CBRS Brain Strategy Coalition Retreat in Ottawa

On November 20, 2024, during the Canadian Science Policy Conference, CBRS convened coalition leaders and partners from across research, health charities, patient groups, funders, and industry for a Strategic Retreat in Ottawa.

The retreat brought together diverse voices from across the brain and mental health ecosystem to reflect on progress to date and chart the path ahead. CBRS shared updates on ongoing initiatives — including Indigenous-led priorities — and outlined next steps for advancing the national strategy.

The afternoon underscored the value of gathering the coalition in one place: creating space for connections across sectors and building momentum for the future of brain health and research in Canada.

Brain Research Strategy Intern

We are seeking an intern for a full-time, six-month contract to support two key projects at CBRS: 1) a survey of scientific platforms and training programs across Canada; and 2) Research to inform science policy for a proposed Canadian brain research initiative.

The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with an MSc. or PhD. in Neuroscience, Psychology or a related field. As part of the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) Internship Program, this competitive paid position provides a unique training opportunity to develop valuable “beyond the bench” skills through mentorship and hands-on experience, while building valuable connections in the brain research ecosystem.

Position Details:

  • Job Type: Full-time (1 FTE), six-month contract
  • Salary: $25/hour
  • Location: Hybrid, Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) offices, Toronto, ON
  • Hours: Flexible; may occasionally require attendance at after-hours meetings or events, with lieu time as compensation
  • Start Date: Immediate

This position offers flexible hours and provides hands-on experience in science policy, project management, research, and data analysis. For the complete job description, download it here.

To apply, please send your resume with cover letter/email to careers@canadianbrain.ca no later than Tuesday, May 21th, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

MCCHE Precision Convergence Series Webinar: Modelling Trajectories of Brain Health & Aging

CBRS joined a discussion on leveraging science, technology, on-the-ground action and policy to solve global problems including understanding the brain in health, disease and aging. Keynote speaker Randy McIntosh, PhD, professor of neuroscience at Simon Fraser University kicked off the event with a presentation on modelling trajectories in brain health and aging. His research program aims to develop a unified theory of brain operation and involves the large-scale analysis and modelling of brain data. A part of CBRS vision for a Canadian Brain Research Initiative, investments in infrastructure, including technology and data platforms that enable high-impact brain research, and personnel trained in transdisciplinary research, will be essential.

The event was organized by the Dr. Laurette Dubé, PhD – Chair and Scientific Director of the McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE) and Dr. Sergiu Sanielevici, PhD – Director, Support for Scientific Applications at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center as part of the Precision Convergence Webinar Series. MCCHE is a virtual world network of scientist, action and policy leaders aiming to scale solutions to global challenges through digital-powered interdisciplinary science.

The panelists on this dynamic and interactive panel discussion, structured in a small group format, brought diverse perspectives and expertise to the table:

  • Dr. Randy McIntosh, PhD – Director, Institute for Neuroscience & Neurotechnology, Simon Fraser University
  • Dr. Michael J. Frank, PhD – Professor, Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University
  • Dr. Georg Northoff, MD, PhD – Canada Research Chair for Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa
  • Dr. Lauren Ross, MD, PhD – Associate Professor, Logic and Philosophy of Science, University of California, Irvine
  • Dr. Jennie Z. Young, PhD – Executive Director, CBRS
  • Dr. Philip Blood, PhD – Scientific Director, Pittsburgh Supcomputing Center
  • Dr. Shawn Brown, PhD – Senior Director, HPE Cray Programming Environment, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise