Sophie Tanguay is a graduate of Laval University where she obtained a Master of Science in Neurobiology and a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. Sophie is an accomplished pharmaceutical industry executive with more than 20 years of extensive experience in roles such as Strategic Drug Development, Global Strategic Leadership, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining the MHICC, she led an Innovative Product Development and Portfolio Strategy Team, where she played an instrumental role in the evaluation of technologies, pipelines and products for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures (JV) and in-licensing opportunities with a goal to expand the company’s portfolio. In addition, she brings a wealth of knowledge as a consultant for academic institutions, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and biotechnology organizations with her in-depth understanding of new and old drugs, medical devices, natural health products/dietary supplements, consumer goods and cosmetics. Sophie was a key player in the successful development of many products in the fields of neurology, gastroenterology, oncology and cardiology.

Jean-Claude Tardif, MD is professor of medicine at the Montreal Heart Institute, where he also serves as a cardiologist and Director of the Research Center. Dr. Tardif graduated with a medical degree, from the University of Montreal in 1987 and completed his fellowship in cardiology in 1992. He then completed a research fellowship at the New England Medical Center, Tufts University in 1994. Returning to Montreal, he took up a position as cardiologist at the Heart Institute that same year, where he also holds the Canada Research Chair in translational and personalized medicine. Dr. Tardif also occupies the University of Montreal endowed research chair in atherosclerosis. Dr. Tardif has authored and co-authored more than 600 articles and abstracts in peer-reviewed publications including The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Lancet, Circulation, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. In addition, he has written more than 25 book chapters. He is the principal investigator and Steering Committee chair or member of several large international cardiovascular clinical trials.

Zohar Bassevitch is a graduate of Concordia University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences, specialization in Biochemistry. Zohar is an accomplished project management executive with over 20 years of clinical research experience overseeing Phase I-IV clinical trials. Prior to joining the MHICC, she held various roles in several clinical research organizations in the early stage to late phase sectors focusing on strategic project management and operational excellence. Zohar has been key in transforming the MHICC’s ability to coordinate and conduct hybrid and virtual clinical trials.