CBRS News

Scaling Research for Impact: From Local Insights to Global Solutions At Scaling Research for Impact: Local Insights to Global Solutions, a symposium and workshop at CSPC2024, the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is bringing together global experts and Canadian leaders to explore how research can be scaled to deliver broad health, social, and economic benefits.… Read more: Canadian Science Policy Conference: Brain Health and Research Summit 2024

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… Read more: Advocacy Training Workshop for Researchers – SECOND SESSION ADDED!

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,… Read more: Brain Research Strategy Intern

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 14th, 2024 from 11:00am – 12:30pm PT / 2:00pm – 3:30pm ET. Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/CBRSAdvocacyWorkshop2024… Read more: Advocacy Training Workshop for Researchers

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… Read more: The Globe & Mail: Key Voices in Brain Health and Research Offer Strategy to Cement Canadian Leadership

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:… Read more: Science & Research Parliamentary Committee: CBRS Submission on Integrating Indigenous Traditional Knowledges and Science

In our pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance Canada for Budget 2024, we argue for, “Brain Research: The cornerstone for Canada’s future social-economic wealth.” CBRS, alongside its broad network of stakeholders, recommends the following: That the Government of Canada make research on the brain and mental health a national priority with targeted investment towards… Read more: Budget 2024 Consultations: CBRS Submission to the Department of Finance Canada

Andrew Manitowabi (Mamaateshiins) represented CBRS in a Stakeholder Action Roundtable organized by Research Canada in Ottawa, joining stakeholders across the health research and innovation ecosystem, including key voices from industry, government, postsecondary, civil service, charitable, and research sectors to align our advocacy efforts and effectively strategize for the future. The day featured nineteen speakers representing… Read more: Research Canada — Policy Discussion and Networking Event

[UPDATE] The primary goal for this workshop was to initiate dialogue on developing relationships and concrete solutions for brain health research with Indigenous Peoples. We had a tremendous response to our panelists and discussion. Thank you to the more than 120 participants — researchers, funders, institutions, Indigenous community members, and health service organizations — took… Read more: Two-Eyed Seeing Through Compound Eyes — Virtual Workshop

As part of CBRS’s outreach activities, Dr. Jennie Z. Young spoke at the CERVO Brain Research Centre in Quebec City as part of their annual end-of-year conference. Students, trainees, research associates, early career researchers and senior scientists shared the culmination of a year’s developments in neuroscience, though talks, posters, and networking opportunities. Dr. Young spoke… Read more: CERVO Brain Research Centre Scientific Day 2023

The Quebec Research Center in Neuro-AI (UNIQUE Center) held a year-end event in Montreal to share recent advancements and current excitement in the field of Neuro-AI and to celebrate the successes of the UNIQUE Centre since its launch in 2019. Dr. Jennie Z. Young was invited to deliver opening remarks on the significance of Neuroscience-AI… Read more: UNIQUE — A Celebration of Neuro-AI Research

In a panel discussion at the 2023 Canadian Network of Scientific Platforms conference, Dr. Jennie Z. Young spoke on the pivotal role of scientific platforms in advancing brain research in Canada. Panelists in the “Accelerating Science Through Scientific Platforms” session included: CERVO/Azrieli keynote speaker: Dr. Renee Whan – Head of the Biomedical Imaging Facility University… Read more: Canadian Network of Scientific Platforms 2023 Conference: Panel Presentation

At the annual Canadian Science Policy Centre conference, CBRS convened a panel on the transformative potential of brain research. Panelists discussed the urgent need to harness Canada’s expertise in brain research to address pressing global challenges related to neurological disorders, brain injuries, mental illness, and addiction, highlighting the implications for individual health, societal well-being, and… Read more: Canadian Science Policy Conference 2023: Panel Presentation

The CBRS Annual Leadership meetings on October, 31 and November 8, 2023 brought together more than 40 directors of Canadian brain and mental health research institutes, early- and mid-career researcher leaders, Indigenous Knowledges Holders Group, and patient representatives. Together, the CBRS leadership engaged in reflection, strategic priority discussions for the upcoming year, and ongoing engagement… Read more: 2023 CBRS Annual Leadership Meetings

The CBRS Funders’ Coalition gathered for its third annual meeting on October 30th, 2023 over Zoom. This meeting brought together 21 representatives of 20 research funding organizations in the brain and mental health ecosystem, including local, provincial and federal entities, health charities and other non-profits, industry partners, and private foundations. The organizations in the coalition… Read more: 2023 Annual Funders’ Coalition Meeting

