Do you know the director of NOHEIC, Daniel Proulx?
Daniel Proulx, philosopher and expert in environmental health, was appointed director of the National observatory on health and environmental impacts of contaminants (NOHEIC) by the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue on November 21, 2023, and began his term in January 2024. His academic research background, professional experience in environmental and public health, as well as his management experience, support the mission of the observatory.
Academic and professional background
Daniel Proulx holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the Université de Sherbrooke, a master’s degree in religious studies from the Université de Montréal, and a doctorate in philosophy from the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium. Before shifting his career focus, Daniel Proulx served on the boards of several cooperatives and cultural and social organizations. He taught courses on the history of contemporary esotericism and mysticism at the Université de Montréal. He is a specialist of Henry Corbin and serves as vice president of the Association des amis de Henry et Stella Corbin. He also contributes to associations devoted to the intellectual legacy of Gilbert Durand and Gaston Bachelard and has several publications in these areas.
Before joining NOHEIC, Daniel Proulx worked as a professional in the environmental health team at the public health departement of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where he supported the national environmental health coordination table and various advisory committees on biomonitoring and environmental health issues. Notably, he coordinated the biomonitoring studies conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Rouyn-Noranda. These studies aimed to assess the exposure of local populations to atmospheric contaminants and to document their potential health effects. His involvement in these efforts gives him in-depth knowledge of regional issues related to industrial pollution and contaminants.
Responsibilities at NOHEIC
As director, Daniel Proulx is responsible for:
- coordinating the scientific council, which provides guidance for structuring research activities on the impacts of contaminants on health and the environment;
- collaborating with partners to promote environmental health initiatives;
- ensuring the dissemination of knowledge to stakeholders and the general public;
- leading the observatory team in carrying out its mission.
UQAT welcomes this appointment, recognizing the valuable expertise and committed leadership that Daniel Proulx brings to the observatory’s mission.