Brain Strategy Coalition


CBRS extends its appreciation to the many organizations whose diverse expertise and active engagement helped shape our vision for a Canadian Brain Research Initiative. Their insights have emphasized the importance of understanding the brain across the lifespan and addressing the interconnected nature of brain and mental health conditions. Together, this coalition has guided the development of a national strategy that seeks to establish a coordinated research ecosystem, enhancing collaboration across disciplines and sectors to advance brain health outcomes for all Canadians.


Alzheimer Society of Canada

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is the leading nationwide charity supporting people living with all forms of dementia, caregivers, and their families. Each year the Alzheimer Society Research Program distributes millions of dollars in grants to scientists leading impactful dementia research.

We applaud and support the Canadian Brain Research Strategy, which aims to foster collaboration among researchers, share resources, and address complex questions about the condition from various perspectives. This approach will bring us closer to uncovering causes and cures for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as enhancing care and quality of life for those affected by dementia.


Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is the only national charity in Canada offering information and support to patients affected by any type of brain tumour—cancerous, non-malignant or metastases. Our mission is to reach every person affected by the disease in Canada through support, education, information and research. The organization funds ground-breaking research across North America and, since 1982, has dedicated over $10 million to finding a cure and improving treatment for brain tumour survivors.

Being part of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy provides Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada with a space to collaborate with similar organizations and ensures comprehensive coverage of all areas in brain tumour research.” – Susan Ruypers, Manager of Mission Support and Resources at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.


Canadian Concussion Network (CCN-RCC)

The Canadian Concussion Network-Réseau Canadien des Commotions (CCN-RCC) was created in 2020, with funding from CIHR, to establish and guide a coordinated national research and knowledge translation agenda on concussion. The CCN-RCC is a national forum that brings Canadian concussion researchers, trainees, and stakeholders together to solve the health, social, and economic dimensions of the concussion challenge. CCN-RCC takes a patient-centred, collaborative approach to concussion research, with a strong focus on integrated knowledge translation and developing the next generation of researchers and practitioners who seek to reduce the burden of concussion.

The CCN-RCC is committed to multidisciplinary and collaborative research and to open science. Research and collaboration across brain disorders and injuries can accelerate knowledge and innovation, and drive improvements in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and care. The impact of such improvements on the health outcomes and well-being of Canadians cannot be overstated. Thus, the CCN-RCC strongly supports the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.


Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging

The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging fosters collaboration among researchers, students, and people with lived experience of dementia, supporting Alzheimer’s and dementia research in Canada. Age is the main risk factor to develop Alzheimer’s disease or a form of dementia; with seniors aged 85+ being the fastest-growing demographic, dementia cases may triple by 2050 (to 1.7 million individuals). Canada is unprepared for this healthcare crisis. CCNA’s mission is, through coordinated research efforts, to diminish the number of yearly cases in the upcoming decades to reduce the burden of the disease on families, and on the healthcare system.

Effects of depression on the brain can also lead to dementia, for example, underscoring the importance of united research goals across domains. We join the Canadian Brain Research Strategy in the promotion of a national research strategy for brain and mental health, to foster multidisciplinary research, and to emphasize the urgency to prepare for a healthcare crisis. Together we are stronger! In support of this upcoming challenge, we ask you to invest in the brain and mental well-being of all Canadians.


Cancer Research Society

Founded in 1945, CRS is one of the only Canadian organizations exclusively dedicated to research into all types of cancer. Since its inception, CRS has supported thousands of researchers who have made significant advances in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Thanks to the generosity of partners and donors throughout Canada, CRS has distributed over $388 million in research grants and scholarships.

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy recognizes the complexity and interconnectedness of brain conditions, and the Cancer Research Society (CRS) considers it imperative to mobilize resources on a national scale. Despite decades of research, malignant brain tumours are some of the deadliest forms of cancer and remain the biggest cancer killer of adults under 40. Unfortunately, brain cancer research is drastically underfunded and establishing a coordinated, transdisciplinary brain research ecosystem is essential.


Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI)

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) is a unique collaboration of health care, science, industry, not-for-profit, and government partners whose ultimate aim is to help improve quality of life for the world’s aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

As a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector, CABHI recognizes the importance of a coordinated effort to support the development and adoption of the best innovations. Working with like-minded partners connected with CBRS allows us to better understand the landscapes of today and tomorrow, leverage our unique strengths, tackle issues collectively, and achieve greater impact for all.


CIHR Institute of Aging (IA)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Aging (IA) focuses on promoting healthy aging and addressing various aspects of aging-related conditions. With a mission to enhance equity in health research and combat ageism, IA aims to improve the quality of life for older Canadians.

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is an initiative that IA supports because of its pursuits in neuroscience research. A coordinated approach between CBRS and IA would be essential to supporting IA’s research spanning from prevention to palliation, the role IA plays in understanding and mitigating the consequences of aging, contributing significantly to the well-being of aging populations and society at large.


Consortium de Recherche biopharmaceutique (CDM)

CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborative research and development aimed at accelerating the translation of innovative technologies into solutions that address unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economy.

CQDM is proud to collaborate with the Canadian Brain Research Strategy though its national initiatives. We believe that pan-Canadian visibility will help raise awareness and generate even more interest in collaborative research between different stakeholders in the country. Together we can focus on innovations and the health of Canadians.


Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada is the only organization supporting the needs of 50,000 Canadians with dystonia, a neurological disorder causing involuntary movements and often depression and anxiety. Secondary dystonia links to approximately 50 conditions, from Parkinson’s to Multiple Sclerosis, affecting many more. With no cure and limited treatments, research is our only hope.

