Meet Dr. Liisa Galea, Top 25 Women of Influence+ Award Recipient

Dr. Liisa Galea is an internationally recognized neuroscientist and advocate for women’s health, known for her research on sex differences in brain function and disease. As the Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), she has been instrumental in advancing research that prioritizes sex- and gender-based health disparities, particularly in mental health and aging-related conditions. 

A leader in neuroscience, Dr. Galea specializes in the impact of hormones on brain plasticity, cognition, and mental health. Her research has provided insights into conditions such as postpartum depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and mood disorders. With over 200 scientific publications, she is one of the few neuroscientists globally recognized for integrating sex and gender considerations into research design. 

In addition to her scientific contributions, Dr. Galea is a tireless advocate for policy change and equity in health research. In 2024, she testified before the House of Commons HESA Standing Committee on Women’s Health, calling for increased national attention to women’s health research. She has also played a key role in shaping funding priorities at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), ensuring greater investment in sex- and gender-informed research. 

Dr. Galea is the Director of the Women’s Health Research Cluster (WHRC), an international network connecting over 800 researchers, policymakers, and clinicians across 32 countries. She is also the Scientific Lead for womenmind, a CAMH-based initiative that has secured millions in funding to support women in mental health research. As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Galea has trained more than 30 emerging scientists through the Galea Lab, 90% of whom are women or from underrepresented backgrounds, helping to foster the next generation of leaders in her field. 

Dr. Galea’s ability to drive scientific discovery, shape policy, and mentor emerging scholars has made her a trusted voice in international forums and a catalyst for change in women’s health and neuroscience.