Robert S. Viger

Robert Viger, PhD, is a researcher and regular member of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Laval University, and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction at the Laval University School of Medicine. At Laval University, Professor Viger has also been Scientific Director of the Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), since 2014. His laboratory is presently investigating the molecular and genetic pathways involved in early gonadal differentiation, the regulation of gonad-specific gene expression, and the control of gonadal physiology. His research has been continuously funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), since 1998. From 2002 to 2012, he held the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Reproduction and Sex Development.

Understanding, preventing, and treating problems related to reproductive health

Reproductive dysfunction is a common medical condition. Problems range from differences in the sex determination and differentiation pathways to male and female infertility. Research in these areas is therefore essential to better understand, diagnose, treat, and hopefully prevent these problems that can be devastating for many individuals and couples. His laboratory seeks to understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in human and animal reproduction in both health and disease. His goal is to provide the necessary groundwork for developing novel therapies that can eventually be used to improve reproductive health, and therefore the quality of life of those affected.

His laboratory is specifically interested in defining the transcriptional regulatory pathways that are involved in establishing mammalian sex determination (i.e., the formation of a testis or an ovary) and sex differentiation (i.e., the development of internal and external genitalia, and therefore the male or female phenotype). Over the past several years, his research has also brought new insights into our understanding of several pathologies that affect women’s health such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.