Who We Are

CBRS Leadership

The Conference of Brain Science Leaders is comprised of the heads of more than 30 neuroscience and mental health institutes and programs across the country and large pan-Canadian initiatives. It covers expertise across research approaches – encompassing biological, behavioural, environmental, and social perspectives – and includes leaders of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience, initiatives funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, CIFAR, provincial networks, and Canada Research Chairs. Neuroscience Leaders oversee the delivery of information to their respective constituents and keep them fully apprised to ensure diverse representation in all CBRS activities. As such, they bring input and commitment from large constituents of the Canadian brain research community.

From its outset, CBRS leaders have recognized nation-wide, multi-sectoral consultation as a vital element to the development of a robust strategy for Canadian brain research. In particular, incorporating the voices of early career researchers, Indigenous Peoples, and of patients and people with lived experience have been key areas of priority. This process has been critical in producing an emerging research strategy that is inclusive, broadly supported, and meets Canada’s current and future needs in the neurosciences and mental health research communities.

*Members of the CBRS Steering Committee are marked with an asterisk

Conference of Brain Science Leaders

Alan Evans (Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform, Healthy Brains for Healthy Lives CFREF, McGill University)
Allison Sekuler* (Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, University of Toronto, McMaster University)
André Longtin (University of Ottawa)
Aristotle Voineskos (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Arlette Kolta (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, Université de Montréal)
Chris Anderson (University of Manitoba, Manitoba Neuroscience Network)
Darrell Mousseau (University of Saskatchewan)
David Park (Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary)
Donald Mabbott (SickKids Research Institute, University of Toronto)
Doug Crawford (Vision: Science to Applications CFREF, York University)
Doug Munoz (Queen’s University)
Doug Zochodne* (Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta)
Gustavo Turecki (Douglas Research Centre, McGill University)
Guy Rouleau (Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University)
Jaideep Bains (Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network)
Judy Illes* (Vice-Chair, CBRS Steering Committee, Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia)
Karim Jerbi (UNIQUE Neuro-AI Research Centre, Université de Montréal)
Keith Murai* (Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Canadian Association for Neuroscience)

Lisa Saksida (BrainsCAN CFREF, Azrieli Program in Brain, Mind & Consciousness CIFAR, Western University)
Lynn Raymond* (Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia)
Matthew Holahan (Carleton University)
Melanie Woodin (Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto)
Michiru Hirasawa* (Memorial University)
Oury Monchi (Canadian Open Parkinson Network, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Université de Montréal)
Patricia Conrod (Stratégie en neurosciences et santé mentale de l’Université de Montréal)
Randy McIntosh (Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Simon Fraser University)
Ravi Menon (Robarts Research Institute, Western University)
Robert Sutherland (Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge)
Ruth Slack (Brain Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa)
Victor Rafuse* (Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University)
Yoshua Bengio (Mila – Quebec AI Institute, Institut de valorisation des données CFREF, Learning in Machines and Brains CIFAR, Université de Montréal)
Yves De Koninck* (Chair, CBRS Steering Committee, CERVO Research Centre, Sentinel North CFREF, Université Laval)

Early Career Researchers Leaders

Caroline Ménard* (Early Career Researchers Cluster Lead, Université Laval)
Derya Sargin* (University of Calgary)
Tabrez Siddiqui* (University of Manitoba)

Indigenous Knowledge Holders Group

Bryce Mercredi (Elder, Métis Nation)
Chelsea Gabel (Métis Nation, McMaster University)
Christopher Mushquash (Pays Plat First Nation, Lakehead University)
Malcolm King* (Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, University of Saskatchewan)
Melissa Perreault (Métis Nation, University of Guelph)

Patient Representatives

Deanna Groetzinger* (Neurological Health Charities Canada)

CBRS Secretariat

Jennie Z. Young*
Executive Director

Andrew Manitowabi (Mamaateshiins)
Indigenous Initiatives Lead

Jonathan Ayers
Administrative Coordinator

Endorsements

University of Ottawa - Brain and Mind Research Institute

University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute