Brain Canada disbursed $38.3 million toward brain research this year, working with 118 active partners to support 421 researchers nationwide, fund 157 grants across 29 competitions, and launch 11 new programs.
That funding is producing widely cited peer-reviewed research, with some discoveries advancing into patents, licences, and spin-off companies. An independent analysis also found that scientists who participate in Brain Canada’s capacity-building programs are securing academic positions earlier than their peers and staying in research for the long term.
This year also brought a change in leadership. France Chrétien Desmarais became Chair of Brain Canada’s Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Naomi Azrieli, who led the organization for eight years, and will remain on the Board in the role of Immediate Past Chair. Dr. Azrieli’s tenure included establishing the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program with the Azrieli Foundation, which has supported 131 scientists to date. These early career researchers have since attracted $101 million in additional funding. This year, Dr. Azrieli and her family made a $5 million endowment to Brain Canada.
Beyond the lab, an Ottawa bike ride, a community walk, a gala, and other events across Canada brought people together in support of brain research. Each contribution, large and small, helped drive the collective effort that is moving brain health forward.
