This year, as we consider the future of Brain Canada, we also reflect on the leadership that has brought us to this moment, and the role we must play in shaping what comes next for the country. I would like to recognize Dr. Naomi Azrieli, our Immediate Past Chair, whose vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our Foundation.
Over eight years of exceptional leadership, Dr. Azrieli guided the organization through a period of transformative growth. She strengthened partnerships, expanded ambitious funding programs, and elevated the national conversation around brain health and research. Her belief in the power of bold science has helped position Brain Canada as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration across the country.
Perhaps most importantly, she championed the next generation of scientific leaders. Through initiatives such as the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program, Naomi helped create pathways for emerging researchers to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas, work that is already shaping the future of brain health and strengthening Canada’s research capacity.
At Brain Canada, we are guided by a simple but urgent truth: the brain is extraordinary, but it is also irreplaceable. We have one brain for life, and its health shapes every aspect of who we are. This reality calls us to act with focus and ambition. It is not enough to advance knowledge alone. We must support the breakthroughs that will transform lives, deepen understanding, and turn scientific progress into tangible improvements for people across Canada.
A new era of science is taking shape, more connected, more interdisciplinary, and more focused on real-world impact. Canada-wide, there is a growing imperative to develop talent, accelerate innovation, and translate research into meaningful change.
Building on this strong foundation, Brain Canada will continue to invest in the people and ideas that will shape the future of brain health for all Canadians.
France Chrétien Desmarais Brain Canada Chair
Our Mission: Accelerating, amplifying, and funding brain research across Canada
As we look to the future of science, we are focused on advancing discovery while ensuring that research drives meaningful, life-changing action. At Brain Canada, that starts with investing in people, and the results are clear.
This year, an independent analysis of our capacity-building programs confirmed the strength of that approach. The majority of those we support go on to careers in research intensive fields, with many advancing quickly into leadership roles. Compared to their peers, Brain Canada-supported researchers are more likely to secure academic positions early and to progress to long-term research careers. These outcomes reflect the power of early investment in talent and the importance of creating the conditions for bold ideas to thrive.
Together, this growing community is strengthening Canada’s research ecosystem and accelerating progress in brain health. They are not only advancing knowledge but also translating discovery into tangible benefits for people and families from coast to coast to coast.
This year also marks an important moment of transition and renewal. I am pleased to welcome France Chrétien Desmarais as Chair of our Board of Directors. Her leadership, informed by deep experience across governance, philanthropy, and innovation, will help propel Brain Canada into its next chapter. With her guidance, we are well positioned to build on our momentum, expand our partnerships, and deepen our impact in Canada and beyond.
The future of science will be defined by collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and speed. Brain Canada will continue to invest in the people and ideas that drive this progress, turning discovery into meaningful change.
Together, we are shaping a future where science delivers on its promise.
*as reported in the ClinicalTrials.gov database, includes both interventional and observational trials, as well as both actual and estimated participants reported.
Nearly two in three Canadians will experience a brain condition in their lifetime, touching almost every family. The treatments of tomorrow are being discovered today, and may one day make all the difference for someone we love.
At Brain Canada, our mission is to accelerate the research that brings these breakthroughs within reach. By investing in bold, innovative science at the frontiers of brain health, we empower researchers, clinicians, and communities to pursue answers and ultimately, cures.
Together, we are advancing understanding, amplifying impact, and building a future where better brain health is within reach for all.
About the CBRF: Brain Canada is integral to the entire Canadian brain research ecosystem. We bring together partners and donors to fund hundreds of researchers across the country. Our work is made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada.
Turning Research into Results
Brain Canada invests in research with a clear purpose: to drive meaningful change. Impact is realized when discoveries translate into better health outcomes, inform policy and practice, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life.
By supporting collaboration across researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and people with lived experience, we are part of getting knowledge shared, adopted, and put into action.
