Virginie Cobigo

Virginie Cobigo is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Social Sciences. She leads a pioneering research program focused on the social inclusion of persons with cognitive disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and dementia. She is the Executive Director of Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility (OpenAccessibility.ca), a transdisciplinary initiative that brings together researchers, individuals with lived experience, and public and private sector partners to co-develop and disseminate evidence for cognitive accessibility.

Education:

• Postdoctorate in Health and Community Services Research, Queen's University (2011)
• PsyD-PhD in Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (2008)
• Maîtrise in Psychology, Université Rennes II, France (2002)
• Licence in Psychology, Échange CREPUQ - Université de Caen & Université Laval (2000)
• DEUG in Psychology, Université de Caen, France (1999)

Her research interests span social inclusion, cognitive accessibility, inclusive methodologies, equity, employment, knowledge translation, and community-based participatory research. She integrates principles of empowerment, equity, and social justice into her work, with a strong emphasis on qualitative methods and the lived experiences of marginalized populations.

While no recent publications are listed in the provided text, her research profile indicates a consistent focus on human and social sciences, health and well-being, autism, employment equity, and vulnerability. This suggests a trajectory centered on improving societal structures and services for neurodiverse and cognitively disabled individuals through collaborative, action-oriented research.

Scientific Awards:

Virginie Cobigo actively supervises graduate students and contributes to academic training, particularly in program evaluation (courses PSY7103 and PSY7503). She has led and participated in research grants related to inclusion, accessibility, and health services, though specific grant details are not listed. Her leadership in Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility reflects a strong commitment to translating research into real-world impact through partnerships across sectors.

She is affiliated with several interdisciplinary research networks and contributes to advancing inclusive research practices. Her lab, Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility, operates as a dynamic, participatory space where researchers and individuals with cognitive disabilities collaborate as equal partners in designing, conducting, and disseminating research.