BRC Research Day Panel Discussion
The panel discussion was a first for the BRC. It was intended to shed light on the current and future situation for funding, and provide an introduction to some of the personalities and organizations involved. Funding research is a complex and fundamental requirement in the ecosystem in support of the research enterprise. Another key discussion point related to neuroscience research and the notion that while we strive for healthy brains- there is still much to learn and to discover. This is especially true as we reflect on the current situation and limited treatment options.
Finally BRC Director Vic Rafuse reminded us all that “ scientific research and clinical research are inextricably linked”. And ultimately health and patient care receive such things as diagnostics, therapies, protocols and the like.
MP Andy Filmore, Marli McNeill, Dr Vic Rafuse, Dean Anderson, Jennie Young, with Stan Kutcher and Mira Puri on screen
A summary of the talks follows:
Senator Dr. Stan Kutcher
Vic Rafuse acknowledged and applauded Dr. Stan Kutcher as a founder and architect of the BRC. Stan did this effort in parallel to his work in psychiatry and more specifically with youth. Now he is engaging parliament and Canadians to the importance of science.
Stan stressed the importance of neuroscience research: “ no one discovery could take on and understand this complex organ (brain) by itself.”
Additionally he said: “If you haven’t discovered it you are not going to commercialize it”.. There is an imperative to conduct discovery research.
“Must invest in research federally and provincially- but the federal government must lead.”
Focus to improve the landscape for science in Canada – a) educate Parliamentarians re the role of research, investment and education; b) need a science community with one voice.
Stan’s talk was a refreshing and sincere look at research and its challenges. Perhaps his candid assessment can best be summed up by saying that his talk focussed on the adjective abysmal- referring to our national investment; abysmal wage for our grad students even repugnant- considering that they are leaders of the future. Clearly there is much to be done!
Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Innovation Science and Industry Andy Fillmore.
This was a more “scripted” approach and expected nod to the incumbent government policies and positions.
Government is increasing its investment in research. He mentioned the $4B annual investment to the research community
There is a 5 year 20M boost to CIHR for dementia/mental health, more funding to Mental Health and Addictions, CFREF, research, etc.
However, Andy did acknowledge that challenges have been heard: grad student and trainee stipend concerns, financial challenges, covid, interest rates, inflation, etc
Further, he mentioned the recent consultations by the Advisory panel on research support who is just wrapping up its report and he thanked the research community for advice and engagement
Lastly, following upon a point made by Stan and his role to educate Canadians, Parliamentarians and policy makers about science, Andy offered some advice. This was gleaned from Dr. Jeanette Boudreau, an ovarian cancer researcher at Dalhousie and that was to join toastmasters.
Dr. Mira Puri- Manager of Science Initiatives Azrieli Foundation
Mira explained the background to the set up of the foundation by David Azreili- a survivor of the Holocaust and then architect, developer and builder. He carried his values of sharing with society with his gain of freedom to create a philanthropic foundation.
A driver was neuroscience research due to the family connection to fragile X syndrome.. There is a unique approach to funding referenced as creative collisions which can lead to diverse perspectives and ultimately opportunities.
Life is not equitable , for example, only 10% of neurodivergent adults are stably employed. They should not be isolated by employment, housing, etc. This led to the concept: “neurons to network to neighborhoods.” This implies a grand challenge rather than singular research building upon multi-disciplinary and those with lived experiences.
The Azrieli Foundation operates similarly to the federal government granting programs such as CIHR. They contribute millions of dollars in partnership with the federal government on Brain health and Aging. The Foundation does not duplicate existing networks.
Azrieli Foundation sees two growth areas:
Brain health in Aging with disability
Health and Well being to care givers
Holistic people-centered approach is important in research.
The bottom line is that funders can and do influence the research ecosystem such as open science and an interdisciplinary approach . Neuron to Network to Neighbour- never more clear!
Jennie Young- Executive Director of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS)
The challenge is to advance neuroscience research across the country. Healthy brains are fundamental and when not are considered the leading cause of disability. In 2019 1 in 5 had a brain disorder. There currently are limited treatment options and with research there is hope.
Canada needs a national strategy to leverage and coordinate the excellent science across the country. We need animal, human and computational models. The time to invest is now which will translate into billions in support. Further it will be uniquely Canadian in approach with 30 directors of neuroscience, neuroscience society, patient representation organizations ( mental health, brain imaging, concussion). And indigenous groups. To date we have 25 funding organizations committed.
The CBRS will have a unified voice federally and provincially. All working in neuroscience research are on the cusp of discovery.
Marli MacNeil- COO Research NS
Marli has been involved with the BRC over the past 21 years. Her role now with RNS is to ensure that funding for research gets to the bedside.
RNS was formed 4 years ago . It is supported by an act and regulations. It is a support organization to coordinate NS research following NS priorities. The priorities currently are:1. Bioeconomy, 2. Climate change, 3. Quality of life, 4. Healthy people and health care systems
They act in the middle of the research continuum. They have funded 350K in Scotia scholar awards to BRC members. There is nothing specific or category for directly supporting
New health investment will be made for Scotia scholars, matching CFI grants and from time to time partnering with CIHR on specific top ups neuroscience research.
Marli welcomed researchers and their ideas and invited them to present these to RNS. She underlined the importance of connections with other provinces and beyond in project proposals.
Lastly, Marli provided advice re the communications aspect that had been raised by some of the panelists and stressed the importance of clarity and simplification, and consider delivering information at the junior high school level of understanding.