As part of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), we see the vital impact of a national effort on brain and mental health research. A unified approach can speed progress for all affected by neurological conditions, offering relief and progress for countless lives.


Heart & Stroke

Heart & Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke for 70 years. Together, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. A global leader in health research and information, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive impact and save lives. Given the significant burden of stroke and its association with several other brain disorders, we believe a strategic, targeted investment will unite the brain research ecosystem for the health, social, and economic advancement of all people in Canada.


Huntington Society of Canada

Huntington Society of Canada’s (HSC) mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by Huntington disease (HD). Now in the 51st year of operation, HSC strives to maximize the quality of life of people living with HD by delivering excellent support services, providing access to the best and most up-to-date educational resources, increasing national and global awareness, advocacy and investing in promising research.

HSC is a part of CBRS because advancements in neurological research and a collaborative approach will expedite developments and lead to a better understanding of neurological conditions. By working together towards a common goal, we can promote groundbreaking research, advance our understanding, and create a more compassionate and inclusive society for all.


Institute for Advancement in Mental Health

At the Institute for Advancement in Mental Health (IAM), we are a connector, collaborator, thought leader, and solution-driven organization supporting, innovating, and driving change for better mental health.

Our mission focuses on creating initiatives to promote mental health awareness, reduce mental illness stigma, advocate for improvement in supportive programs and services, and support research and innovation about mental health. 

IAM supports the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), and we hope to continue contributing to the collaborative efforts required by the brain’s sheer complexity. Since most neurological disorders and mental illnesses do not have treatments or cures, research is the only hope and path to finding them.


Michael Smith Health Research BC

Michael Smith Health Research BC is BC’s health research agency. We ‘re developing health research talent, improving health and health care, and strengthening the life sciences sector. By supporting people, institutions and organizations, we’re driving discovery and innovation in health research.

Nurturing collaboration with partners through the CBRS is paramount to advancing research towards prevention, treatment, and cures. It is also key to improving the quality of life for those affected by neurological and mental health conditions and diseases. We believe this coordinated national approach will enable scientific and technological advancements that strengthen a growing body of cutting-edge research to improve health outcomes.


Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC)

MDSC is a national, registered, not-for-profit, Lived experience-led, volunteer mental health charity committed to ensuring that people affected by mental illness enjoy the fullest, most productive lives possible, within a healthy, stigma-free environment. The overall objective of MDSC is to provide people with mood disorders, and other mental illnesses a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, shape program development, and government policies to improve the quality of life for those impacted by mental illness, as well as their families.

MDSC is enthusiastically supportive of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy to advance research on the complexity of the human brain and associated disorders. Mental illness devastates families and needs to have Canada’s full research capacity and top neuroscience and mental health scientific talent in Canada, engaged in a coordinated effort to advance our knowledge and develop cures and treatments.


Neurological Health Charities Canada

There is an urgent need to understand the impact of neurological diseases, disorders, and injuries in Canada comprehensively and at a population level. By working collaboratively across the sector and adopting an advocacy focus that includes the active involvement of individuals with lived experiences, we can make significant strides in driving meaningful change for individuals living with neurological conditions and their families.

“The NHCC has been involved in the development of the CBRS because we believe brain research is the foundation on which new treatments and cures for the hundreds of diseases and conditions that affect the brain can be discovered.“

Deanna Groetzinger, Manager, Public Affairs & Partnerships at Neurological Health Charities Canada


Ontario Brain Institute

The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially funded, not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation, benefiting both patients and the economy. Our collaborative team science approach promotes brain research, commercialization, and care by connecting researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders.

OBI believes an integrated team science approach to research that looks across brain disorders will generate the knowledge needed for the lifechanging breakthroughs of the future. As such, we are committed to collaborating with CRBS as they work to cultivate a national brain research strategy that is inclusive, broadly supportive, and meets Canada’s current and future needs in the neurosciences and mental health research communities.


Palix Foundation Alberta Wellness Initiative

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) facilitates research into early brain development, mental health, and addiction and makes this knowledge applicable and useful to policy-makers, practitioners, front-line workers, and the public. It contributes to the development, mobilization, and communication of this knowledge in ways that respond directly to needs and gaps in relevant systems.

As a knowledge entrepreneur, catalytic convenor, and partner to public and community systems in a learning journey, the AFWI understands the importance of sharing knowledge about brain and mental health research across systems. As part of the CBRS and using an interdisciplinary approach, we can build an expanding framework of ideas and strategies that build resilience for individuals, families, and communities.


Parkinson Canada

At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. We empower the Parkinson’s community through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfils its mission through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program. 

To truly make an impact for people affected by Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions in Canada, it’s important that we work together with like-minded researchers and organizations. Parkinson Canada is committed to working with Canadian Brain Research Strategy in our mission to transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s, through research, advocacy and support.


Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI)

Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI), a Canadian Charitable Foundation established in 2012, is the largest resource for evidence-informed information specific to women’s brain health. It is a significant force in raising critical awareness of the unacceptable discrepancies in brain research on afflictions that present in women in frightening proportions.  WBHI’s research, education, and awareness programs are essential to improving women’s brain health and mental wellness and catalyzing the urgency that must drive funds toward research to combat brain aging diseases that affect women. 

Women’s Brain Health Initiative is part of CBRS to ensure gender-specific aspects of brain health, including disparities in conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression, are addressed. A coordinated national approach to brain and mental health research is essential for maximizing resources, promoting collaboration, standardizing methodologies, scaling impact, and influencing policy and practice. This approach ensures efficient allocation of funds, accelerates progress, improves the reliability of findings, benefits a larger population, and informs evidence-based policies and clinical practices.