Toronto, ON – April 2, 2026 – Canada’s strength in isotopes is defined not only by our world-class isotope production, but also by the leading institutions that apply these technologies to advance patient diagnosis and care. Today, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is proud to welcome another of these leading institutions, The Royal, as its newest Health Partner.
With campuses in Ottawa and Brockville, Ontario, The Royal is one of Canada’s leading hospitals for specialized mental illness and addiction treatment, research, and education. Through its Research Institute and its close academic partnership with the University of Ottawa, The Royal advances discovery in areas including depression, suicide prevention, schizophrenia, dementia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its integrated model of clinical care and research reflects its guiding principle that “Research is Care.”
At the core of its research infrastructure is the Brain Imaging Centre, home to one of Canada’s only platforms capable of simultaneous tri-modal imaging using positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG). This capability allows researchers to examine brain chemistry, structure, and electrical activity at the same time, deepening understanding of complex psychiatric and neurological disorders.
The Royal’s Brain Imaging Centre recently joined the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s network of Core Facilities, expanding access to advanced human imaging technology for researchers across the region and beyond.
In partnership with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Radiochemistry Laboratory, The Royal produces Carbon-11 (C-11) and Fluorine-18 (F-18)–labelled radiopharmaceuticals to support advanced PET imaging studies. Beyond imaging innovation, The Royal works closely with healthcare institutions, academic researchers, and community partners across Canada and internationally, contributing to collaborative networks focused on brain health, aging, and psychiatric research.
“When isotope science is integrated directly into research and care, the impact can be transformative,” said Melody Greaves, Executive Director of the CNIC. “The Royal’s integration of advanced PET imaging into mental health research strengthens the bridge between radiopharmaceutical science and real-world health outcomes, and I’m proud to welcome them to the CNIC network as our newest Health Partner.”
“Joining the CNIC as a Health Partner is an exciting step for The Royal’s Research Institute,” said Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, President and CEO, Research Institute, The Royal. “The advanced PET imaging capabilities in our Brain Imaging Centre rely on the very isotopes that drive discovery in brain health. By working alongside Canada’s isotope leaders, we can accelerate research that brings new hope and better outcomes to people living with mental illness and addiction.”
The CNIC looks forward to working with The Royal and its partners to further integrate advanced nuclear imaging into Canada’s growing isotope ecosystem and to support continued leadership in brain health research.
To learn more about The Royal, visit theroyal.ca.
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 115 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or please contact:
Evan Cameron
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
evan.cameron@canadianisotopes.ca
About The Royal
The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental illness and addiction treatment, research, and education hospitals, dedicated to supporting individuals aged 16 and older who are living with complex mental illness and addiction. Since opening in 1910, The Royal has grown into a trusted resource for people across eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.
With campuses in Ottawa and Brockville, and clinical teams working directly in homes and communities, The Royal delivers compassionate, evidence-informed care grounded in cutting-edge research, including through its partnership with the University of Ottawa and other academic and community partners. Its integrated model brings together care, research, education, and strategic partnerships to help build a future of recovery.
At The Royal, we separate the person from the illness, helping more people reclaim their lives.