The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is proud to be featured in Hill Times Health, highlighting its leadership in developing an impactful Canadian Brain Research Initiative. The article, authored by Executive Editor Tessie Sanci, explores CBRS’s efforts to unite diverse stakeholders and advocates for sustained investment to address pressing challenges in brain and mental health research.
A collaborative strategy to transform brain health
The feature emphasizes CBRS’s unique role as a unifying force in Canada’s research ecosystem. CBRS Executive Director Dr. Jennie Z. Young describes the organization as an “objective third party,” facilitating collaboration among research leaders, policymakers, Indigenous Knowledges Holders, people with lived experience, industry, and research funders.
CBRS is advocating for federal funding to create a long-term, stable framework that fosters coordination and collaboration across the brain and mental health research ecosystem. Dr. Young highlights the critical need for strategic and sustained funding to ensure Canada maintains its position as a global leader in brain research while addressing the fact that 7.5 million Canadians live with brain conditions.
Making brain research a national priority
Dr. Young underscores the interconnected nature of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. She emphasizes that Canada’s fragmented funding system often leaves complex, interdisciplinary fields like brain research without adequate support. A unified national strategy, she argues, is essential to bridge these gaps and scale research for maximum impact.
Addressing Canada’s research funding challenges
The article also delves into systemic challenges facing Canada’s research community, including lagging federal investment compared to G7 peers. While Canada invests 1.7% of GDP in research and development, the U.S. and U.K. invest 3.5% and 2.9%, respectively. This underfunding, coupled with a lack of stable, long-term grants, contributes to a brain drain of talent, with many Canadian-trained researchers leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Dr. Young explains, “We subsidize our post-secondary education so much, and then we’re just losing [researchers].” She likens the current system to staffing a federal bureaucracy with entry-level employees, as researchers often leave just as they reach their full potential.
A vision for the future
CBRS’s advocacy reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier, more innovative Canada. As the Hill Times Health article notes, CBRS’s proposed initiative could not only address pressing health challenges but also position Canada as a global leader in brain research, ensuring that discoveries benefit generations to come.
Learn More
The full article, Federal dollars for brain research strategy is good for brain health and keeping researchers in Canada, says advocate, is available behind a paywall on Hill Times Health’s website.