About
Us


We are a research and knowledge mobilization laboratory at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute that was founded by Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy in 2018.

The research aims to

(1) better understand the life trajectories leading to suicide

(2) develop and test the effectiveness of interventions for the entire population and the most vulnerable

The knowledge mobilisation component aims to 

(1) inform about the results of our research

(2) raise awareness about suicide prevention

(3) provide training on the assessment and management of a person considering suicide

We are active in creating infographics, video clips, and non-scientific articles for mental health workers and a general audience. 

Mission

To conduct research in the fields of epidemiology, psychology, and psychiatry with a focus on children, adolescents, young adults, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and youth under youth protection

Develop, evaluate, and disseminate interventions at all levels of suicide prevention.

Train the next generation of researchers by providing advanced supervision to graduate students and research trainees. 

Develop and disseminate knowledge mobilization tools to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention to the general population.

Collaborate with clinicians and people with lived experience in both research and knowledge dissemination. 

Inform and develop training for psychology students and psychologists on the assessment and management of people considering suicide based on the best scientific knowledge. 

Research areas

Longitudinal epidemiology 

This axis uses longitudinal cohorts to better understand the emergence of suicide and to identify risk and protective factors.

Psychosocial interventions

This axis develops and evaluates the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for suicide prevention, targeting risk and protective factors and mental health promotion.

Issues of interest 
Suicide mortality 
Emergency room visits and hospitalisations for suicide attempts 
Suicidal ideation 
Self-harm 
Depression

Research Methods

Cohort studies 

Medical Records
Geographic information 
Polygenic risk scores 
Questionnaires 
Ecological momentary assessment 
Clinical interviews 
Randomised control trials
Case controlled studies

Funding received

Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Fonds de recherche du Qu̩bec РHealth
Fonds de recherche du Qu̩bec РSociety and Culture
Fonds France Canada pour la Recherche
Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services
Observatory for Child Health and Education
The McGill University Office of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation
Ministère des Relations Internationales et de la Francophonie du Québec
Manuvie-Manulife