Latest news with #BrainCanada
Cision Canada
6 hours ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Over $7.7M in Ontario-Based Platforms to Advance Open Science and Brain Health Innovation Français
Two cutting-edge platforms at CAMH and Western University aim to accelerate AI-driven brain research and global data sharing TORONTO, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Brain Canada is pleased to announce an investment of more than $7.7 million to support two innovative research platforms based in Ontario that will drive forward brain health discovery, data sharing, and open science collaboration. Funded through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), a visionary partnership between Brain Canada and the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, these two projects will provide Canadian and international researchers with the tools and infrastructure they need to transform how brain disorders are studied, understood, and treated. "Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, the Government of Canada is pleased to support these two essential and innovative research initiatives, which will help drive new discoveries and improve care for people affected by neurological conditions," said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. The newly supported platforms are the Brain Health Data Challenge (BHDC) platform, led by Dr. Tristan Glatard at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Mesoscopic Integrated Neuroimaging Data (MIND) Platform, led by Dr. Ali Khan at Western University. "Canada is at the forefront of a global shift toward open science in brain research," said Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "These two platforms exemplify how we can responsibly share data, scale innovation, and build collaborative networks to unlock the full potential of neuroscience and AI." ABOUT THE PROJECTS Building Reproducible AI Frameworks for Brain Health with the Brain Health Data Challenge Platform Tristan Glatard, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) (Grant total: $4.9M) With vast amounts of brain health data now available, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we understand, diagnose, and treat neurological conditions. However, data privacy regulations often prevent this information from being used in open AI challenges—a key method that has already accelerated innovation in fields like cancer and medical imaging. The BHDC platform will create a secure, privacy-compliant framework to enable AI competitions using Canadian brain health data. By unlocking these datasets for responsible and collaborative use, the platform will foster the development of reproducible and equitable AI models, helping clinicians tailor treatments and improve care for people living with brain disorders. "With this transformative investment from Brain Canada, CAMH is proud to lead the development of a secure and robust framework for ethical AI in mental health," said Dr. Aristotle Voineskos, SVP of Research and Science, CAMH. "The Brain Health Data Challenge will empower researchers globally to address complex brain health questions using advanced data science—while upholding the highest standards of privacy and equity. By enabling predictive, reproducible AI for serious mental illness, we move closer to better care, earlier interventions and improved quality of life." The Mesoscopic Integrated Neuroimaging Data (MIND) Platform Ali Khan, Western University (Grant total: $2.9 million) The MIND Platform combines ultra-powerful MRI and lightsheet microscopy, which enables researchers to see the brain's structure and activity in unprecedented detail. By linking images of living brains with detailed microscopy of brain tissue, scientists can gain deeper insights into how diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's progress, affect brain circuits, and can be treated. The MIND Platform builds on two internationally recognized imaging facilities at Western University to create a centralized, standardized repository for high-resolution brain tissue data. Through a user-friendly online portal, researchers around the world will be able to send brain tissue for imaging and access powerful tools to analyze the data—without requiring advanced infrastructure at every site. By adopting global data standards and a robust open science framework, the MIND Platform will fuel national and international collaboration, enabling deeper understanding of brain structure, function, and disease. "Western is internationally recognized for its strengths in neuroimaging, with a long history of innovation and collaboration," said Robert Bartha, Vice Dean of Research and Innovation at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. "The MIND Platform builds on that foundation, pairing powerful imaging technologies with open science to push the boundaries of how we explore and understand the brain." Together, these platforms mark a major step forward in Canada's leadership in brain research, making it easier for scientists to share knowledge, build on each other's work, and transform brain health through open, data-driven innovation. About Brain Canada Brain Canada is a national charitable organization that enables and supports excellent, innovative, and collaborative brain research in Canada. Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, a public-private partnership with the Government of Canada through Health Canada, Brain Canada funds initiatives that advance knowledge, drive innovation, and accelerate the development of diagnostics, treatments, and cures. About the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental illness and addiction. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. For more information, please visit or follow @CAMHnews on Bluesky and LinkedIn. About Western University Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. CAMH [email protected] Western University Crystal Mackay Director, Media Relations m. 519-933-5944 e. [email protected] Brain Canada Kate Shingler, Senior Director, Strategic Communications [email protected] 514-550-8308 SOURCE Brain Canada
