Schouela CEDurable designated a WHO Collaborating Centre
ANNOUNCEMENT
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June 19, 2026
International recognition of the Centre’s leadership in sustainable health solutions and its work to advance healthy ageing among older adults.
The Simone & Edouard Schouela RUISSS McGill Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health of Seniors - Schouela CEDurable - has been designated a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Sustainable Health Solutions for Older People. Endorsed by the Governments of Canada and Quebec, the designation marks an important milestone in the Centre’s development and recognizes its leadership in translating research knowledge into practical solutions that improve the health and well-being of older adults.
WHO Collaborating Centres are institutions designated to support the World Health Organization’s programmes and priorities in their areas of expertise. By joining this international network, Schouela CEDurable will strengthen its collaboration with WHO and with fellow Collaborating Centres around the world.
This recognition reflects the core mission of Schouela CEDurable: transforming evidence into policies, practices and programmes that create meaningful impact in clinical and community settings. Initiatives including DURAgym, Vivifrail, ICOPE Québec and THRIVE demonstrate how research can be translated into action to support mobility, independence, prevention and quality of life for older adults.
“This designation is recognition of years of work translating research into solutions that genuinely improve the lives of older adults,” said Dr. Gustavo Duque, Scientific Director of Schouela CEDurable.
The Centre’s new role will create further opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, training and capacity building. It will also strengthen Schouela CEDurable’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, which brings together partners worldwide to improve the lives of older people, their families and their communities.
The designation begins a new chapter for Schouela CEDurable and further establishes the McGill RUISSS, McGill University and the Santé Québec West-Central Montreal Health and Social Services University Network as important contributors to healthy ageing in Canada and internationally.
Schouela CEDurable gratefully acknowledges the support of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the Jewish General Hospital and the Schouela family, as well as the commitment of the Centre’s partners, collaborators and team members whose contributions helped make this achievement possible.