Brain Awareness Week 2024 Highlights
Canadian Brain Research Strategy
The Canadian Brain Research Strategy was featured in an editorial within The Globe & Mail’s Brain Awareness Week Report, shedding light on the imperative for a unified national strategy to uphold Canada’s leadership in brain health and research. See the full-page feature here.
The editorial highlights the innovative approach to brain and mental health research investments in our national research strategy, aiming to leverage Canadian strengths and foster global competitiveness. Dr. Jennie Z. Young, Executive Director of CBRS, emphasizes the urgency of a holistic approach to brain health and research, stressing the interconnectedness of brain disorders and the need for unified efforts.
The CBRS also held an Advocacy Training Workshop for researchers on Thursday March 14th, which drew 30 participants across the country. One significant outcome was to create letters to engage Members of Parliament in advocating for a brain initiative for Canada.
For more information, visit: https://canadianbrain.ca/the-globe-mail-key-voices-in-brain-health-and-research-offer-strategy-to-cement-canadian-leadership/
Neuroethics Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, BC, IBI’s current host site, was honoured to host a series of lectures and seminars on March 12 – 13, 2024 featuring Dr. A. Jon Stoessl, Professor of Neurology at the Department of Medicine at UBC, as its 2024 Distinguished BAW Speaker. Dr. Stoessl held a seminar at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, with neuroethics and neuroscience faculty, researchers, and trainees on the ethics in publications and its impact on public trust in science. For the public, Dr. Stoessl spoke on placebo and deception in research and clinical medicine. Culminating BAW, Dr. Stoessl was the featured speaker for Neuroscience Grand Rounds at the Vancouver General Hospital and presented "What’s in a name? Ethical considerations surrounding discussion of diagnosis". This event was attended by more than 160 Neurology faculty members, residents, and trainees.
For more information, visit: https://neuroethics.med.ubc.ca/placebo-and-the-ethics-of-deception-in-brain-research-and-clinical-care/
European Brain Council
European Brain Council held its annual event around brain health awareness in line with its ongoing advocacy work such as the Pledge for Science, Global Call to Action and 2024 EU Elections Manifesto, which all call for increased attention, prioritisation and investment in brain health at the European and global levels. The event was held in the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by Member of European Parliament (MEP) Colm Markey (EPP, IE), that brought together stakeholders in the space, including clinicians, researchers, patients, and additional MEPs and civil servants. Key policy asks were presented by the brain community and showcased the importance of placing the brain as a top health and research priority in the EU; not only to tackle the growing burden of brain disorders in Europe — neurological and mental alike—but to recognise that by prioritising the brain, we prioritise the health of all citizens: to live in health and in happiness, to power our labour markets and economies, and to build for future generations. Instead of divesting in a cost, policymakers and society at large should view the prioritization and support of brain research as an investment into prevention, wellness, and optimization.
For more information, visit: https://www.braincouncil.eu/event/baw2024/
EBRAINS
EBRAINS made an impact at two events recently held in Brussels: The European Research & Innovation Days 2024, and the BAM! Brain and Music Festival. At both events, EBRAINS engaged with various participants to share insights into digital neuroscience and updates on its recent developments, actively reaching out to citizens to inform them about the wonders of the brain and the benefits of brain research.
The European Research & Innovation Days, the European Commission’s annual flagship research and innovation event, brought together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to join key policy debates, funding and networking opportunities and dedicated workshops. Researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens visited the EBRAINS booth to learn about advances in neuroscience research and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Organised with the support of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024, BAM! Brain and Music Festival attracted a diverse audience comprising scientists, musicians, students, and the general public. The programme included a presentation by Prof. Viktor Jirsa, Chief Science Officer of the EBRAINS AISBL and Director of the Inserm Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes at Aix-Marseille-Université, France. Prof. Jirsa's discussion centred on the potential of digital twins, personalised computer models of individual patient brains, in enhancing our understanding of brain function and optimising treatment strategies for brain disorders. He also elaborated on how the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure is addressing these challenges while encouraging global collaboration.
For more information, visit: https://www.ebrains.eu/news-and-events/ebrains-makes-an-impact-at-events-in-brussels
