Dr. Dave Ellemberg
CENTAM Leadership: Dr. Dave Ellemberg
Dr. Dave Ellemberg, co-founder and director of CENTAM, is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in learning disabilities and concussions. With a strong clinical practice, academic engagement, and significant contributions to research, Dr. Ellemberg is recognized for his expertise in neuropsychology and neuroscience, as well as for his innovative ideas in these fields.
In an article published on March 14, 2022, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (Government of Canada) described him as “the leading expert in North America on concussions.” In 2024, he was appointed as an expert consultant by the Government of Quebec, including the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS), to contribute to the development of recommendations for the management of individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI).
Academic and Scientific Leadership
A full professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, Dr. Ellemberg is also an affiliated researcher at the Sainte-Justine University Health Centre. His research, which explores topics such as the development of the human brain, its plasticity, resilience, and recovery potential, has influenced clinical practices and educational policies.
Dr. Ellemberg is the author of three books aimed at better understanding and supporting individuals who have suffered concussions. He has also published nearly a hundred scientific articles and delivered over 250 lectures across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including:
- The Excellence Certificate from the Canadian Psychological Association
- The Brain Star Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- The E. A. Baker Award from the Canadian Medical Research Council
He has secured leading research funding from organizations such as:
- The Quebec Research Fund – Health (FRQS)
- The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Academic Background
Dr. Ellemberg began his education at McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He continued with a Master of Science at McMaster University, followed by a second Master’s and a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Montreal. He then completed two postdoctoral fellowships: one at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and another at CHU Sainte-Justine.
A Champion for Learning Disabilities
Dr. Ellemberg is dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals with learning disabilities. He has worked collaborated with the Ministry of Education and served on the board of the Quebec Association for Learning Disabilities (AQETA) from 2004 to 2010, where he was Vice-President from 2007 to 2009. He continues to actively participate in various advisory committees while raising awareness among the public and professionals through lectures and educational initiatives.
A Recognized Authority in His Field
Dr. Ellemberg is frequently called upon by the courts as an expert in neuropsychology and learning disabilities. He also appears in the media to provide insights on topics such as learning disabilities and concussions in sports, sharing his expertise with clarity and pedagogy.
Through his commitment, expertise, and innovative vision, Dr. Dave Ellemberg is actively contributing to the transformation and enrichment of the field of neuropsychology in Quebec and beyond.
