What is MIST?
The Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) was created at the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education at the University of Calgary’s renowned Hotchkiss Brain Institute to transform tragedy into positive action. MIST explores how emotional stress and physical trauma impact the brain, and how these affect mental health conditions and psychiatric illnesses. MIST also increases public education about stress, brain trauma and emotional health — and is building a community dedicated to destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Mike McClay's legacy
MIST was created to honour Mike McClay by expanding and deepening neuroscience research to save the lives of others like him.
MIST research
MIST is investigating the effects that stress and trauma have on the brain and unlocking new treatments for better outcomes.
Get involved
Interested in volunteering, donating, collaborating or staying up to date with research advancements? There is a place for you here at MIST.
MIST Chair and research team
Dr. Matthew Hill, the inaugural MIST Chair, and the MIST research team are changing neuroscience research through transdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research strategies.
MIST is working to fill the gap
Through MIST, we will examine how pre-existing stress can influence the outcomes of concussions and, vice versa, how concussions can impact the way stress is processed and how this can lead to mental health conditions. It’s not something that’s currently well understood, and MIST is working to fill the gap.
Dr. Matthew Hill, PhD
MIST Research Chair
Philanthropy is at the heart of MIST
With philanthropy at its heart and the support of donors like you, MIST has raised nearly $5 million in just two years.
Education and resources
Central to MIST’s mission is the translation of science into action through public education efforts to broaden mental health knowledge, destigmatize mental health challenges and improve mental wellbeing for all.
UCalgary is the place to start something. And MIST started here.
Join the MIST community
Learn about our latest events, news and research advances when you sign up.
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