The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (International Brain Initiative Canadian Secretariat)

The mission of CBRS is to build on Canada's strengths and current investments in cutting-edge collaborative neuroscience to transform neurological and mental health for Canadians. Its vision is of innovative and collaborative brain research that will drive policy as well as social, health and economic advancement for Canada and the world. In recent years, the extraordinary momentum in the field is being channelled into the creation of large-scale brain initiatives around the globe, many of which are focused on creating new research tools and technologies. For example, the Human Brain Project, funded by the European Commission, is building the digital infrastructure needed to model the brain. The United States Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative is catalyzing the development of new tools for studying the brain. Israel Brain Technologies aims to develop and commercialize new "neurotechnologies" at the intersection of mind and machine. Japan has also launched a national initiative, while Canada, South Korea, China and Australia are each developing their own. In 2018, Canada also joined these nations to form the International Brain Initiative (IBI), a consortium of researchers working on brain projects around the world, and Canadian neuroscientists continue to play a leadership role in the organization, through concensus efforts coordinated by CBRS. The IBI aims to move neuroscience forward by increasing collaboration and knowledge sharing, leveraging talent and resources, and reducing repetition among independent, national brain initiatives. The proposal is to establish a secretariat for CBRS to continue represent the Canadian brain research community within IBI and inspire decision makers and funders to further invest in programs that foster collaborative, transdisciplinary and open approaches to move Canada toward a big-science model for brain research.