Marc Del Bigio, MD, PhD, FRCPC (Neuropathology)

Research summary

Dr. Marc Del Bigio focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of brain diseases, particularly in children. His research interests span various conditions including hydrocephalus, brain damage associated with prematurity and birth, brain trauma, forensic neuropathology, brain diseases linked to metabolic and inheritable genetic disorders, brain damage from solvent abuse, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. He employs detailed studies of human autopsies, animal models, and techniques such as immunohistochemistry, light and electron microscopy, and biochemical assays.

Research themes

• Neuroscience / neurobiology / neuropathology
• Hydrocephalus - pathogenesis of brain damage and shunt failure
• Brain damage associated with prematurity and birth
• Brain trauma / forensic neuropathology
• Brain disease associated with metabolic and inheritable genetic disorders
• Brain damage caused by solvent abuse
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Research affiliations

Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)

• Research scientist

Brief bio

Dr. Marc Del Bigio is a professor of pathology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. With over two decades of experience in neuropathology, he is recognized as a leader in the study of human neurological disorders.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to scholarship and research, Dr. Del Bigio has received numerous awards, including the Rh Award for Outstanding Contributions to Scholarship and Research, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Mentor of the Year award, and fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He has secured funding from various Canadian and American granting agencies, including the Manitoba Health Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the National Institutes of Health.

Currently, Dr. Del Bigio is a clinical neuropathologist at the Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, with special interests in pediatric and forensic neuropathology.  He conducts research as a scientist at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). He has held leadership roles such as chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – Specialty Committee in Neuropathology and president of the Canadian Association of Neuropathologists. He is currently Vice President of the International Society of Neuropathology (ISN) and senior associate editor for Brain Pathology.