Dr. Topolnik is researcher at the Neuroscience Unit of the Quebec CHU Research Center and professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics of Laval University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. 

She began her academic career at Laval University in 2007 as an assistant professor, and played a major role in the development of multidisciplinary research at Laval University by taking a part in the international school Frontiers in Neurophotonics. She is a recipient of the University Faculty Award for Women in Science from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the UNESCO/TWAS Expert Award for advancement of science in developing countries.

While specializing in cortical inhibition, she’s been also involved in collaborative projects in Canada (Role of Schank3 in AD with Frederic Calon; Microglia role in synaptic disfunction in animal schizophrenia model with Marie-Eve Tremblay; Microglia-interneuron interactions with Serge Rivest; Serotonergic signaling in interneurons with Benedicte Amilhon and many others.), and across the globe (Klas Kullander, Sweden; Peter Somogyi, Oxford; Xiaolong Jiang, USA; Richardson Leao, Brazil). 

She’s been also active in organizing national and international symposia (CAN meeting, Symposium in 2017; CAN Satellite Symposium in 2022; Hippocampal Spring Conference in Taormina in 2013 and 2019; SFN Symposium in 2019 and others) and founded a NeuroWire Virtual Club that brings together more than 300 people from more than 20 countries. Lisa is strongly committed to teaching and graduate mentoring and has received a Professor-Star award for excellence in teaching, and the program director award for excellence in graduate program direction.