Government of Canada and Brain Canada Foundation announce 18 new brain research projects

TORONTO, April 25, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ – Brain diseases and disorders are the leading cause of disability, directly affecting one in three Canadians as well as millions of family members, friends, colleagues and caregivers. The Government of Canada recognizes the significant impact on the health of Canadians, and supports Canadian research on the brain and related diseases and disorders.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, announced 18 new brain research projects, involving over 200 researchers, under the Canada Brain Research Fund, a public-private research fund administered by the Brain Canada Foundation. The Minister made the announcement following a meeting organized by the Brain Canada Foundation, which brought together leaders and experts in cerebral health research from across the country.

Through the Canada Brain Research Fund, a total of $29 million in public-private brain research funding will be awarded to 18 recipients across Canada. The Government of Canada provided more than $14 million towards the projects, which will help to improve the health and quality of life of Canadians affected by brain diseases and disorders, such as depression, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, autism and Parkinson’s disease.

Quotes

“Brain-related illnesses have a profound impact on patients and their families as well as health care professionals. Research in the field of brain health is critical to the well-being of many Canadians. I applaud the scientists who are making real strides in neuroscience in this country. Their research brings hope to the millions of Canadians affected by brain diseases and disorders, as well as to their loved ones.”

Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

“Canada is home to some of the world’s foremost neuroscientists and we have the potential to lead the way in brain research. My engagement with the Brain Foundation Canada started in 2012 when the Azrieli Foundation partnered to create a significant granting program in the area of neurodevelopment. This partnership benefited from the federal government’s 1:1 match and highlighted Brain Canada’s essential role in supporting and advancing neuroscience in this country. The brain is often called the ‘final frontier’ of science, and I see Canada’s researchers as innovative pioneers pushing out the boundaries of this frontier.”

Naomi Azrieli
Board Chair, Brain Canada Foundation

Quick Facts

• Through Budgets 2011 and 2016, the Government of Canada has committed up to $120 million to the Canada Brain Research Fund, a public-private fund administered by the Brain Canada Foundation.
• Neurological conditions affect an estimated 3.6 million Canadians.
• With the support of the Canada Brain Research Fund, researchers in Canada’s hospitals and universities are striving to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat brain diseases and disorders.

Associated Links

Brain Canada Foundation list of funded projects

SOURCE Health Canada  

For further information: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations: Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866 225-0709

http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-and-brain-canada-foundation-announce-18-new-brain-research-projects-620388403.html