Category: CBRS News

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) was honoured to host MP Valerie Bradford, Chair of the Standing Committee on Science and Research (SRSR), at the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) in Toronto to discuss the future of  brain and mental health research in Canada.

The event featured presentations by leading researchers, including: 

• Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) 
• Dr. Neil Vasdev, Director, Brain Health Imaging Centre Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) (representing Dr. Aristotle Voineskos, Vice President and Director of the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute) 
• Dr. Don Mabbott, Program Head, Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) 
• Dr. Doug Crawford, Director, Centre for Integrative and Applied Neuroscience, York University,
• Dr. Jaideep Bains, Director, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network (UHN).

Their insights underscored the need for strategic investment and policy support to unlock the full potential of Canadian brain research.

By fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists, this briefing allowed MP Bradford to witness firsthand the transformative impact of brain research and its importance in addressing Canada’s aging population and mental health challenges. For researchers, it was an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, helping bridge the gap between scientific innovation and public policy.

CBRS is grateful to MP Bradford for her leadership on the SRSR Committee and her commitment to championing science and innovation. MP research centre briefings like these are crucial for ensuring brain and mental health research remains a national priority, ultimately improving the lives of Canadians.

These visits are a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts, ensuring that brain and mental health research remains a priority in Canada’s policy agenda while fostering trust and shared insights between policymakers and the research community.

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) submitted a recommendation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) as part of the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2025 federal budget. 

The submission — “Brain Research: The cornerstone for Canada’s future social-economic wealth” — calls for the Government of Canada to “make research on brain and mental health a national priority with stable, targeting funding for the creation of a Canadian Brain Research Initiative by investing $100 million over five years.”  

This initiative would unite researchers, clinicians, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, people with lived experience, health charities, research funders, industry and other stakeholders across Canada to address the growing prevalence and economic burden of brain disorders, mental illnesses, and neurological conditions. 

The submission states:

“By fostering collaboration and advancing innovative research, this investment will enable Canada to lead globally in brain health research while improving outcomes for millions of Canadians”  

This funding was one of the recommendations of the Standing House of Commons Committee on Finance (FINA) for the 2025 Budget (Recommendation #131). 

Read the Policy Brief.

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) recently contributed to the federal government’s consultation on the proposed Capstone research funding organization. Designed to “modernize and coordinate” Canada’s research ecosystem, the Capstone seeks to strengthen interdisciplinary, mission-driven, and international research to address complex societal challenges such as climate change and health emergencies.

In its submission, CBRS outlined how the Capstone could transform Canadian brain and mental health research. Brain disorders, including dementia and mental illnesses, affect over 7.5 million Canadians, creating an urgent need for a coordinated, long-term research strategy. With its emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches, the Capstone is uniquely positioned to support research that spans traditional boundaries, such as neuro-AI and computational neuroscience—fields that are often underserved by existing funding structures.

CBRS emphasized key principles for the Capstone’s success:

• Sustained and secure funding to ensure long-term research viability.
• Autonomy for Canada’s granting councils to uphold peer-reviewed, investigator-driven research.
• Preservation of critical health research linkages, ensuring integration between health and research priorities.

The submission also highlighted the need for transdisciplinary training and stable funding for research and technical staff—critical for driving innovation and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.

As a pan-Canadian initiative representing a broad spectrum of research stakeholders, CBRS recognizes the Capstone’s potential to position Canada as a global leader in brain and mental health research. With robust governance and dedicated funding, the Capstone could catalyze breakthroughs that improve the lives of millions of Canadians.

Read our Capstone submission

Join our virtual Advocacy Training Workshop for researchers and gain the insights, tools, and skills to effectively advocate and shape the future of brain and mental health research in our country.

Date: Thursday, June 20th, 2024
Time: 11:30am – 1:0opm PT / 2:30pm – 4:00pm ET
Sign up now: https://bit.ly/CBRSAdvocacyWorkshop2024

CBRS has made significant strides to position brain research as a top scientific priority in our country but we need members of the research community to raise their voice – trainees, research staff, and PIs at all career stages – to represent all the essential components of the scientific endeavor.

The workshop is designed to help researchers:

• Develop effective communication strategies
• Practical skills session with experienced science communicators
• Understand the government decision-making process
• Access customizable advocacy materials and resources
• Drive impact in a unified advocacy campaign

The focus will be a hands-on practical skills session, led by experienced science communicators, to craft impactful advocacy letters and narratives.

