Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI) Initiative: IDEAS Strategy and Action Plan

The BHI Program is advancing a paradigm shift in research excellence by embedding Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Social Justice (IDEAS) into transdisciplinary brain-heart research. This strategy outlines our commitment, objectives, and action plan to generate community-centered, inclusive, equitable, and impactful research that benefits all.

IDEAS logo.

Key Objectives

  1. Inclusion: Remove systemic barriers and embed inclusive practices in all stages of research and work environments.
  2. Diversity: Increase representation, nurture an unbiased research culture.
  3. Equity: Support professional development and dismantle barriers for Indigenous Communities and equity-deserving groups (EDGs: Racialized Individuals, African, Caribbean and Black, Persons with Disabilities, Women, and +2SLGBTQIA).
  4. Accessibility: Eliminate participation barriers and integrate accessibility into BHI culture and ways of working.
  5. Social Justice: Foster anti-racist, decolonized, and inclusive research and work environments.

Mission & Vision

BHI integrates community-centered IDEAS principles to ensure equitable benefits from research. Our vision is to set a new standard for transdisciplinary research, co-created with researchers, people with lived experiences, diverse communities and knowledge users.

Commitment to Action

We collaborate across BHI cross-cutting themes—Indigenous Engagement, Commercialization, Co-Production & Knowledge Mobilization, Open Science, Patient Engagement, and Training—to redefine research excellence, improve brain-heart health equity, and an inclusive scientific culture in Canada.

IDEAS Implementation Framework

Our approach is rooted in intersectionality, co-creation, and Indigenous ways of knowing. BHI adopts a transdisciplinary model of co-design, ensuring research partners—including Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups—are equal contributors to all research phases.

Priority Action Areas & Measures of Success

Conclusion

The BHI IDEAS Strategy and Action Plan redefines research excellence by embedding equity, accessibility, and social justice at all levels. Through co-creation, systemic change, and continuous learning and evaluation, we aim to shift scientific inquiry and practice, by community-driven engagement of diverse voices and brain-heart research that benefits everyone.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation.