On November 21, 2024, the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research celebrated its 10-year anniversary since its inception in 2014. The celebration included presentations from faculty members, local partners, people with lived experience with addiction, and the Boris Family. Following the presentations, trainees and staff held a research poster session to showcase their recent projects and initiatives to the broader community.
Deirdre Querney (left) and Dr. Iris Balodis (right) presenting on knowledge translation initiatives at the Centre.
The Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research is an internationally renowned research centre at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton comprised largely of hospital clinicians from the Mental Health and Addictions Program, many of whom are also faculty members within the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. The Centre is dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of addiction both locally and internationally.
The Centre first opened on October 1, 2014 under the leadership of Dr. James MacKillop, director and inaugural holder of the Peter Boris Chair in Addictions Research at McMaster University. It was created through a transformative gift from the Boris Family, and was named in memory of Peter Boris, the youngest son of Owen and Marta Boris. Peter struggled with addiction for a large part of his life and passed away when he was just 44.
Dr. Mike Heenan, Sera Filice, Dr. James MacKillop, and Les Boris pose for a photo at the 10th Anniversary Celebration.
Through leading innovative empirical research in addiction and its co-occurring mental health disorders, the Centre’s goal is to both push the boundaries of new knowledge about addiction and bridge the gap between science and clinical practice.
In the 10 years since the Peter Boris Centre was founded, it has made substantial progress in advancing addiction research and healthcare. Currently, the Centre is home to over 39 faculty affiliates. It has supported more than 100 learners over the last 10 years, including undergraduate and practicum students as well as doctoral candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
Research posters on display at the 10th anniversary celebration.
“By virtually every indicator, the Peter Boris Centre has exceeded our highest expectations,” said Dr. MacKillop. “We have not only created a world-class research centre, but also ‘connected the dots’ between research advances and clinical care. One unique aspect of the Centre is that it truly works in collaboration with the clinical programs at St. Joe’s, never losing sight of the fact that for science to be truly impactful, it ultimately has to improve the care and lives of the patients we serve.”
The Centre has produced over 300 peer-reviewed publications and other works, which have influenced addiction care not only in its affiliated clinical programs, but in programs around the world. These publications have been cited over 10,000 times in total. They are cited approximately four times higher than the global average within the research areas where the Peter Boris Centre has contributed over 20 publications. Both national and international funders have recognized the excellence of research coming out of the Centre and have supported it through grants amounting to over $56 million.
In memory of Peter Boris, the Centre strives to recognize the humanity of all people working to overcome addiction and achieve recovery. It is dedicated to promoting the perspective that people with addictive disorders are also sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and husbands and wives.
Dr. James MacKillop was the master of ceremonies for the 10th anniversary celebration.
“I am deeply grateful to the Boris Family for their original gift and for their abiding faith in the Centre as a living tribute the memory of Peter,” said Dr. MacKillop. “In this living memorial, we remember not only Peter, but the millions of people who are affected by addiction. We remember that addiction is not just a set of epidemiological statistics, but a disorder that has profound negative consequences for real people, their families, and our society. By remembering Peter in the Centre’s name, we combat the persistent stigma that follows it.”
Learn more about the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research on their website: research.stjoes.ca/pbcar.