How Impact Happens
Connections Forward
Advancing Brain Research Coast to Coast
Across the country, Brain Canada supports a dynamic network of researchers and teams whose work spans regions and disciplines. This pan-Canadian reach strengthens collaboration, builds capacity, and accelerates discoveries that improve brain health nationwide.
Our Canada-wide network of supported researchers
Grants Awarded in 2025/26
Engaging Canada, Empowering Knowledge
Brain Canada President and CEO Viviane Poupon moderated the Amazing Brain Science Talks.
Amazing Brain Science Talks | Montreal
In Montreal, Brain Canada brought science to the public through the Amazing Brain Science Talks, convening leading researchers, clinicians, and advocates. By pairing cutting-edge discoveries with lived experience, the event made brain science accessible, fostering understanding and empowering Canadians to see how research shapes everyday health and well-being.
Dr. Richard Reznick previously served as the Vice President of Science, Healthcare and Research at the Azrieli Foundation. He retired in June 2025.
Future Leaders Satellite Event | Toronto
At the Canadian Association for Neuroscience conference in Toronto, Brain Canada convened early-career researchers through its Future Leaders Satellite Event. This national forum enabled knowledge exchange, collaboration, and mentorship, strengthening connections across disciplines and institutions while elevating the next generation of scientific leaders driving innovation in brain research.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health MP Maggie Chi spoke at the AI + Neuroscience Parliamentary Briefing in Ottawa.
AI + Neuroscience Parliamentary Briefing | Ottawa
In Ottawa, Brain Canada convened experts and policymakers for a parliamentary briefing on AI and neuroscience. Informed by pan-Canadian consultations, the initiative outlined strategic opportunities to advance innovation, strengthen investment, and position Canada to lead globally at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company in Ottawa has long used its annual charity bike ride to rally the community around an important cause. This year, the event felt especially close to home. Co-owner Rob McIsaac recently lost his father to dementia, deepening the team’s connection to brain research. On September 28, riders followed a 60 km route through the city, some pedalling in memory of loved ones, others simply showing up in solidarity. Together, they turned a Sunday ride into a powerful show of support for those affected by neurological conditions.
Brain Canada Immediate Past Chair Dr. Naomi Azrieli
A Legacy that Endures
During her eight years as Chair, Dr. Naomi Azrieli helped to transform Brain Canada into a nationally recognized leader in brain research. A defining moment came this past year, when she and her family established a $5M endowment, ensuring that Brain Canada will continue to fund bold research for many years to come. A highlight of Dr. Azrieli’s remarkable tenure was the establishment of the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program through an anchor donation from the Azrieli Foundation. To date, the program has supported 131 scientists who have attracted $101M in additional funding.
Toronto-based personal trainer Philippe Marsan, known as Functional Phil, couldn’t find a community walk that fit his vision, so he created one. On October 26, supporters gathered at Riverdale Farm for the inaugural Functional Phil Community Walk. For Phil, supporting Brain Canada was a natural fit. He has long believed that movement is medicine, and brain health sits at the core of the work he does with his clients every day. What began as a simple idea became a meaningful event, bringing people together in support of groundbreaking brain research.
Brain Canada’s Night of the Explorers gala brought together supporters from across the country for an evening of science, story, and shared purpose. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, $2.1 million was raised to advance the most urgent questions in neuroscience today. The evening was an impactful reminder of what philanthropy makes possible, with scientists pursuing the unknown, patients experiencing life-changing results, and a community united in its commitment to unlocking the full potential of the brain. This support helps ensure that the brightest minds can pursue the discoveries that will change lives.
Dr. Naomi Azrieli and Brain Canada Chair France Chrétien Desmarais
Senior Director, Strategic Communications Kate Shingler with renowned photojournalist and essential tremor disorder patient Kirk Neff and wife Wendy Neff
More than 300 guests gathered at the Art Gallery of Ontario for the Night of the Explorers event in support of brain research
Brain Canada Director Mark Krembil with the amazing mentalist team ‘The Sentimentalists’ Jason Baney and Steffi Kay
