Scientific research

Mira Conversations are virtual events organized by the Mira Foundation to showcase research projects related to assistance dogs.

They bring together researchers, students, and professionals from various universities and practice settings in Quebec, across Canada, and internationally.

Each session highlights an ongoing or recently completed research project in an accessible and interactive format, fostering knowledge sharing between research and practice communities.

Mira Conversations are part of an effort to promote scientific dissemination and dialogue between researchers and field practitioners on the study and applications of assistance dogs.

Cycle launched in 2020

10th Mira Conversation — March 10, 2026

A dual perspective on animal-assisted physiotherapy: for children and dogs
Valérie Caron, Ph.D. (University of Saskatchewan)
Romany Pinto, veterinarian, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) and Diplomate in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) (University of Saskatchewan)

9th Mira Conversation — October 22, 2025

What really happens when a Mira dog enters a classroom?
Judith Beaulieu, Ph.D. (University of Quebec in Outaouais)
Mélanie Dutemple, Ph.D. (University of Quebec in Outaouais)
Noémia Ruberto, Ph.D. (University of Quebec in Outaouais)
Jennifer Smith, Ph.D. (University of Quebec in Outaouais)

8th Mira Conversation — December 12, 2023

Effect of support dogs on children victims during police interviews
Élie Côté, Ph.D. candidate (University of Montreal)
Mireille Cyr, Ph.D. (University of Montreal)

7th Mira Conversation — May 25, 2022

Processing facial expressions in children with ASD who have an assistance dog
Nicolas Dollion, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow (University of Rennes 1)

6th Mira Conversation — April 13, 2022

Validation of an observation grid for children with ASD’s attraction to dogs
Geneviève Goulet, M.Sc., Ph.D. candidate (University of Montreal)

5th Mira Conversation — May 26, 2021

Stress regulation in families with a child with ASD receiving an assistance dog
Marcel Trudel, Ph.D. (University of Sherbrooke)

4th Mira Conversation — March 31, 2021

ASD severity and parental perception of the effects of assistance dogs
Charlotte Moses Bélanger, M.A. (University of Quebec in Outaouais), Mira practitioner

3rd Mira Conversation — February 17, 2021

Heart on the paw: the effect of emotional support dogs in the Youth Court
Renaud Dufour, Ph.D. candidate in psychology (University of Montreal)

2nd Mira Conversation — December 3, 2020

Assessing the effects of assistance dogs in people with Alzheimer’s: implementing a pilot project
Marie-Josée Richer, Ph.D. candidate (University of Montreal)
Jude Poirier, researcher (McGill University)

1st Mira Conversation — November 3, 2020

Mechanisms of effectiveness of the Mira assistance dog for children with ASD
Marjorie Carrier, psychologist (University of Sherbrooke)