Soheila Karimi, PhD, MSc, BSc

Research summary

Dr. Soheila Karimi is a renowned professor at the University of Manitoba, where she leads cutting-edge research at the forefront of the fields of regenerative medicine and neuroscience. Her research is aimed at developing innovative therapies to treat debilitating conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. With a focus on neural repair and regeneration, Dr. Karimi is working to harness the power of stem cells and pharmacology to bring hope to those affected by these debilitating conditions.

With an impressive array of research affiliations, including the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, and the International Women in Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Karimi is a true leader in her field.

Her program has been supported continuously and concurrently by national and international funding from the CIHR, the MS Society of Canada, NSERC, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Canadian Paraplegic Association and several U.S. and European foundations.

Her lab is at the forefront of the latest advancements in stem cell biology and therapeutic drug delivery systems, and her work is setting the standard for future research in the area.

By bringing together advanced technologies and preclinical models, Dr. Karimi is paving the way for a brighter future for those suffering from spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

  • Research affiliations

    Founding Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre (MMSRC)

    Scientist, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)

    Principal Investigator, Spinal Cord Research Center (SCRC)

    Member, Excellence in Neurodevelopment And Rehabilitation Research In Child Health (ENRRICH)”

    Research groups

    Manitoba Neuroscience Network (MNN)

    International Neurotrauma Society (INTS)

    International Women in Multiple Sclerosis (iWiMS)

    Canadian Association for Neuroscience

    Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

    Spinal Cord Research Center (SCRC)

  • Research themes 

    Regenerative medicine

    Translational neuroscience

    Multiple sclerosis

    Spinal cord injury

    Research interests 

    Neural repair and regeneration

    Stem cell therapies

    Pharmacological therapies

    Neural stem cell biology 

    Neuroinflammation and immune modulation

    Glia neurobiology

    Myelin biology

    Mechanisms of neurodegeneration

    Transgenic and genetic approaches in neural systems

    Preclinical models 

Biography

Dr. Soheila Karimi is a renowned professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. With a PhD in neurosciences from the University of Saskatchewan and postdoctoral training at top institutions, she is a leading expert in the field of regenerative medicine.

Her cutting-edge research is focused on developing life-changing therapies for spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. She's a true pioneer in neural repair and regeneration, stem cell therapies, and pharmacological treatments.

Dr. Karimi's work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Synthes Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and recognition as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

She's a sought-after leader in the scientific community, serving on the boards of international organizations including the Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN), the Executive Committee of the International Women in Multiple Sclerosis (iWiMS) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Neurotrauma Society (INTS), in addition to several other peer-review committees and editorial boards.

Beyond her groundbreaking research, Dr. Karimi is also dedicated to giving back. She's the founding director of the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre, a passionate advocate for her field, and involved in outreach and fundraising efforts to help advance her cause. Dr. Karimi also makes time to participate in mentorship programs for up-and-coming researchers. She has taken part in programs such as the endMS Scholar Program for Researchers In Training (SPRINT), iWiMS mentorship program and MITACS Global Internship program.

Through her impressive achievements, leadership, and dedication, Dr. Soheila Karimi is making a real difference in the world of science and medicine.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship, University Health Network and University of Toronto (2007)

Doctor of Philosophy (Neuroscience), University of Saskatchewan (2001)

Master of Anatomical Sciences, University of Tehran (1991)

Bachelor of Zoology, University of Shiraz (1989)

Awards

2020:

  • Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020, Women’s Executive Network
  • Manulife Award in Science and Technology, Women’s Executive Network

2018:

  • Merit Award for Research, Teaching, and Service, University of Manitoba

2017:

  • Ed Kroeger Award for Distinction in Mentorship of Graduate Students, Health Sciences Graduate Students Association, University of Manitoba

2008:

  • New Investigator Award, AOSpine North America

2007:

  • New Investigator Award, AOSpine North America

2006:

  • Synthes Research Award, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  • Young Investigator Travel Award, International Neurotrauma Society (INTS)

2005:

  • Basic Science Research Award, Cervical Spine Research Society
  • Young Investigator Travel Award, 7th International Neurotrauma Symposium (INTS)

2004:

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
  • Young Investigator Travel Award, International Neurotrauma Society (INTS)

2002-2004:

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

1998-2001:

  • Doctor of Philosophy Studentship, University of Saskatchewan

Contact us

Physiology and Pathophysiology
432 Basic Medical Sciences Building
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada

physiology@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3696
204-789-3934