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.

Melissa Stremel is a graduate of McGill University, where she earned her degree in psychology and neuroscience. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Melissa has built a remarkable career managing large, global, multidisciplinary teams in clinical trials across all phases (1-4), and a diverse range of therapeutic areas. She is recognized for her exceptional leadership, inspiration, innovation, and strategic planning abilities, along with her best-in-class clinical and project management skills. Having worked across the globe—from the Americas to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania—Melissa knows how to navigate the complexities of study conduct with ease. As she joins the MHICC, she brings a proven track record for operational excellence and a reputation for truly partnering with sponsors, as one of their own. With a focus on creating operational solutions to meet the unique needs of each study, combined with strong risk management, Melissa and her team are committed to delivering outstanding results and meticulous controls over the entire project lifecycle. Melissa’s work has led to the approval of many new products and medical devices in neurology, psychiatry, pediatric & rare diseases, infectious disease.

With over 10 years in senior executive roles within academic and private institutions, Axel brings to the MHICC experiences from a wide range of fields including pharmaceutical, medical devices and environmental business development. Axel is passionate about overcoming the challenges often faced by organizations that work towards bringing innovative solutions to the market. Axel holds a BSc. In chemistry from Simon Fraser University and two management degrees, an MSM from International Space University and an EMBA from HEC-McGill.