2023-24 Annual Report
How do we navigate the infinite complexity of the brain? By being infinitely determined.
Infinite Pathways, One Path Forward.
In this year’s report, we explore our commitment to understanding the brain’s intricate workings. Its many pathways mirror our efforts—complex, interconnected, and vital. Through innovative research programs and strategic partnerships, our team has made significant progress this year in unlocking the mysteries of the brain and improving health outcomes for people living with neurological conditions. With $39.2 million disbursed to research for this period, we remain dedicated to our mission of accelerating, amplifying, and funding big, bold, brain science.
For over 25 years, Brain Canada has been a champion in understanding the brain, in health and illness. The timeline below illustrates how we got here.
Endless Impacts
A Year of Resounding Milestones
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024
- 22 peer review panels
- 110 grants awarded
-
66,602
citations* of Brain
Canada‑funded
publications
*cumulative since 2011 - 34 Indigenous and Black scholars empowered through targeted partnered programs
- 10 new programs launched
-
86
clinicians and researchers
who took part in Brain
Canada-led peer
review panels - 54 institutions supported
- 25 competitions launched
-
16
active clinical trials supported by
Brain Canada and its partners
(as reported in the ClinicalTrials.gov database) - 183 researchers supported
-
382
peer-reviewed publications
resulting from Brain
Canada funding -
2,438
people accessing
Brain Canada-funded
clinical trials
(as reported in the ClinicalTrials.gov database) -
383
students, trainees,
and highly qualified
personnel engaged - $39.2M invested in research
Perpetual Pride
Our Leaders Voice Everlasting Appreciation
Brain Canada Chair
A Powerful Investment in Momentum
I am delighted to present this year’s annual report, celebrating the transformative impact of the Government of Canada’s investment in brain research through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF). At Brain Canada, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing neuroscience and neurotechnology, aiming to unravel the complexities of the human brain as well as improve lives across the country—and around the world.
“Our investments are driving discoveries that will reshape health care and enhance quality of life for all.”
This year, we invested $39.2 million in research, supported 187 researchers, and launched 25 competitions. The scale of our engagement is truly remarkable: be sure to review our Endless Impacts section on pages 4-5 for the full assessment of our achievements.
This year marks a pivotal moment as we reflect on the profound outcomes made possible by your unwavering support. With the new envelope of $80 million awarded by the Government of Canada in Budget 2024, which we will match for a total investment of $160 million in research, Brain Canada will continue to catalyze groundbreaking research initiatives and foster collaboration among top researchers, clinicians, and institutions. From understanding neurological disorders to developing innovative treatments, our investments are driving discoveries that will reshape health care and enhance quality of life for all.
The value of our collective efforts cannot be overstated. By prioritizing brain research, we are not only unlocking new insights into brain function and dysfunction—we are empowering communities with knowledge and hope. Through our signature programs and strategic funding, we have enabled pioneering projects that push the boundaries of scientific inquiry and translate findings into tangible solutions.
Together, we are laying the pathway for a future where brain health is prioritized and supported across all sectors of society.
Warm regards,
Naomi Azrieli, OC, DPhil
Brain Canada President & CEO
Connecting The Dots, Connecting Each Other
As President and CEO of Brain Canada, I know that our impact on the brain health of people in Canada is due in large part to the strength of our partnerships. By working together, we can overcome challenges, foster innovation, and provide exceptional value to Canadians.
As the national convenor of the brain research community, we make the case for the brain as a single system with commonalities across neurological disorders, mental illnesses, and brain and spinal cord injuries. In doing so, we bring together more than 100 partners–from health charities to research institutions, to private and corporate donors. Looking at the brain as one system encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supports diverse multidisciplinary teams all working together to advance research and magnify the potential for impact.
Evidence clearly shows that being more inclusive in research enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity. As Canada’s only research funder focused specifically on the brain, we are seizing this opportunity and committing to advancing the field of sex and gender brain science.
Through our new Action Plan, we are actively embedding both sex and gender as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations into everything that we do: how we operate, how we fund, who we fund, and what we fund.
“Evidence clearly shows that being more inclusive in research enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity.”
With renewed funding from the federal government in Budget 2024, we will catalyze the formation of new partnerships, drive more collaborative innovations, and accelerate breakthroughs in brain research.
Sincerely,
Viviane Poupon, PhD
Above and Beyond
Remarkable Fundraising Furthering Us All
Programs That Resonate
From graduate students to early-career researchers and beyond, Brain Canada is committed to building research capacity in order to improve health outcomes for people living with brain conditions.
