$1.1 million for new brain injury research in Canada
June 20 2024 - 3:24PM
It is estimated that approximately 165,000 people per year
experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Canada, and that by
2031, TBI is projected to be among the most common neurological
conditions affecting Canadians.
Because of the high numbers of people living with TBI,
contrasted with the lack of resources to match the demand for
services, people with brain injury are at a high risk of missing a
critical window of opportunity for recovery. Brain injury affects
every aspect of life, and the negative consequences could be
reduced if immediate and effective treatment options were available
and accessed.
Through the Innovation Grants for Research Impact in Traumatic
Brain Injury program, Brain Canada and Brain Changes Initiative
(BCI) are funding research to improve brain health in Canada.
Together, we are transforming the research landscape and
positioning Canada as a leader in the field of TBI by responding to
real needs identified by stakeholders, and funding creative and
innovative evidence-based solutions.
“After a life-threatening car accident in which I suffered
severe injuries, including a brain bleed, I defied the odds by
using research about principles of neuroplasticity to recover and
ultimately complete my medical studies,” says Dr. Matthew Galati,
founder of Brain Changes Initiative. “Now, through our partnership
with Brain Canada, we are committed to advancing TBI research,
knowledge translation, awareness and support. Our work will improve
our understanding and treatment of TBI, bridging the gap between
research and medical practice.”
Today, we are pleased to announce the recipients of this
competition:
- Dr. Carolina Bottari, Université de Montreal
- Dr. DJ Cook, Queen’s University and Dr. Chantel Debert,
University of Calgary
- Dr. Sandy Shultz, Vancouver Island University
"By providing researchers with funding in this area, as well as
stakeholder informed direction on where the greatest impact can be
achieved, we are helping to build much needed evidence-based
solutions that will improve brain health in Canada,” says Dr.
Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "We are proud to
partner with BCI on this initiative and eagerly anticipate the
advancements made by these outstanding trailblazers in the
field."
“Our federal government’s steadfast commitment to supporting
medical research is incredibly important to scientists across the
country. It is equally important to all Canadians," says Rachel
Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Outremont. “Having
recently suffered from a concussion myself, I am so pleased to see
that there is further research and attention on traumatic brain
injury. Congratulations to the incredible researchers receiving
these grants and huge gratitude to Brain Canada for the critical
role they play in advancing brain research at home and around the
world.”
About the projects:
- Carolina Bottari, Université de
MontrealA sustainable ecosystem of care for women
with traumatic brain injury following intimate partner violence:
First stepsTotal amount awarded $311,753This project been
made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an
innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through
Health Canada), and Brain Canada.
- DJ Cook, Queen’s University and
Chantel Debert, University of
CalgaryDeveloping a rapid objective MRI assessment
and report to characterize functional abilities and predict
persistent symptoms following traumatic brain injuryTotal
amount awarded $417,640This project has been made possible by the
Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement
between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain
Canada, and Brain Changes Initiative (BCI).
- Sandy Shultz, Vancouver Island
UniversityImproving the detection of brain injury
in intimate partner violence patientsTotal amount awarded
$400,000This project has been made possible by the Canada Brain
Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the
Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain Canada, and
Brain Changes Initiative (BCI).
About Brain CanadaBrain Canada plays a unique
and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and
advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain
works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure
of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes
of people in Canada and around the world. To learn more, visit
Braincanada.ca @BrainCanada
About Brain Changes InitiativeBrain Changes
Initiative (BCI) is a not-for-profit organization that funds
ground-breaking research to improve the standard of care for
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery. BCI also provides awareness,
advocacy and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors; they
carry out knowledge translation, education, events and programs
centered around nonpharmacological approaches to healing the brain.
brainchanges.org
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6363cfca-9878-43ba-af3c-f0a8afe0abb0