate students and postdocs. She has been recognized for her excellence in teaching with the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award from Polytechnique Montréal. Additionally, she is a key figure in the optics community, serving as Vice-Chair for the 2023 Biophotonics Congress and set to be the General Chair for the 2025 edition. Dr. Boudoux is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded Castor Optics, a company that develops advanced fiber optic components. Her work bridges academia, industry, and public outreach, as she regularly contributes to CBC/Radio-Canada’s Moteur de Recherche, sharing her expertise with a broad audience.
Dr. Nicolas Godbout, Professor in engineering-physics, École Polytechnique of Montreal
Dr. Nicolas Godbout is a Professor of Engineering Physics at École Polytechnique de Montréal, where he has served as the Head of the Department of Engineering Physics since 2021. His research spans a broad range of cutting-edge topics, including optical fiber components, quantum cryptography, quantum information, optical telecommunications, and nonlinear optics lasers. Dr. Godbout is a leading figure in the field, recognized for his contributions to both academia and industry. He co-founded Castor Optics, a successful spin-off from Polytechnique Montréal that commercializes optical fiber couplers for biomedical applications, and has been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications.
In addition to his academic and entrepreneurial achievements, Dr. Godbout is the Director of the Institut Transdisciplinaire d’Information Quantique (INTRIQ), an interdisciplinary research group uniting scholars from eight departments across four Quebec universities. His leadership in this role underscores his commitment to advancing quantum information science. Dr. Godbout’s excellence in teaching has also been recognized with the Meritas Award for Best Professor of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal in 2005, highlighting his dedication to educating the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Dr. Jonathan Meyers, PharmEX Founder, Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Development Expert
Dr. Jonathan Meyers is a distinguished figure in the pharmaceutical services industry, bringing over 25 years of extensive expertise in regulatory affairs and clinical development. Throughout his career, Dr. Meyers has held a multitude of senior executive roles within both sponsor and service organizations. Prior to establishing PharmEX, Dr. Meyers was the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at a leading biopharmaceutical company, where he successfully led the strategic development of early-stage drug candidates through Phase II clinical trials.
Before his tenure in clinical development, Dr. Meyers served as the Chief Operating Officer at a renowned therapeutics firm and Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs at a prominent pharma solutions provider. During this period, he oversaw comprehensive regulatory submissions and global clinical operations, significantly contributing to the growth and innovation within the companies. Dr. Meyers holds a Doctorate in Pharmacology from Harvard University and a Master of Science in Regulatory Science from Johns Hopkins University. His educational background and extensive professional experience make him a leader in the field, committed to advancing pharmaceutical development and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Dr. Emily Collins, Regulatory Science Expert, Ph.D., USC
Dr. Emily Collins has over 18 years of dedicated experience in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in regulatory operations and submissions. Her extensive expertise includes global submission management, technical requirements, and data standards crucial for pharmaceutical compliance. Throughout her career, Dr. Collins has led teams responsible for compiling, managing, and submitting thousands of investigational new drug (IND) applications and new drug applications (NDA) to regulatory authorities such as the FDA, Health Canada, and European Medicines Agency, supporting Centralised, Decentralised, and National procedure submissions.
Emily continuously refines her knowledge through hands-on experience, leveraging both her operational and regulatory expertise within the pharmaceutical sector. She remains at the forefront of emerging regulatory trends, actively participating in pilot programs and industry initiatives aimed at developing and documenting best practices and standards. Additionally, Dr. Collins frequently conducts high-impact, multidisciplinary training programs to help cross-functional pharmaceutical teams understand the requirements, nuances, and challenges of regulatory submissions.
Dr. Collins holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Regulatory Science from the University of Southern California. Her unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence and her comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical regulatory landscape make her a valuable asset in advancing drug development and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Dr. David Mercer, PharmD, Regulatory Affairs Leader, USC
Dr. David Mercer has over 15 years of regulatory operations and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He is highly skilled in managing regulatory processes and has personally overseen over seventy initial applications, as well as hundreds of lifecycle sequences, across multiple global health authorities.
Dr. Mercer built a robust background in client service and project management, becoming a recognized leader in regulatory operations and later serving as Director of Regulatory Affairs at a leading pharmaceutical organization.
David earned his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan and holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Southern California. He also completed a Professional Certification in Pharmaceuticals from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). His comprehensive knowledge and proven leadership in regulatory operations make him an invaluable asset to the pharmaceutical industry.