The individual is in constant interaction with the outside world. He is constantly called upon to develop strategies in order to adapt his actions to the new information that he must integrate in order to function well in society. Thus, learning and attention processes are constantly solicited in order to allow this adaptation. These learning processes can be as simple as memorizing an address, but as complex as the development of language in young children or the resolution of complex problems in adults. The brain is, of course, at the root of all learning. It must analyze and interpret the information received by the sensory organs, process this information according to the behavioural contexts, experiences and previous learning, and produce an appropriate motor, emotional or verbal response. The operational definition of learning varies from object to object. At the cellular level, learning is expressed as neuroplasticity. At the cognitive level, learning refers to the modification of internal representations, while at the psychosocial and academic level, it refers to the acquisition of knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills. In all cases, learning is characterized by perceptual and behavioural changes that help the individual adapt to a constantly changing environment. Many factors and mechanisms can affect learning and lead to an adapted or pathological response, at the cellular, cognitive, psychosocial and academic levels. A better understanding of these factors is therefore central to the advancement of knowledge and the development of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic tools and interventions.
The diversity of expertise of researchers at the Université de Montréal places the institution in a unique position to address the sciences of the brain and learning from birth to old age, at the level of the cell, brain systems and the individual. It is in this context that the Université de Montréal is breaking new ground by creating the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning (CIRCA) funded by the FRQS. The mission of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning is to accelerate interdisciplinary research and its applications through a two-way reinforcement between the brain sciences and the disciplines that work in practice settings.
CIRCA's research will be addressed in an interdisciplinary manner by more than 72 researchers from 17 units and seven faculties on campus. Through its programming and its four thematic research axes, CIRCA proposes to act as a springboard for multidisciplinary research in learning, a field with a high potential impact on the community. To this end, the Centre will act as a true agent of transformation, helping to change mindsets and ways of doing things by providing an environment and mechanisms that allow for transcending the boundaries of research sectors.
Committees
Steering Committee
The function of the Steering Committee is to define strategies for the governance, scientific programming and funding of CIRCA. It is accountable to the Vice-Rector for Research and responds to the Council of Deans for its management.
- Numa Dancause, Scientific Director
- Isabelle Archambault, Associate Director
- Annie Bernier, Axis Lead
- Francis Beaudry, Axis Lead
- Jean-François Bouchard, Representative of the Deans
- Hélène Girouard, Members’ Representative
- Michelle McKerral, Members’ Representative
- Sandrine Armanville, Student Representative
- Imen Ben Hmida, Senior Coordinator
Scientific Committee
The main function of the scientific committee is to develop and implement the scientific program, as well as to plan, promote and promote the Centre's research, training and knowledge dissemination activities. It is a place for the exchange of information, coordination and operationalization of CIRCA's scientific programming with its main partners.
- Numa Dancause, Director
- Isabelle Archambault, Associate Director
- To be determined, Axis Lead
- Francis Beaudry, Axis Lead
- Annie Bernier, Axis Lead
- Karim Jerbi (with adjunct group), Axis Lead
- Matthieu Vanni, Members’ Representative
- Nathalie Fontaine, Members’ Representative
- To be determined, Clinics Representative
- Dominic Falardeau, Student Committee Representative (Health Sciences)
- To be determined, Researcher outside CIRCA
- Imen Ben Hmida, Senior Coordinator
Student Affairs Committee
The mandate of the Student Affairs Committee is to ensure the integration of students into the CIRCA, the evaluation of training activities offered by the Centre and the support of student initiatives for dissemination and popularization.
- Dominic Falardeau, President, PhD Student, Department of Neuroscience (FMed)
- Nesrine Harroum, PhD Student, School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences (FMed)
- Sandrine Armanville, PhD Student, Department of Pharmacy (FMed)
- Maude Sills-Néron, PhD Student, Department of Cinematic Arts (FAS)
- Antoine Malescot, PhD Student, Department of Neuroscience (FMed)
- Nathalie Fontaine, Researchers’ Representative, Department of Criminology (FAS)
- Imen Ben Hmida, Senior Coordinator
Equity, diversity and inclusion
In all of its training activities, CIRCA will respect the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in scientific assessment and will take concrete actions to promote the inclusion, retention and advancement of women and visible minorities who are still under-represented in science. For example information sessions at the college level and at the beginning of university studies, scholarships for the recruitment of female and visible minority students, linkage with the Université de Montréal's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research action plan, and promoting the mixing of teams through multidisciplinary training. In the latter case, multidisciplinarity will make it possible to break down barriers and promote diversity in recruitment.
Administrative team
Imen Ben Hmida, principal coordinator - email
Shared email box : circa@umontreal.ca
Funding
CIRCA is a FRQS center, funded by:
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This content has been updated on 19 February 2026 at 10 h 28 min.