Driving research innovation across the country is critical to the work that we do at the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). Our dynamic partnerships and knowledge mobilization activities span across provinces and territories to truly transform Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
In April, CABHI, powered by Baycrest, hosted a research- and innovation-focused event in Calgary, Alberta, to support its local innovation ecosystem and grow our Community of Innovation on Canada’s West Coast. Through partnerships with the Calgary Public Library and the University of Calgary’s Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, we were able to support local innovation infrastructure and draw a crowd of students, academics, researchers, healthcare organizations, and members of the public interested in learning about the latest research and innovation advancements in the sector.
The evening featured interactive exhibitor booths showcasing advancements in aging and brain health, offering attendees opportunities to learn about local resources relating to aging and brain health and access local support as they navigate their research and innovation journeys. Our exhibitor booths included:
- University of Calgary
- Calgary Library
- Baycrest
- Neuraura
- Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging
- Dr. Pamela Roach
- Dr. Sayeh Bayat
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute
- CLiQ – The Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation, and Research
- Alzheimer Calgary
- Dementia Network Calgary
- Caregivers Alberta
- Kaleidoscope XR
- Nat Hacks
The event’s main programming was an inspiring and candid fireside chat where our moderators and panelists—Dr. Allison Sekuler, Jay Ingram, Claire Dixon, and Dr. Andrea Protzner—discussed their journeys into the aging and brain health sector, shared valuable learnings, and offered insights into emerging innovation trends.
A focal point of the conversation was the transition out of an academic or lab setting to make real-world impacts. Often, this journey—knowing what questions to ask and what to do next—can feel “paralyzing,” Dr. Allison Sekuler explained.
Claire Dixon, CEO of Neuraura, shared her journey, describing how she learned (in a lab setting focusing specifically on epilepsy and intracranial brain stimulations) that she could not tackle the burden of disease just by tackling the disease itself.
Her focus shifted to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a prime example of how tackling the burden of disease helps tackle the disease itself, which has a 70% diagnostic gap, and standard of care contributes to that gap. Women living with PCOS are often misdiagnosed through the current care system, so Neuraura works to support these women manage their chronic conditions.
“You have to really understand and be drawn to where the need is,” Dixon emphasized.
Following Claire’s insights, Dr. Andrea Protzner explained how she focused much of her earlier career on brain research, more specifically on how the brain ages. Then, she was confronted face-to-face with the aging brain, and this lived experience pivoted her research.
“You cannot compare the questions I am asking today to the questions I was asking five years ago,” Dr. Protzner shared. “As far as I’m concerned, you don’t get to do research without including the people you are trying to learn about.”
This honest and insightful discussion touched on additional pressing questions many early-stage researchers, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs face throughout their journey, such as when research is ready to leave the lab, how to translate data, and how to communicate findings responsibly.
The conversation concluded on a hopeful note, with advice for individuals starting their careers in the aging and brain health sectors. Here is what our moderators and panelists all had to say:
“Believe in yourself… Confidence sells it, and you need that to succeed.”
– Dr. Andrea Protzner
“Find something that you really care about… It’s a tough road… you’ve really got to have that fire in your belly.”
– Claire Dixon
“Take risks. If you just keep doing things the same way, you’re not going to get anywhere. You have to take risks and be willing to fail, and recognize that you’re failing in a safe community.”
– Dr. Allison Sekuler
“It’s not always easy to find your passion… but it is an essential piece. You don’t always know where that’s going to come from… Be open-minded.”
– Jay Ingram
Through interactive and collaborative events like this one, CABHI is inspiring the next generation and transforming the aging and brain health ecosystem in Canada and around the world.
Missed the event? Check out the recorded fireside chat online and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events!
