Taking brain research in promising new directions is at the heart of the new Simon Fraser University (SFU) research institute, headed by renowned neuroscientist Randy Mackintosh.
Based at the Burnaby campus, the SFU Institute of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (INN) serves as a hub for research, training and engagement, bringing together researchers from across SFU and supporting interdisciplinary research and university-wide collaboration. increase.
McIntosh, former Director and Senior Scientist at the Rotman Institute at the University of Toronto, Baycrest Health Sciences, brings more than 25 years of expertise in neuroscience research to SFU and has been appointed the new BC Leadership Chair for Neuroscience and Technical Translation it was done. Beyond lifespan.
The Macintosh plays a central role in facilitating SFU’s work in brain imaging and neuroscience research and training. Under his leadership, the Institute will enhance research through means such as neuro-hi imaging acquisition and analysis, informatics and data his pipeline, and computational modeling.
“The answers to the key questions in this area lie at the critical intersections between a wide range of disciplines: solutions that require end-users and stakeholders to be involved at all stages of research,” says SFU. said Dugan O’Neil, vice president, research and international. “We welcome the appointment of Professor Mackintosh to meet this challenge, lead SFU’s new laboratory, and help set the direction of future neuroscience research.”
McIntosh’s work includes co-developing The Virtual Brain, a platform for creating brain simulations that provide new insights into brain function. His long-standing interest in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, along with data analysis, has helped him create tailored methods to answer complex questions about the brain.
“This role builds on more than 25 years of neuroscience foundation and gives us the opportunity to do something new at SFU that will change the way we approach the brain,” McIntosh said. increase. “I have been building ideas around a holistic and expansive approach to neuroscience beyond traditional boundaries, and I am confident that SFU is the place to bring these ideas to life.”
Mackintosh’s top priorities include developing technical support through the advancement of new tools for researchers and trainees, and linking existing research efforts to build brain health and resilience research. A lifelong commitment to neuroscience, her SFU commitment will enable researchers to focus on developing treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions, not just mental health and addiction.
The BC Leadership Chairs are supported by the state government’s Leading Edge Endowment Fund (LEEF) program administered by Innovate BC. The LEEF Chair is designed to attract world-class faculty, enhance British Columbia’s innovative research capacity, and position the province as a leader in the knowledge-based economy.
with Randy Mackintosh SFU Institute of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering.
