The Brain. The Last Great Frontier.

Exploring the great unknown that is the brain cannot be done alone – it takes courageous partners, imagination and determination. At Brain Canada, we envision a future where scientists across disciplines collaborate to drive innovation. A future where early-career researchers have the resources to explore their boldest ideas. And where people across the country have access to solutions to mysteries like ALS, epilepsy, and brain injury.

As a national convenor and enabler of the Canadian brain research community, Brain Canada is supporting efforts to reduce health inequities. This includes efforts to assess the different ways that brain diseases and disorders affect men, women, and gender diverse groups, and various stages of neurodevelopment and aging. Brain Canada’s goal, in the process, is to advance sex and gender brain science and remove systemic barriers and biases to ensure that all individuals have equal access to – and will benefit from – the results of bold brain research.

Our History

2023

Brain Canada celebrates 25 years of accelerating, amplifying, and funding brain research.

2022

To date, the Canada Brain Research Fund, matched by Brain Canada Foundation and its donors and partners, has invested more than $280 million in brain research.

2021

The Government of Canada provided a $40 million funding extension for the Canada Brain Research Fund.

2019

Announced in Budget 2019, Health Canada committed an additional $40 million to be matched.

2016

Budget 2016 included an additional $20 million in matching funds for the Canada Brain Research Fund, bringing the total fund to a potential $240 million.

2015

Reached $100 million goal, 18 months ahead of schedule, for a total investment of $200 million.

2011

Changed the name to Brain Canada Foundation to better reflect the focus on the brain, not only neuroscience. Established the Canada Brain Research Fund – a partnership with the government to match $100 million over five years.

2010

Approached the Government of Canada to form a partnership to support brain research.

2008

Rallied health charities to speak with one voice to the government for brain strategy.

2006

Published The Case for Canada’s Increased Investment in Brain Research, which provided a calculation for the economic burden of brain disorders as one grouping.

2001

Launched the Brain Repair program.

1998

What would eventually be called Brain Canada is established under the name NeuroScience Canada Partnership and Foundation.