Montréal is one of North America’s leading life sciences and health technology hubs, offering a strong scientific ecosystem that aligns closely with the focus of the CASL Single Topic Conference on Steatotic Liver Disease

Greater Montréal ranks among the top life sciences and health technology hubs in North America, supported by a dense concentration of research institutions, universities, hospitals, and industry partners.

The region’s strengths span:

• Biopharmaceutical research and development
• Biotechnology and drug discovery
• Medical and health technologies
• Artificial intelligence applications in healthcare

Montréal is home to world‑class universities and academic health centres, forming the backbone of its life sciences research ecosystem. These institutions contribute to foundational and translational research across metabolic diseases, clinical medicine, and population health.

Key contributors include:

• McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), one of the largest academic health networks in North America
• Université de Montréal, Canada’s second‑largest university by research activity
• Major research institutes such as IRIC, CRCHUM, and the Research Institute of the MUHC

This environment supports close collaboration between researchers and clinicians, accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into patient care.

Montréal’s life sciences ecosystem supports the full continuum of innovation — from research and discovery to clinical trials and commercialisation.

The city hosts:

• More than 1,600 life sciences and health technology companies
• Over 55,000 jobs in the sector
• A strong concentration of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, and CMO organisations

The ecosystem is mobilised through Montréal InVivo, a non‑profit industrial cluster uniting hundreds of organisations across academia, industry, and healthcare.

Montréal is also internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in artificial intelligence, with increasing convergence between AI and life sciences research, including applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and clinical decision‑making.

This cross‑disciplinary strength enhances Montréal’s role as a forward‑looking destination for scientific meetings and collaboration.

Beyond science, Montréal is known for its:

• Rich cultural and culinary scene
• Walkable city centre and excellent public transport
• Easy accessibility from across Canada, the United States, and Europe

These qualities make Montréal an attractive destination for international scientific exchange and networking.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montréal