About the Centre

The University of Toronto established the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases in 1990, with the visionary support of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and a group of dedicated private individuals led by Mark Tanz and Lionel Schipper, whose families had both been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

The founding director, Professor Peter St George-Hyslop, led the Tanz Centre and its award-winning research teams for nearly 30 years. In 2019, Prof. Graham Collingridge was appointed director of the Tanz Centre as the Krembil Family Chair in Neuroscience.

The Tanz Centre is housed in the Krembil Research Tower at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network.

History of the Centre

Driving Tanz researchers is the Centre’s mission to discover, apply and disseminate knowledge that will lead to the prevention, treatment and cure of these debilitating diseases.

Our Founding Donor

Mark Tanz (BA’52, Hon LLB’90)’s remarkable generosity has been a catalyst that has accelerated research in Canada into neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Steering Committee

Fundraising and community outreach efforts of the Tanz Centre are guided by a dedicated and visionary group of individuals who have contributed their expertise to assist the Tanz scientists in achieving their mission to lead global research and education in neurodegenerative disease.

Feb 15, 2023

Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s Disease Provides New Avenues for Research

A recent clinical trial testing a new drug to treat the root cause of Parkinson’s disease did not show that the drug was effective, but the trial results will offer new information about the development of Parkinson’s disease in the brain and raise new research questions.

Jan 16, 2023

Unexpected Findings May Help Explain Start of Rare Neurodegenerative Disease

Recent research led by scientists at the University of Toronto’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases is helping build a better understanding of iron accumulation in the brains of people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Nov 28, 2022

"Science is better when it’s inclusive"

A new equity, diversity and inclusion committee at the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases aims to generate grassroots support among faculty, students and staff in creating an inclusive environment at the Centre.

Oct 13, 2022

Three Scientists Receive Tanz Centre Research Awards

Three researchers at U of T’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases have been awarded $40,000 each to conduct research into Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Sep 14, 2022

Tanz Centre Study Pinpoints Molecular Subtypes Among Lewy Body Disorders

University of Toronto researchers have found important subtypes within Lewy body disorders, a group of neurodegenerative diseases that includes Parkinson’s disease. The subtypes reflect differences in the activity of the protein alpha-synuclein in different brain regions.

Jul 20, 2022

Record-Attempting Long-Distance Swim to Raise Funds for Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Sean Nuttall's record-breaking swim will raise funds for the University of Toronto’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases in memory of his father.