Western recruits top neuroimmunologist as Canada Excellence Research Chair

Klein is renowned worldwide for her groundbreaking work on the effects of viral infections and neuroinflammation on memory. (Mac Lai/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry photo) With $8M in funding, Dr. Robyn Klein will set up Canada's first-ever research program studying impact of infectious diseases on the brain  As the devastating impacts of long COVID are becoming more evident and widespread, Western University has recruited a powerhouse talent to build and lead Canada's first-ever research program focused on understanding the impact of infectious diseases on cognition and the human brain. Renowned worldwide for her groundbreaking work on the effects of viral infections and neuroinflammation on memory, Dr. Robyn Klein will join Western as the new Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Neurovirology and Neuroimmunology.   "Decades ago, when I first started investigating the effects of HIV on the brain, there was little interest in contemplating how infectious diseases influence our cognitive functions. However, in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the repercussions of long COVID on brain functions and memory have come sharply into focus. Now, more than ever, it's imperative to invest time, energy and resources into this field," said Klein, founder of the Centre for Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease at Washington University's School of Medicine.