Jean-François Cloutier, BSc 93
Jean-François Cloutier, BSc 93, officially stepped into his new role as associate dean, Research, at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences on January 1, 2026.
Within weeks, he found himself navigating a fast-paced national funding competition.
“It was a bit of a trial by fire,” he says with a laugh. “But I’ve really enjoyed it.”
After more than two decades as a neuroscientist and professor, Cloutier now works at the faculty level, helping shape the research environment for hundreds of investigators. The position brings a broader perspective — and a new kind of professional pride.
“When I can facilitate other people’s research programs, I get a lot of satisfaction out of that,” he says. “This position lets me make a difference for a wide variety of researchers.”
Cloutier’s remit is wide-ranging. He oversees major funding competitions, manages the evaluation and funding of scientific core facilities and research centres, and represents the faculty in national research forums and advisory councils.
“It’s a big portfolio,” he notes. “You’re trying to make decisions that improve the research landscape across the entire faculty.”
His appointment builds on a long career at McGill and the Neuro — the Montreal Neurological Hospital-Institute — where he has spent two decades studying how neural circuits form during development. His research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms that shape neuronal identity, connections and synapses.
Even as his administrative responsibilities grow, Cloutier remains deeply connected to the scientific community he now serves.
“Understanding what researchers need — because I’ve lived it — really helps,” he says.
‘Concordia gave me a strong grounding’
Cloutier’s path to neuroscience began at Concordia, where he completed an honours degree in biochemistry through the university’s Science College.
That early foundation proved formative.
“Concordia gave me a strong grounding in science and critical thinking,” he says. “It set me on the path toward research.”
Over the years, his work has earned recognition including national research fellowships, a Canada Research Chair and election to the board of directors of the Canadian Council on Animal Care. He has also played a major role in research funding review panels and academic program evaluation in Quebec.
These experiences now inform his leadership approach.
“You see how important strong research infrastructure and fair funding processes are,” he says. “Those systems make a huge difference to what scientists can accomplish.”
Cloutier is particularly motivated by the collaborative nature of the role. He works closely with colleagues in the research office and across the university, including the faculty’s vice-dean of research, whose mentorship he credits with helping him navigate his first months in the position.
“It’s been a steep learning curve,” he says. “But it’s exciting work.”
Looking ahead, Cloutier sees opportunity in the evolving research landscape and the growing importance of collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
For the Concordia alumnus, the motivation is clear: helping researchers succeed and ensuring the environment around them supports innovation.
“In the end,” he says, “it’s about helping people do the best research they can.”