Programs like the Rising Stars Trainee Awards, Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research, and Momentum Grants are strategically designed to attract, retain, and diversify world-class talent in Canadian brain research.
Anchored by a lead gift from the Azrieli Foundation, the Future Leaders program is also made possible thanks to the support of numerous visionary major donors who believe that solving the brain’s mysteries will significantly impact the quality of life for people in Canada.
Power of Philanthropy
Future Leaders Impact Snapshot
199 students, trainees & HQP* engaged
98 collaborations
243 individuals participating in research
51 peer reviewed publications
200 oral & poster presentations
27 awards & recognitions
11 consultations with decision-makers, patients & other researchers
5 patents
*HQP – Highly Qualified Personnel
Inspiration in Motion
After suffering a brain injury that set back his education and love for freestyle skiing, University of Victoria graduate Oscar Blyth remained resilient and hopeful. He underwent several treatments, yet his progress was not always linear; Oscar was often left to battle extreme discomfort as he rebuilt his life.
Despite these challenges, Oscar’s positive attitude and determination carried him through his journey toward recovery. He eventually took up running and decided to participate in a marathon, which raised more than $3,500 in support of Brain Canada.
One Rising Star Lifts Many
In 2020, Olivier Goy—an entrepreneur, activist, and photography lover from France, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a rare neuro-degenerative disease. As a father of two, he confronted the diagnosis head-on and began publicly sharing his fight against ALS, which affects approximately 3,000 Canadians.
“It is our privilege to provide a foundational gift to honour our dear friend, to show him that his passion, positivity, drive and determination— as well as his selfless, unwavering commitment to raise awareness about ALS to help others with this disease—have inspired us to step up and join him in his campaign to help others.”
Allan Kliger & Aviva Rajsky
Donors to the Olivier Goy Rising Star Trainee
Award in ALS Research, lovingly powered
by Allan Kliger, Aviva Rajsky & Family
Advancing Equity and Inclusion
We are proud to announce the ongoing implementation of a sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) and EDI Action Plan, as well as the establishment of a cross-departmental SGBA+ and EDI committee. Through our Action Plan, Brain Canada is strategically enhancing its operations and funding initiatives to promote improved brain health for all.
“This funding will drive discovery within our laboratories to understand molecular biomarkers of postpartum depression—one of the times of greatest risk for first-time depression. I applaud Brain Canada and their donors and partners for prioritizing discoveries in women’s mental health.”
Dr. Liisa Galea
Recipient of a Basics of Better Mental Health Team Grant
Our Progress
Elevating Philanthropy
Lead Donors Leading the Future
Our Ongoing Gratitude
We extend our deepest gratitude to our lead donors whose transformative contributions are driving research breakthroughs. Each collaboration sets a powerful example and plays an important role in shaping the future of brain health, in Canada and beyond.
Lead Donors (cumulative giving 2011 – March 31, 2024)
- The Arrell Family Foundation
- The Azrieli Foundation
- Bell Canada / Bell Let’s Talk
- The Chagnon Family
- CIBC
- The Erika Legacy Foundation
- The Estate of Donna Canary
- The Estate of John Borrowman
- The Galati Family/Brain Changes Initiative
- The Krembil Foundation
- Power Corporation of Canada
- Rossy Foundation
- Royal Bank of Canada / RBC Foundation
- Alvin Segal Family Foundation
- Larry & Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation
- W. Garfield Weston Foundation
- Women’s Brain Health Initiative / Stand Ahead Challenge
“Supporting Brain Canada means championing the frontiers of brain research. By engaging in international collaborations, Brain Canada harnesses the collective expertise of the world’s best researchers and promotes knowledge sharing through open science. I am proud to help pave the way for innovative and accessible solutions in brain health.”
Larry Tanenbaum O.C.
The Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation is a visionary supporter of The Brain Canada & Weizmann Institute of Science Team Grants, a pilot partnership led by Brain Canada and Weizmann Canada to leverage strengths and foster international collaboration between researchers in Canada and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
Financials in Macro
The Measurable Numbers Driving Immeasurable Achievement
The financial statements of Brain Canada are audited by Ernst & Young and are available here.
Financial Ratios
- 93%Research Programs
- 4%Fundraising
- 3%Administration
Grant & Awards Disbursement
- 62% Platform Support Grants $24,277,482
- 22% Team Grants $8,693,191
- 16% Capacity-Building Grants $6,211,280
- Total $39,181,953