Following the direction of CBRS Leadership, early- and mid-career researchers (E-MCR) have played a pivotal role in shaping our national brain research strategy from the outset. Through two workshops in fall 2020, E-MCR from across the country contributed invaluable insights that led to the key principles in our national strategy, centred around collaborative, transdisciplinary, and… Read more: 2023 Early-to-Mid Career Researchers Meetings

Dr. Jennie Z. Young was invited to attend a conference at the Science Summit of the 78th United Nations General Assembly on “Brain Capital,” a concept that emphasizes the importance of brain health and brain skills to accomplish the world’s socio-economic objectives. This event drew experts from various disciplines, from brain and mental health, education,… Read more: Science Summit @ UN General Assembly 78: Brain Capital Building—Brain Deals To Meet SDGs by 2030 

Dr. Jennie Z. Young was invited by the European Brain Council to join representatives from brain and mental health research organizations from around the world at the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly 78 to solidify global policy efforts in brain research. This meeting builds on progress made in the inaugural Global Partnerships Event… Read more: Science Summit @ UN General Assembly 78: European Brain Council—Brain Health & Research Day

In our pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee (FINA) for Budget 2024, we argue for “Brain Research: The cornerstone for Canada’s future social-economic wealth” CBRS, alongside its broad network of stakeholders, recommends the following: That the Government of Canada make research on the brain and mental health a national priority with targeted… Read more: Budget 2024 Consultations: CBRS Submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee

At the Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN) 16th Meeting, brain researcher leaders including Dr. Jennie Z. Young, executive director of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), came together to discuss opportunities to work together to increase and sustain funding for brain research in Canada, including through a Canadian brain initiative. The panelists were: Dr. Adriana… Read more: CAN 2023 Advocacy Lunch: Stronger together—Building capacity for a Brain Moonshot in Canada

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

For Brain Awareness Week 2023, Dr. Jennie Z. Young was invited to join brain research stakeholders from around the world at a high-level, international event in Brussels, Belgium, organised by the European Brain Council in collaboration with the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). Meeting attendees included representatives… Read more: European Brain Council — Global Partnerships Event

Over the past 8 months, CBRS Indigenous Initiatives has been actively engaging with Indigenous perspectives to ensure their voices are central in shaping Canada’s national brain research strategy. Recognizing the historical silencing of Indigenous voices within colonial structures, CBRS acknowledges the importance of amplifying Indigenous perspectives to enrich brain research. As CBRS aims to foster… Read more: Indigenous Engagement To Shape The National Strategy

At Dalhousie’s Brain Repair Centre’s Research Day, Dr. Jennie Z. Young represented CBRS in a panel discussion on support for neuroscience research in Canada, including funding sustainability and future challenges and opportunities. She also took part in a University Town Hall with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on health care and health systems policy. The panelists… Read more: Brain Repair Centre 2023 Research Day & University Town Hall with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

In our pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance Canada for Budget 2023, we argue that, “Brain Research Must Be a National Priority for the Social, Health, and Economic Advancement of Canada.” CBRS, alongside its broad network of stakeholders, recommends the following: That the Government of Canada make research on the brain and mental health… Read more: Budget 2023 Consultations: CBRS Submission to the Department of Finance Canada

Dr. Jennie Z. Young, the Executive Director of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), was invited to appear before the House of Commons of Canada Standing Committee on Science & Research (SRSR Committee) on January 31st, 2022. Dr. Young spoke on the enormous societal challenge and urgent need to understand the brain – in health,… Read more: Dr. Jennie Z. Young appears before the House of Commons of Canada Standing Committee on Science & Research

The leadership of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) gathered at the CERVO Brain Research Centre in Quebec City for a retreat on November 21-22, 2022, to focus on shaping a national research strategy for brain and mental health. This meeting brought together leaders in brain and mental health research from across the country, including… Read more: 2022 CBRS Leadership Retreat — Quebec City

The CBRS Funders’ Coalition gathered for its second annual meeting, bringing together 25 representatives of 24 research funding organizations in the brain and mental health ecosystem, including local, provincial and federal entities, health charities and other non-profits, industry partners, and private foundations. The organizations in the coalition represent more than 1,300 grants and $340 million… Read more: 2022 Annual Funders’ Coalition Meeting

