Paul Arnold reflects on past decade of leadership in mental health research

After nearly a decade leading the Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s (HBI) mental health research portfolio as Director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Dr. Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, reflects on the Centre’s progress and future direction. Since taking on the role in August 2015, Dr. Arnold has guided the Centre’s expansion into key areas of research, resulting in notable achievements across a range of priorities. As we look back on Mental Health Week, the HBI acknowledges Dr. Arnold’s visionary leadership and his enduring impact on mental health research at the University of Calgary.

The HBI asked Arnold to reflect on his time at the Mathison Centre and highlight some of the significant achievements as well as a chance to look forward to the Centre’s future. 

It’s been 10 years since you took up the leadership of the Mathison Centre and 13 years since it was established. What makes the Centre’s work as pertinent now as a decade ago?

A lot has happened over the last decade locally, nationally and internationally, which has presented opportunities to leverage research for better outcomes in mental health. Working with other UCalgary initiatives such as the Owerko Centre, established by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, the Mathison Centre serves as the university’s hub to action the mental health research strategy under the leadership of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The Centre has been integral to the university staying at the forefront of research amidst the growing crisis in mental health. Our researchers translate discovery into impact—from uncovering the basic science of mental illness to improving school-based mental health and partnering with governments and nonprofits to address major challenges in clinical care and policy, the Mathison Centre continues elevating research in mental health. 
 

What has been the impact of Mathison Centre researchers on mental health research?

There is a lot to be proud of in terms of the many innovative initiatives over the last couple of years and these achievements would not have been possible without the high caliber of researchers that are members of the Mathison Centre. Since establishment, the Centre has had 5 members listed among the most cited in their fields, an achievement attained by only 0.1%, of the world’s researchers and a testament of the expertise of our Centre.
 

What progress is being made in addressing the growing challenges in mental health?

While we don’t have all the answers to mental health challenges, thanks to research we are ahead on many fronts with solutions that are making significant impact. Our researchers are pioneering work across various areas: 

• Implementing Canada’s first pharmacogenetics testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children and emerging adults receiving mental health care. (led by Dr. Chad Bousman, PhD)
• Augmenting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment with antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) to increase effectiveness of treatment for people with major depressive disorder (MDD). (Led by Dr. Alex McGirr, MD PhD)
• Clinical investigation of the use of fecal microbiota transplantation as a treatment for mental illness. (Led by Dr. Val Taylor, MD, PhD)
• Demonstrating that earlier supplementation of Vitamin D is beneficial, before the onset of cognitive decline in lowering the risk of dementia. (Led by Dr. Zahinoor Ismail, MD)

These are just a few examples of the real-world benefits the Mathison Centre’s research is spearheading, resulting in beneficial outcomes for patients and their families. 
 

Of the Centre’s numerous achievements, is there one that stands out for you?

A key focus of the Mathison Centre is on enhancing the mental health of children, youth and emerging adults. With the 2023 opening of the The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience, we have integrated both mental health research and treatment in Calgary’s first dedicated centre targeted at children and adolescent mental health. This centre is a remarkable achievement and is one of the most research-intensive community-based mental health facilities for young people in Canada. The research component of the centre is through the  Mental Health Research 4 Kids (MHR4K)  program, which is co-led by the Mathison Centre and the Owerko Centre.
 

Where do you see the Centre making the greatest impact in the next 10 years?

I expect the Centre will remain focused on emerging challenges in mental health. In addition, we will maintain our commitment to advancing innovative areas of study, such as  pharmacogenetics, fecal transplant treatments, psychedelics, and treatment of addictions. From a grand challenge perspective, I anticipate future investments in the prevention of mental illness, particularly during the early years.
 

The Mathison Centre was created as a partnership between the HBI and the Department of Psychiatry in 2012. It was made possible by a $10 million investment from Mr. Ronald P. Mathison, president and chief executive of Matco Investments Ltd.