At stake is Canada’s century-long legacy of leadership in brain research

This year, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, founded in 1934 by one of Canada’s greatest scientific pioneers, Dr. Wilder Penfield.

Thanks in large part to Dr. Penfield’s groundbreaking work, and the efforts of those he mentored and inspired, Canada has since established itself as a global leader in uncovering the secrets of the brain – how it works and how we might address its many complex challenges.

Over the past 90 years, Canada has nurtured this legacy, contributing to significant progress in understanding the brain. Across the country, from our major research hubs to smaller institutions, a diverse and talented group of scientists in neurology, neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, health systems, population health, social sciences, and Indigenous Knowledges is driving the field forward.

As we grapple now with pressing brain health issues that affect every corner of the globe, we must ask ourselves: Will Canada rise to the occasion once again?

While the task ahead remains daunting, Canadian innovation has also yielded tools that are unlocking even more of the brain’s secrets. Artificial intelligence (AI), pioneered by Canadian scientists Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, and other advanced technologies like stem cell research, developed by James Till and Ernest McCulloch, are not just accelerating discoveries; they’re transforming how we approach brain research altogether, opening new frontiers in neuroscience and mental health.

We can build on the foundation laid by these scientific luminaries with a Canadian Brain Research Initiative. By uniting expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies through a coordinated national effort, we can unlock brain and mental health innovations that will benefit all Canadians.

The Initiative is the cornerstone of the national strategy developed by the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), a unifying framework to harness Canada;s wealth of research talent and expertise. This collective, grassroots effort brings together neuroscience and mental health researchers, Indigenous Knowledges holders, patients, health charities, public and private funders, as well as industry partners.

In partnership, we have developed a vision for stable, targeted investment in brain and mental health research, with strategic emphasis on outcomes that benefit Canadians across the country. This initiative would enhance Canada’s brain research ecosystem by connecting researchers to vital resources that might otherwise be out of reach, as well as providing transdisciplinary training to equip future researchers with the skills to tackle complex challenges like understanding the brain. By leveraging Canada’s collaborative strengths, this initiative will unite expertise across basic research, clinical applications, health systems, population health, social sciences, and Indigenous Knowledges to drive breakthroughs to benefit millions of Canadians, now and for generations to come.

The timing for this initiative could not be better – or more critical.

Brain conditions – neurological disorders, brain injuries (including concussion and stroke), mental illnesses and addictions as well as other conditions – already affect more than 7.5 million Canadians, impacting individuals at every stage of life. With rising prevalence due to ageing, increasing rates of mental illness, the toxic drug crisis and the impact of long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms, there is an urgent and compelling need for a coordinated national effort to address these complex brain health challenges.

Our strategy is not about duplicating or scaling down models from other countries – it’s about leveraging what we already have. Canada’s investment in other innovative fields – like AI ($568 million over 10 years), quantum technologies ($360 million over seven years), and biomanufacturing ($2.2 billion over seven years) – has shown the power of a coordinated national approach. Now, it’s time to apply that same focus to brain research.

Canada is poised to lead in this critical area of health care and health research, thanks to nearly a century of pioneering efforts. With the highest proportion of neuroscience specialists among G7 countries and a strong presence of top AI innovators, we are well-equipped to drive innovation in brain research and beyond. As we deepen our understanding of the brain, we simultaneously refine AI models, which then unlock further insights into brain health and other vital areas. This synergy enhances Canada’s global competitiveness and equips us to tackle future economic challenges. As we look to the future, brain research is not just a scientific pursuit; it has the potential to become a cornerstone of our nation’s socioeconomic growth.

The time for this initiative is now. The scope of the challenge before us demands we act quickly and decisively. CBRS has developed a strong network, visionary partnerships, and a comprehensive strategic plan. A national commitment is needed to catalyze a coordinated approach to brain and mental health research across Canada.

In 10 years, as we celebrate The Neuro’s centenary, let’s be able to look back and say we seized this pivotal moment. By investing in the Canadian Brain Research Initiative, we made meaningful strides in understanding and treating the afflictions of the most vital of organs, our brain.

REFERENCES

1. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) (2020) Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) Results. Available from https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/
2. Larivière et al (2016) Bibliometric Analysis of INMHA-related Research, 2000-2015. Prepared for the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Ad