More Questions Than Answers – The Globe and Mail

Our brains determine who we are, how we think, our emotions, our interactions with people and places, our movements, and the functions of our body organs. Brain Canada’s board of directors and chair of the organization’s research committee, David Park, Ph.D.

The complexity of the brain, containing more than 80 billion neurons and other cells, extends beyond neuroscience to include genetics, chemistry, engineering, and the social sciences.

This organization plays a key role in advocating that the brain is a single, complex system and underscores the need for greater collaboration between disciplines and institutions.

Brain research is important for understanding the brain’s normal function and for developing strategies to deal with problems that arise when the brain misfires, says Dr. Park.

“When something is not right in the brain, the consequences are dramatic. It is very important to understand these brain functions.”

He said that basic knowledge, such as answering questions like “What is memory?” said to play a role.

“There are an incredible number of organizations in this complex field, and Brain Canada is the glue that brings people together to talk to each other,” he says.

Brain research is resource-intensive, and the organization can tap into support from a variety of sources, including the federal government, universities, philanthropists, charitable organizations, and foundations, according to Dr. Park, so it will play an important role in funding. Plays.

This ability to pool resources and secure matching funds is attracting individual and corporate donors, as well as private family foundations such as the Henry and Berenice Kaufman Foundation, said Janis, president and executive director of the foundation. Lee Levine said.

The Henry and Berenice Kauffman Foundation is the legacy of Ms. Levine’s great-aunt and uncle.

“We come from a family of medicine and recognize the importance of research, especially in the areas of chronic pain, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease,” he said.

“People often donate because they have a personal connection. Someone in their network or family affected by a particular disease. A thread that draws people to do what they can.” there is,” she says.

Levine said headlines celebrating multi-million dollar donations can be intimidating.

“That’s outside the ballpark for most people. I hope everyone understands that donating $10, $20, or $50 can make a difference. It will be part of a funding pool that can support long-term research,” she says.

The Foundation also focuses on how Brain Canada communicates with donors.

“They are very open and share information,” Levine said, adding that through the Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards, similar to Brain Canada’s funding of young scientists, the country’s diverse The organization’s support for teams with researchers based in diverse regions also appeals to them, he added. program.

“We want to support innovation through funding and encourage others to get others involved. The brain is critical to all aspects of human health and development,” said Levine. say. “Across Canada and internationally, it is of utmost importance that organizations share knowledge and work together for the common good.”

“GivingTuesday goes beyond the act of making a donation. It’s about taking action in meaningful ways to address the most pressing needs,” said Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada.

“There are still many questions to answer about the brain. But with the help of our generous donors and dedicated partners, Brain Canada is funding bold science for brain health. , we are one step closer to improving well-being for all.”

Production Ad Feature Randall Anthony CommunicationsThe Globe’s editorial department was not involved.