Researchers at all career stages are welcome! No prior experience required!

Let’s shape the future of brain research in Canada together. Register: https://bit.ly/CBRSAdvocacyWorkshop2024

Join our upcoming virtual Advocacy Training Workshop for researchers and gain the insights, tools, and skills to effectively advocate and shape the future of brain and mental health research in our country.

Join us virtually on Thursday, March 14^th, 2024
from 11:00am – 12:30pm PT / 2:00pm – 3:30pm ET.
Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/CBRSAdvocacyWorkshop2024

CBRS has made significant strides to position brain research as a top scientific priority in our country but we need members of the research community to raise their voice – trainees, research staff, and PIs at all career stages – to represent all the essential components of the scientific endeavor.

The workshop is designed to help researchers:

• Gain insights into government decision-making and how to effectively engage with elected officials
• Develop tailored communication strategies for diverse audiences to convey the importance of their research
• Access customizable materials and resources to support their advocacy efforts

The focus will be a hands-on practical skills session, led by experienced science communicators, to craft impactful advocacy letters and narratives.

Researchers at all career stages are welcome! No prior experience required!

Let’s shape the future of brain research in Canada together. Register: https://bit.ly/CBRSAdvocacyWorkshop2024

The CBRS was featured in an editorial within The Globe & Mail’s Brain Awareness Week Report, shedding light on the imperative for a unified national strategy to uphold Canada’s leadership in brain health and research.

The editorial highlights the innovative approach to brain and mental health research investments in our national research strategy, aiming to leverage Canadian strengths and foster global competitiveness. Dr. Jennie Z. Young, Executive Director of CBRS, emphasizes the urgency of a holistic approach to brain health and research, stressing the interconnectedness of brain disorders and the need for unified efforts.

The framework of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy prioritizes strengthening the brain research ecosystem nationwide, advocating for long-term, stable and flexible funding to support a skilled workforce and infrastructure for research and translation efforts. Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing, calling for investments not only in research grants but also in coordination and infrastructure to maximize impact.

Yes, we absolutely need more research grants. At the same time, we also need more investments not tied to a certain centre, project or research topic – investments in co-ordination, research support personnel and other forms of infrastructure that enable more collaboration and sharing of skills and knowledge.

– Dr. Jennie Z. Young, Executive Director, CBRS

The ultimate goal is a sustainable, world-class ecosystem for brain research similar to those for artificial intelligence and quantum technologies that have been back by government in recent years.

The CBRS was further highlighted through a collaborative effort, with special thanks to individuals from the Heart & Stroke, Ontario Brain Institute, Kids Brain Health Network, CIHR Institute of Aging, and the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging who generously volunteered their time and expertise to craft an accompanying advertisement.

Read the editorial in The Globe & Mail here.
Download the print layout here.

In response to a study by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science & Research (SRSR Committee) on how best to integrate Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and science into government policy development, CBRS submitted a policy brief on, “Immersing and Utilizing Indigenous Knowledges in Policy to Bridge Brain Science with the Future“.

The brief states: the “implementation and application of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge with governmental policy development is imperative for substantial growth in brain research” and outlines a three-pronged approach to incorporate traditional and cultural knowledge into governmental policy development:

• preserving and restoring Indigenous Knowledges;
• guiding and mentoring future knowledge sharers; and
• application of Indigenous Knowledges across transdisciplinary environments.

The brief builds on CBRS’s efforts to amplifying the unique and diverse voices of Indigenous peoples in Canada to enrich brain research, led by our Indigenous Knowledges Holders Group (IKHG). Since its inception, the IKHG has held series of workshops to initiate dialogue on developing relationships and concrete solutions for brain health research with Indigenous Peoples.

As Western science comes to the realization that we must take a collaborative, transdisciplinary, open approach to make real advances in understanding complex systems, we can look to Indigenous Traditional Knowledges for guidance and valuable insights into holistic approaches to health, including the understanding of the brain.

The SRSR Committee is comprised of Members of Parliament across all political parties to allow them to hear from Canadians and experts on issues of national concern on science and research. Read more about their study: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and science into government policy development.

Read our full policy brief here.