Biography

Dr. Hébert is a full professor of ophthalmology at Laval University in Quebec. He began his research career after obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Ottawa and a doctorate in neurobiology from the University of Montreal, followed by four years of postdoctoral training in chronobiology and visual electrophysiology, first at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and then at the University of Alberta. He is currently the deputy scientific director of clinical research at the CERVO Brain research center. Dr. Hébert's research focuses on light and the eye. In some studies, he examined light sensitivity in patients with seasonal affective disorders, and in others, he used light to improve alertness in night-shift workers. He was president of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms from 2010 to 2012 and editor-in-chief of the journal ChronoPhysiology and Therapy until 2020. He is also the President of the Eye Disease Foundation and retired honorary lieutenant colonel of the 5th Field Ambulance in Valcartier. In 2008, he was named one of Quebec City's 19 most fascinating personalities by Scope Magazine. He is the founder of two spin-off companies, Bluewake, which aims to improve alertness in drivers and night-shift workers through light, and more recently, diaMentis, which uses retinal responses to light to help in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. He has published over 140 scientific papers. A skilled speaker, Dr. Hébert has made numerous media appearances over the years as a light expert, either to improve mood in people with winter depression or to facilitate adaptation to night work.