In our pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee (FINA) for Budget 2023, we argue that, “Brain Research Must Be a National Priority for the Social, Health, and Economic Advancement of Canada.” CBRS, alongside its broad network of stakeholders, recommends the following: That the Government of Canada make research on the brain and… Read more: Budget 2023 Consultations: CBRS Submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee

Background Indigenous Initiatives are a critical part of CBRS to ensure that the unique interests and perspectives of the diverse groups of Indigenous Peoples of Canada are acknowledged, upheld, and implemented throughout all aspects of our work as we build a national strategy for brain research.  Amplifying the unique and diverse voices of Indigenous peoples… Read more: Recruitment for CBRS Indigenous Engagement Sessions

Brain Research Must Be a National Priority for Canada Our brains define who we are, how we behave, what we strive for, and how we interact with each other and our environments. Because our brains are so integral to our capacities to live good lives, brain research bears the promise to improve the lives of… Read more: Newsletter: Brain Research Must Be a National Priority for Canada

Haniya Javed, MS, is the Science Communicator at the Canadian Brain Research Strategy, where she plays a key role in engaging stakeholders across the broad neuroscience and mental health research ecosystem for the CBRS. Ms. Javed manages internal and external communications and authors CBRS public-facing materials, research, and briefings. Throughout her decade-long career working in newsrooms… Read more: Welcome new team member Haniya Javed

Joseph Olajide, PhD, is the Program Manager at the Canadian Brain Research Strategy, where he serves as an organizational and analytical partner in convening internal and external stakeholders. Dr. Olajide brings a passion for advocating for brain science and mental health across all strata of society. He has been engaged in international brain awareness outreach… Read more: Welcome new team member Joseph Olajide

The CBRS is building a collective national strategy to inspire and guide the Canadian government to invest in a major brain research initiative. As CBRS engages various groups of experts to inform the strategy, incorporating the voices of people who live with or have experienced a brain condition and those who support them is of… Read more: Lived Experience Sessions To Shape The National Strategy

CBRS is crafting a series of position papers to inspire and to guide the government to invest in a major brain research initiative for Canada. To this end, we convened more than 150 neuroscience and mental health researchers across the country in a series of virtual roundtable discussions last fall and in May 2022 to… Read more: Researcher Roundtables To Shape The National Strategy

Share your lived experience to inform the Canadian Brain Research Strategy The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is looking for 30-40 people with lived experience with brain conditions to include their feedback into the development of the strategy. CBRS and its partners recommend that Canada establish a national brain research initiative to benefit the neurological… Read more: Shape the future of brain research in Canada!

Andrew Manitowabi, BA, BBA is the Indigenous Strategy Consultant for Brain Wellness, where he seeks to incorporate the duality of Indigeneity and Western being into advocating with underrepresented, vulnerable, and disadvantaged Indigenous peoples. Guiding and learning from the Indigenous Knowledges Holders Group is key to ensure meaningful, authentic, and transformative evolution occurs to achieve the vision set… Read more: Welcome new team member Andrew Manitowabi

Our brains define who we are, how we behave, what we strive for, and how we interact with each other and our environments. Because our brains are so integral to our capacities to live good lives, brain research has the promise to improve the lives of all Canadians. We are at a critical inflection point… Read more: Science & Research Parliamentary Committee: CBRS Submission on Successes, Challenges and Opportunities for Science in Canada

As we launch into 2022, we at CBRS are energized by what we have accomplished together in the past year, in this new phase of the initiative. Thank you all for this tremendous start as we work towards our main objective: To inspire the government to invest in a major brain research initiative for Canada.… Read more: Continuing Our Momentum into 2022

The CBRS organized a panel discussion titled, “A Canadian BRAIN Initiative?” at the Canadian Science Policy Conference on November 25th, 2021. In 2016, the science academies from 14 nations, including Canada, declared: The human brain is civilization’s most precious resource. Investment in brain science is, therefore, an investment in the future of society, and nations… Read more: Canadian Science Policy Conference 2021: A Canadian BRAIN Initiative?