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Major investment for The Royal Clinical Brain Research Centre to understand mental illness, addiction
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre unveiled one of the world's most advanced brain imaging technology to better understand mental illness and addiction. (Kimberley Fowler/ CTV News Ottawa) On Thursday, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre unveiled one of the world's most advanced brain imaging technology to better understand mental illness and addiction. It's a state-of-the-art neuroimaging platform, promising to put Canada at the forefront of global brain research. In partnership with Brain Canada, The Royal is announcing a $1.9 million grant to launch a first-of-its-kind brain imaging platform in Canada, giving researchers a new look inside the brain and creating the opportunity to transform mental health research. Brain Canada president and CEO, Dr. Viviane Poupon says: 'I'm a neuroscientist by training, so for me to see the future of neuroscience, the breakthroughs that are going to happen, and building capacity for the researchers, for me is always amazing.' 'We're super excited to get to continue to grow this facility,' said Katie Dinelle, The Royal's administrative director of the Clinical Brain Research Centre. 'It has been here since 2016, and this is a big 'next step' for us.' The state-of-the-art neuroimaging platform allows researchers to scan the brain three ways at once. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides detailed images of the brain, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) acts a radioactive tracer to show brain activity and function, and an EEG (Electroencephalography) to measure electrical activity in the brain in real time. Only three teams in the world use this brain scanning technology for an unprecedented look at how the brain works. 'The idea with this grant is to combine all three of those imaging modalities to give us a very whole picture of the brain,' said Dinelle. Dr. Georg Northoff, senior scientist at The Royal and Psychiatry professor at the University of Ottawa says 'with depression you're extremely sad, you have anxiety disorders, also your sense of self can be very different, or you see yourself only as negative. So, understanding the basic mental brain-mind connection for basic mental features also implies that we can learn something from mental disorders.' The multi-modal imaging will also help researchers improve diagnostics and personalized treatments for mental health patients.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Major Investment to Transform Mental Health Research
OTTAWA, ON, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Brain Canada is proud to announce its support for the development of the Brain Imaging Centre Advanced Multi-modal neuroimaging Platform for Psychiatry (BIC-AMPP) at The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group's BIC. Through its 2024 Platform Support Grants (PSG) program, Brain Canada is partnering with The Royal to invest $1.9 million in this groundbreaking initiative, which will integrate multiple brain imaging modalities to revolutionize mental health research. Led by Dr. Georg Northoff of the University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), the BIC-AMPP project brings together experts in MRI, PET, and EEG imaging to unlock the complex biochemical, structural, and functional changes associated with mental illness. This rare and technically advanced platform will allow researchers to simultaneously capture a more thorough and integrated picture of the brain, laying the groundwork for improved diagnostics and personalized treatments. "This investment represents a step-change in the capabilities of our team and our infrastructure, positioning Canada at the forefront of brain imaging research for mental health," said Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, President and CEO of the IMHR and vice-president of research at The Royal. "Simultaneous tri-modal imaging is only being actively pursued in two other centres in the world, yet offers endless possibilities with the right technology and skills." "This platform will enable us to link brain structure, chemistry, and function in real time," said Katie Dinelle, Administrative Director of The Royal's Clinical Brain Research Centre. "It will give us a more complete picture of mental illness and open new doors for discovery." "Mental health research has long been limited by our inability to fully understand how the brain's structure, chemistry, and function interact," said Dr. Georg Northoff, lead Principal Investigator for the BIC-AMPP. "By integrating multiple imaging modalities in a single platform, we can finally start to connect the dots. This will help us move beyond fragmented insights toward a more holistic understanding of mental illness—one that can inform better, more personalized treatments." The BIC-AMPP platform is designed to foster collaboration among scientists and provide unprecedented access to simultaneous multi-modal imaging, positioning The Royal as a hub for innovation and knowledge mobilization. Supported by expert scientific staff and a secure, open-access data-sharing infrastructure, the platform will accelerate discoveries that improve mental health care in Canada and beyond. Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "The BIC-AMPP represents a major leap forward in our ability to understand mental illness and develop personalized treatments. Brain Canada is proud to support this visionary platform, which underlines Canada's position as a global leader in brain imaging research." Brain Canada is contributing over $18 million in this year's PSG program through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), funded by Health Canada, as well as matching donations from sponsors for a total investment of $36.8 million. By enabling access to cutting-edge tools and specialized skills beyond the reach of individual researchers, the PSG program plays a vital role in strengthening the research landscape. "Research and innovation deepen our understanding, unlock new treatments, and improve quality of life for people affected by mental illness," said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. "Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, the Government of Canada is pleased to support this initiative, bringing together experts from different fields to accelerate discoveries that will improve mental health care for Canadians." Over the coming weeks, Brain Canada will unveil the full list of 14 research platforms selected to receive PSG funding. The total investment of $36.8 million represents a major step forward in Canada's ability to support cutting-edge brain research and improve outcomes for people living with brain-disorders. For more information, please visit The Royal is one of Canada's foremost mental health care, teaching, and research hospitals and is home to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Brockville Mental Health Centre, the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health and the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with complex mental illness and addictions. Learn more about The Royal, our services, and our impact. SOURCE Brain Canada View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Major Investment to Transform Mental Health Research Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Brain Canada is proud to announce its support for the development of the Brain Imaging Centre Advanced Multi-modal neuroimaging Platform for Psychiatry (BIC-AMPP) at The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group's BIC. Through its 2024 Platform Support Grants (PSG) program, Brain Canada is partnering with The Royal to invest $1.9 million in this groundbreaking initiative, which will integrate multiple brain imaging modalities to revolutionize mental health research. Led by Dr. Georg Northoff of the University of Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), the BIC-AMPP project brings together experts in MRI, PET, and EEG imaging to unlock the complex biochemical, structural, and functional changes associated with mental illness. This rare and technically advanced platform will allow researchers to simultaneously capture a more thorough and integrated picture of the brain, laying the groundwork for improved diagnostics and personalized treatments. "This investment represents a step-change in the capabilities of our team and our infrastructure, positioning Canada at the forefront of brain imaging research for mental health," said Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, President and CEO of the IMHR and vice-president of research at The Royal. "Simultaneous tri-modal imaging is only being actively pursued in two other centres in the world, yet offers endless possibilities with the right technology and skills." "This platform will enable us to link brain structure, chemistry, and function in real time," said Katie Dinelle, Administrative Director of The Royal's Clinical Brain Research Centre. "It will give us a more complete picture of mental illness and open new doors for discovery." "Mental health research has long been limited by our inability to fully understand how the brain's structure, chemistry, and function interact," said Dr. Georg Northoff, lead Principal Investigator for the BIC-AMPP. "By integrating multiple imaging modalities in a single platform, we can finally start to connect the dots. This will help us move beyond fragmented insights toward a more holistic understanding of mental illness—one that can inform better, more personalized treatments." The BIC-AMPP platform is designed to foster collaboration among scientists and provide unprecedented access to simultaneous multi-modal imaging, positioning The Royal as a hub for innovation and knowledge mobilization. Supported by expert scientific staff and a secure, open-access data-sharing infrastructure, the platform will accelerate discoveries that improve mental health care in Canada and beyond. Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "The BIC-AMPP represents a major leap forward in our ability to understand mental illness and develop personalized treatments. Brain Canada is proud to support this visionary platform, which underlines Canada's position as a global leader in brain imaging research." Brain Canada is contributing over $18 million in this year's PSG program through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), funded by Health Canada, as well as matching donations from sponsors for a total investment of $36.8 million. By enabling access to cutting-edge tools and specialized skills beyond the reach of individual researchers, the PSG program plays a vital role in strengthening the research landscape. "Research and innovation deepen our understanding, unlock new treatments, and improve quality of life for people affected by mental illness," said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. "Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, the Government of Canada is pleased to support this initiative, bringing together experts from different fields to accelerate discoveries that will improve mental health care for Canadians." Over the coming weeks, Brain Canada will unveil the full list of 14 research platforms selected to receive PSG funding. The total investment of $36.8 million represents a major step forward in Canada's ability to support cutting-edge brain research and improve outcomes for people living with brain-disorders. For more information, please visit The Royal is one of Canada's foremost mental health care, teaching, and research hospitals and is home to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Brockville Mental Health Centre, the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health and the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with complex mental illness and addictions. Learn more about The Royal, our services, and our impact.
