On June 29th, a strategic planning meeting was organized by the CBRS Secretariat with the aim to unite and translate the vision for a national brain research strategy into action. The meeting, held virtually over Zoom, was well attended, with almost 50 participants from our Conference of Neuroscience Leaders, cluster of early career researchers (ECR), members of our Indigenous Knowledges Holders Group, representatives of patients and people with lived experience (PWLE), and including meeting facilitators.
The meeting identified six strategic priorities that represent the guiding values of a collaborative, transdisciplinary, and open approach to brain research that allows Canada to be a leader and role model on the international stage. Nominated Champions of each strategic priority gave a brief presentation and remit on the topic followed by two rounds of small group discussions and reporting back to the plenary.
The resultant collective national vision for brain research and societal impact will be fleshed in the production of position papers from each respective task force. Research Leaders oversee the delivery of information to their respective constituents and will keep them fully apprised to ensure diverse representation in all CBRS activities. Tangible next steps in building consensus across sectors include continued group and one-on-one outreach to key stakeholders including Indigenous Peoples, patients and PWLE, and research funders across the country
