Blair Leavitt

Dr. Blair Leavitt is a full Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), with an associate appointment in the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine. He serves as Director of Research at the UBC Centre for Huntington’s Disease and Director of the CMMT Transgenic Animal Facility. As both a clinician and scientist, Dr. Leavitt focuses on developing treatments for genetic brain disorders through translational research.

• Specialist in Neurology (Royal College of Physicians of Canada)
• Founded The Journal of Huntington’s Disease (2011-present)
• Key affiliations: Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Brain Health

Dr. Leavitt’s research emphasizes bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical applications using mouse models of human neurodegenerative diseases. His work spans:

• Huntington’s disease: genetic modifiers, gene therapy, biomarker development
• ALS: muscle biology, neuroprotection
• Frontotemporal dementia: progranulin research
• Technologies: CRISPR gene editing, lipid nanoparticle delivery, transgenic animal modeling

Recent publications highlight epigenetic mechanisms in Huntington’s disease and cross-disciplinary approaches to neurodegeneration. His laboratory actively translates findings from mouse studies to human clinical trials.

• Scientific Awards
  • Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Career Investigator (2007)
  • Young Investigator Award, UBC Brain Research Centre (1999)
  • Elected Co-Chair and Vice-President, Huntington Study Group (2014-present)