Julio Fernandes

Julio Fernandes is a Full Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Medicine and holds the University of Montreal Research Chair in Orthopedics at the Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal. He is a globally recognized leader in orthopedic surgery and non-viral gene therapy using polymeric nanoparticles. His research focuses on osteoporosis, bone quality analysis, surgical instrumentation, and advanced therapies for arthritis and fractures.

• Education: MD, MSc
• Affiliations: CIUSSS Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal
• International Collaborations: Brazil, China, USA, Europe

Research Highlights: Over CAD 13 million in funding since 2000, 68 international invited lectures, and pioneering work on chitosan-based nanoparticles for gene delivery. Key projects include developing resolvin analogues for osteoporosis therapy and investigating 4-hydroxynonenal’s role in osteoarthritis.

Advising & Grants: Supervised 16+ graduate students (PhD/MSc), led projects like the CAD 1.3M ‘Science Without Borders’ program. Major grants include IRSC and FQRNT funding for bone metabolism and nanomedicine research.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Orthopedic Research Chair and collaborates with global teams on biomaterials, fracture prevention, and gene therapy.