CBRS held a Research Funders’ Roundtable with the aim of connecting funders of brain research to articulate shared needs and vision, as well as to explore synergistic collaborations in shaping the national strategy for brain research. The meeting, held virtually over Zoom, convened 21 heads of organizations funding neuroscience and mental health research across the… Read more: 2021 Research Funders’ Roundtable

Neuroscience-AI is one of six transformative initiatives in the emerging Canadian strategy for brain research. CBRS will be hosting a Q&A session, led by Executive Director Dr. Jennie Young and Dr. Karim Jerbi, lead of the Neuroscience-AI transformative initiative, at the first annual Canadian Symposium for Computation on October 27th, 2021 at 10am PT / 1pm ET… Read more: Canadian Symposium for Computational Neuroscience: “A Framework for Neuroscience-AI in the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.”

The Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) is a coalition of organizations that represent millions of Canadians living with neurological diseases, disorders and injuries. The NHCC is a key long-term partner of CBRS in engaging with patients and ensuring representation as we build a collective vision for brain research and societal impact. The NHCC have recently… Read more: A Call for a Neurological Strategy for Canada

On October 12th, the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) and the International Brain Initiative (IBI) will be hosting a workshop to discuss the future of international neuroscience collaborations. Incoming Chair of the IBI Strategy Committee and CBRS Chair of the Steering Committee, Yves De Koninck, is set to participate as Canada’s IBI… Read more: International Brain Initiative: The Future of Large-Scale Collaboration

Neuroscience-AI is one of six Strategic Priorities in the emerging Canadian strategy for brain research.  CBRS is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Q&A session at the first annual Canadian Symposium for Computation on October 27th, 2021 at 10am PT / 1pm ET titled “A Framework for Neuroscience-AI in the Canadian Brain Research… Read more: Canadian Symposium for Computational Neuroscience: A Framework for Neuroscience-AI in the Canadian Brain Research Strategy

[UPDATE] Thank you to the more than 100 attendees who came to our Townhall and and to those who shared your thoughts on how Canada distinguishes itself in our approach to neuroscience! We appreciate your insights and input as we continue to shape a national strategy for brain research. Please click here for more information on… Read more: CAN-ACN Meeting 2021 — CBRS Townhall

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),… Read more: CBRS Leadership — Strategic Planning Meeting

CBRS held an Indigenous Initiatives Workshop on June 28th, 2021. Including the voices of Indigenous peoples is of paramount importance as we work to forge a unified national strategy for brain research that will benefit all Canadians. In June, CBRS held its first Indigenous Initiatives Workshop with the aim to raise points of consideration and action for… Read more: Indigenous Initiatives Workshop

CBRS held its first Indigenous Initiatives Workshop on June 28, 2021 with the aim to raise points of consideration and action for the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Indigenous Initiatives. The meeting, held virtually over Zoom, brought together more than 60 participants – Indigenous researchers in neuroscience and other fields, non-Indigenous researchers working with Indigenous populations,… Read more: CBRS Indigenous Initiatives — Initial Workshop

The CBRS embarked on envisioning the future of brain research in Canada through two workshops held in August and September 2020, involving 48 early career researchers (ECR) from across the country. These ECR, nominated by CBRS Research Leaders and predominantly Assistant Professors, represented a balanced mix of genders and fields of brain and mental health… Read more: The Canadian Brain Research Strategy: A Focus on Early Career Researchers

Executive summary: The appointment of Dr. Jennie Z. Young as Executive Director of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy marks a new phase in the development of this initiative which aims to link brain research initiatives and projects, public and private funders, and patient organizations across Canada in a uniquely collaborative effort that will push the… Read more: Dr. Jennie Z. Young appointed Executive Director for the Canadian Brain Research Strategy

John Ngai, Ph.D. Director of the NIH BRAIN Initiative recently shared the following news: The recently authorized Omnibus Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2021 provides $42.9 billion for NIH, an increase of $1.25 billion (or 1.5%) above fiscal year 2020. This appropriation includes $560 million for the NIH BRAIN Initiative, a $60 million increase over… Read more: US Congress Passes Budget Bill: NIH BRAIN Initiative Receives $60M in Additional Funds for Fiscal Year 2021

The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health Annual Report includes a feature on Judy Illes and her work with the Canadian Brain Research Strategy team When it comes to studying the brain, it’s essential to consider the many ethical questions that often arise. Neuroethics Canada is a research group that’s part of the DMCBH and… Read more: The Canadian Brain Strategy featured in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health Annual Report

A pan-Canadian team of researchers has secured a $1.5 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to develop a strategy to position the advancement of knowledge about the brain as a national research priority and support the creation of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network. This network will coordinate Canada’s participation in the… Read more: $1.5 million to develop a Canadian brain research strategy