Most scientific work on air quality involves developing and validating tools, methods, and techniques for sampling, characterization, and analysis in order to detect and measure chemical contaminants in the atmosphere. These measurements are used to establish air quality standards for workplaces and cities to safeguard worker and population health.

Biomaterials are used to make medical devices such as stents, pacemakers, catheters, prostheses, and artificial tendons. They are designed to replace or repair tissue and may be synthetic (metal alloys, polymers, or ceramics) or natural (biological tissue, cellulose, or chitin). Numerous research projects in this field aim to limit the incompatibility of biomaterials with the human body so they can do their job without negatively impacting their biological environment.

Many UL researchers are actively working to create and improve biomedical technologies. For example, biophotonics researchers are developing promising tools to refine medical imaging and diagnosis, and even therapeutic interventions. Others are leveraging their creativity to develop technologies for mobile care and wireless health devices. This new technology sector also includes biosensors, which can facilitate early detection of disease markers.

Cell therapy involves treating an organ or organism using cells obtained primarily from stem cells. It is now possible to repair tissues, detect malignant cells, and even cure diseases using the natural power of immune cells. The goal of regenerative medicine is to improve our understanding of various diseases and develop new solutions for healing wounds and regenerating organs. It also opens the door to the production of reconstructed 3D tissue through tissue engineering.

Biomedical research is flourishing in the field of neuroscience. At the CERVO Brain Research Centre in Québec City, a number of researchers are studying the anatomical and functional organization of complex neural systems to understand the causes of psychiatric and neurological diseases. Other scientists at the centre are investigating the molecular aspects of neural communication, including cell signaling mechanisms, which play a role in memory, sensation, learning, and nervous system diseases. Research is also being carried out on the genetic, epidemiological, cognitive, and neuropharmacological aspects of psychiatric and neurological diseases.

Researchers are using a number of approaches, including virtual reality, telerehabilitation, robotic rehabilitation, and non-invasive brain stimulation to increase autonomy for seniors, people with disabilities, and injured athletes. For example, new methods for movement rehabilitation involving robotic tools have been developed at the Rehabilitation Robotics Laboratory at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS). The laboratory is equipped with a robotic ankle orthosis and a split-belt treadmill, while a robotized arm and a prosthetic hand are under development.