Vision
The Kowalec lab is a multi-disciplinary research program at the University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, which combines genomics, biostatistics, and epidemiology, to advance the outcomes of those affected by neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our work regularly involves an extensive network of Canadian, American, Swedish, and other International collaborators.
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Our group is located in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, at the University of Manitoba, where we contribute to the creation of a data science hub. We are a "dry-lab" focussed on computation and analysis, but collaborate with "wet-lab" groups internationally.

​Mission
We aim to improve patient outcomes in neurology or psychiatry via scientific discoveries using genomic, speciality clinic, and population-based data. We also want to implement pharmacogenomics and pharmacoepidemiological research findings into the clinical practice of neurology or psychiatry.

Values
  1. Excellence - Strive for research that is of the highest level of excellence
  2. Integrity - Be honest and have a moral compass
  3. Innovative - Be creative and open to new ideas and methods
  4. Equity - Treat others equally and irrespective of status, race, gender, sex, or sexual orientation
  5. Responsibility - Understand that social responsibilities of medical research exist and that they should be respected​
  6. Inclusivity - We strive for an inclusive environment, where everyone can thrive no matter their learning and working styles, including those who are neurodiverse

Recent News

06/2025
  • We are hiring a 5-year term analyst to work on the recent CIHR Team Grant on MS and diversity. Apply here by searching for position 38582
05/202503/2025
  • Congratulations to the lab for contributing to the PrairieGen proposal, recently funded by Genome Canada!
01/2025
  • Congratulations to PhD student, Hayley Riel, for receiving the Indigenous Doctoral Scholarship!
10/2024
  • New funding announced by the Consortium of MS Centres and Brain Canada to fund our investigations of depression, and cognitive reserve in MS using polygenic scores.​

Kowalec lab members

Funding & Research Partners