CHRISTIANE AYOTTE INDUCTED INTO THE QUÉBEC SPORTS HALL OF FAME

LAVAL, QC and QUÉBEC, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Professor Emerita Christiane Ayotte of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) was inducted into the Québec Sports Hall of Fame on October 26 in the Builder category. This distinction recognizes her outstanding contribution to anti-doping efforts and her role in advancing scientific knowledge in support of sporting integrity.

“This award means a great deal to me, as it recognizes years of work dedicated to a cause that is deeply important to me: advancing the fight against doping in order to help preserve the health and integrity of athletes. Through this recognition, the Quebec sports community demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of athletes and takes a stand against the abuses they may face, particularly the use of methods and substances aimed at enhancing performance and altering body image,” said Christiane Ayotte, Professor Emerita at INRS.

For more than three decades, Christiane Ayotte headed the Laboratoire de contrôle du dopage at INRS, helping advance methods for detecting prohibited substances and strengthening anti-doping practices worldwide.

Her research has focused on identifying new molecules, studying the metabolites of anabolic agents, and improving analytical methods to detect the use of prohibited substances in sport.

“Through her scientific expertise and sustained commitment to international sports organizations, Christiane Ayotte has made a remarkable contribution to the advancement of knowledge and the evolution of anti-doping practices. This recognition speaks to the impact of her work and the essential role of scientific research in promoting integrity in sport,” said Luc-Alain Giraldeau, INRS Director General.

Christiane Ayotte’s scientific legacy continues today at INRS. The Laboratoire de contrôle du dopage is now led by Professor Jean–François Naud, whose work helps maintain the excellence and international reputation of this unique research infrastructure.

Beyond her laboratory research, Christiane Ayotte has served on several committees and expert groups of the World Anti-Doping Agency, contributing to the development of standards and technical documents governing analyses conducted by accredited laboratories. Her expertise has also been sought in numerous international anti-doping violation cases. For more than twenty years, she also raised public awareness of issues related to performance, body image, and the risks associated with using substances intended to enhance physical abilities.

This distinction adds to the many honours she has received throughout her career, including her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018 and as a Commander of the Order of Montréal in 2025.

About INRS

INRS is a university dedicated exclusively to research and graduate education in strategic fields for Québec. Since its establishment in 1969, it has pursued its mission of actively contributing to Québec’s economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Québec for research intensity. It comprises five interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Québec City, Montréal, Laval, Varennes, and Charlevoix, focusing on strategic areas: Water, Earth and Environment; Energy, Materials and Telecommunications; Urbanization, Culture and Society; Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie; and Ruralités durables. INRS has been a member of the Pasteur Network since 2005, contributing to an international community dedicated to advancing global health through research, innovation and collaboration. Its community includes nearly 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and staff.

About the Québec Sports Hall of Fame

The Québec Sports Hall of Fame recognizes athletes and builders who have made outstanding contributions to the history and development of sport in Québec. Induction represents the highest distinction bestowed by Québec’s sporting community on individuals who have made a lasting mark on its sporting heritage.

SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)