Frédéric Picard

Frédéric Picard obtained a Doctorate in Physiology – Endocrinology at Université Laval in 2000. He then completed CIHR postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Strasbourg and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After being recruited as a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Université Laval in 2004 and receiving the Raymond-Blais medal in 2005, from 2017 to 2023 he served as Vice Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and as director of graduate programs in pharmaceutical science. His work in this latter position led to significant progress in research indicators and a notable increase in graduate student cohorts. In September 2023 he took up the position of Deputy Vice Rector of Research, Creation, and Innovation.

Dr. Picard and his team are working on the physio-molecular links between aging and energy metabolism at the Québec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre at Université Laval. Using preclinical models established in geroscience, such as rodents, bioluminescent nematodes, and novel fluorescents, to non-invasively observe metabolic changes over the years, his team is testing the microbial and genetic cell pathways that reduce premature aging, improve healthy life expectancy, and increase the effectiveness of medications for seniors. Since 2011 he has also managed the aging mouse colony of Réseau québécois de recherche sur le vieillissement (Québec network of research on aging), which provides essential animal models for researchers in Québec. He serves on the board of directors for Fondation de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, among others.