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