Malaysian Reserve
13-06-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
UBC researchers awarded more than $6.5 million from Brain Canada to advance neuroscience research
VANCOUVER, BC, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ – UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers have been awarded more than $6.5 million from Brain Canada's Platform Support Grants program to support two pioneering neuroscience research platforms. The funding will help accelerate discovery and foster open science, positioning Canada at the forefront of global brain and spine health innovation. The two newly funded platforms are: International Spinal Cord Injury Biobank (ISCIB): Promoting Global Spinal Cord Injury Research Through Human Biobanking, led by Dr. Brian Kwon, which will expand access to vital human biological samples for spinal cord injury research, enabling researchers worldwide to advance treatments and improve outcomes for Grant Awarded: $1,866,750 The University of British Columbia Genes, Cells and Circuits (UBC-GC2) Platform for Next-Generation Multiscale Brain Research, led by Dr. Mark Cembrowski, which will integrate state-of-the-art technologies to map brain function and connectivity from molecules to entire circuits, unlocking insights into complex brain Grant Awarded: $4,845,000 'This platform represents a critical step toward advancing spinal cord injury research globally,' said Dr. Brian Kwon, a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and the Director of ICORD. 'By providing access to high-quality human biosamples, we're enabling researchers worldwide to develop and test new treatments that could dramatically improve quality of life for patients.' 'With the UBC-GC2 platform, we're bridging the gap between molecular biology and systems neuroscience,' said Dr. Mark Cembrowski, an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences. 'By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we'll be able to study brain function at an unprecedented scale and resolution. This will not only advance our understanding of brain disorders but also open new avenues for treatments.' These platforms exemplify UBC's commitment to advancing neuroscience and fostering collaboration within and beyond Canada's borders. 'The UBC neuroscience community is grateful for Brain Canada's continued support,' said Dr. Lynn Raymond, Co-Director of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC. 'These investments will strengthen our capacity to deliver world-class research and transform brain health for people across the lifespan.' Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: 'By supporting these cutting-edge platforms, Brain Canada is building the infrastructure that will accelerate brain and spinal cord research and foster open science collaboration. We're proud to partner with UBC to drive innovations that will impact millions of lives.' These two platforms are part of Brain Canada's broader Platform Support Grants (PSG) initiative, which has already invested in numerous projects across Canada to empower researchers with shared tools, data resources, and collaborative opportunities. The full list of funded platforms will be unveiled later this month. Brain Canada is contributing over $18 million in this year's PSG program through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), funded by Health Canada, as well as matching donations from sponsors for a total investment of $36.8 million. By enabling access to cutting-edge tools and specialized skills beyond the reach of individual researchers, the PSG program plays a vital role in strengthening the research landscape. 'Research and innovation are essential to unlocking new treatments, improving recovery, and enhancing quality of life for people affected by brain health issues and injuries,' said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. 'Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, the Government of Canada is very pleased to support these new neuroscience research platforms, which bring together experts from different fields, integrate cutting-edge technologies and focus on improving patient outcomes.'
