The uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI) is hosting its fourth annual Brain Health Awareness Week (BHAW) from October 16 to 20, a five-day series of public events where researchers invite members of the community to learn, discuss and promote advocacy about neuroscience research and treatment of brain-related illnesses.
The uOBMRI is Ottawa’s largest collection of basic researchers and clinician scientists that are focused on brain and mind related health. The Institute helps orchestrate research in a collaborative and innovative fashion by overcoming the barriers that exist between research at the basic and clinical levels.
This year’s BHAW covers a wide range of subject matters including Multiple Sclerosis, stem cell therapy, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord repair, brain regeneration, concussion treatment and Parkinson’s disease.
In the last three years, BHAW has steadily gained visibility in the Ottawa community by striving to meet the needs of local patient populations and ensuring the delivery of translational research whereby the impact is felt in clinical settings. Each year, the City of Ottawa has supported the event by officially proclaiming the set dates Brain Health Awareness Week.
“We are extremely proud to host this event for the fourth year in a row,” said Dr. David Park, Director of the uOBMRI. “It is a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the important research that continues to uncover how to repair and preserve brain and mind functions.”
One of the key events this year is the uOBMRI-Rowan's Legacy Symposium taking place on Thursday, October 19 at Algonquin College in partnership with Rowan’s Legacy and Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada to raise awareness about the consequences of concussion and how to identify, prevent and seek treatment early. In support of the memory of Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old girl who succumbed to her concussion injuries from rugby, Rowan’s Legacy is an Ontario wide campaign to support Rowan’s Law, a proposed legislation for greater awareness and better treatment for concussion-related injuries in Ontario.
“The uOBMRI is motivated to enhance public engagement, open discussions and knowledge promotion, to advance public awareness about brain health,” added Dr. Park. “At this year’s BHAW, we are sharing new therapies and techniques, highlighting progress and discussing challenges. We are also celebrating exciting new developments with fellow partners and our integrated networks.”
For the full Brain Health Awareness Week schedule, please visit the event’s website.
