Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are among the primary causes of death in industrialized countries and obesity is reaching unheard-of proportions in North America in children and adults. These diseases represent a considerable social and economic burden, which makes it essential to improve research in these specific fields.

Hôpital Laval, overspecializing in cardiology, respirology, and bariatric surgery, harbours the largest team of cardiologists, respirologists and cardiac, thoracic and bariatric surgeons in Canada, and is a key setting for fundamental and clinical research. This closely linked unit promotes and fosters cooperation between researchers and physicians, accelerating knowledge transfer, to improve health care and the quality of life of patients.

Internationally recognized for the leading role of its researchers, Hôpital Laval Research Centre is a key player in the social and economic development of the Québec City Region.