Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Inherited?

A Michael J. Fox Foundation Webinar

Genes hold important clues that can help scientists better understand and treat Parkinson’s. In this month’s MJFF Parkinson’s Webinar, experts will discuss the genetic factors linked to Parkinson’s risk, how genetics may influence the disease and how these insights could help guide the development of better treatments. They’ll also answer your questions live.

Register Here

Once you register, you will receive an email from “Michael J. Fox Foundation Webinar” with a link to watch the webinar on your computer or mobile device. You will receive this email automatically upon registering and then two days before and two hours before the live event.

Brain tumours, fatigue and what you can do about it 

For people living with a brain tumour, fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms they face, yet it is too often dismissed as ordinary tiredness or an unavoidable cost of treatment. Every person living with and after a brain tumour diagnosis deserves to reclaim their energy and their life. This conversation, brought to you by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, will help you understand three things: why cancer-related fatigue is real, common, and not normal; what makes it different from everyday tiredness and what drives it in the brain tumour population specifically; and what actually works to treat it, including where to find the right support. Cancer-related fatigue is complex and unpredictable, but it is treatable, and you are neither alone nor stuck. 

Learning objectives:  

At the end of this session, participants will: 

1. Recognize cancer-related fatigue as a real, treatable medical condition that is distinct from ordinary tiredness, and understand why it is particularly common and complex among people living with and after a brain tumour. 

2. Identify the main physical, cognitive, and emotional drivers of cancer-related fatigue, and how they interact to drain energy and disrupt daily life. 

3. Describe the three evidence- based pillars of fatigue treatment and know where to access the right support, from community resources to specialist medical fatigue care. 

About the speaker: 

Dr. Scott Adams is a physiologist and scientist with >18 years of experience delivering and testing the effects of exercise-based interventions in people living with and after cancer. Prior to founding Cancer Fatigue Services, Scott was a scientist at the University Health Network and the inaugural co-chair of the Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation & Exercise working group of the International Cardio-Oncology Society. He completed his PhD at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta) and two postdoctoral fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, New York) and the University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario). His research focused on understanding how to predict, identify, minimize, and treat some of the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer treatments like fatigue, and its major causes like cardiovascular dysfunction, skeletal muscle injuries and emotional distress. As a clinician and scientist, he has witnessed the power of exercise-based multi-disciplinary interventions to transform lives and restore hope for people living with and after cancer. 

This is part of a free webinar series, presented by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada —designed for anyone impacted by a brain tumour, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers, as well as health-care professionals and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of the disease.

These sessions explore a wide range of topics such as neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, research advancements, psychosocial oncology, mental health and caregiver support.

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Jennika H. Veinot

Date: Friday, August 14th 2026

Supervisor(s): Dr. Javeria Hashmi

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building (Teams)

Thesis Title: TOP-DOWN CONTROL AND PAIN REGULATION: DORSOLATERAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX AND PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY CIRCUIT DISRUPTION AT THE INTERSECTION OF CHRONIC PAIN, TRAUMA AND WORKING MEMORY

Computation and Cognition Symposium (CCS) 2026

CCS 2026 highlights:

• Four talks from leading researchers in AI, cognitive science, and neuroscience

• Contributed posters, networking opportunities, and unstructured discussion

• An opportunity to present a poster about your research and receive feedback

Invited speakers: Kelsey Allen (DeepMind/UBC), Brian Leahy (MIT), and Kohitij Kar (York University), with additional speakers to be announced.

Researchers, experimentalists, and theoreticians at all career stages are welcome to attend.

Location: Rowe Management Building, Lobby & Room 1020

Date and time: August 14, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Everyone loves to celebrate a birthday, so on August 3, have a Happy Natal Day — in honor of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. A holiday that began in 1895, Natal Day was organized as a way to celebrate Nova Scotia’s history. And enjoy the long weekend! Visit www.novascotia.com for things to do this weekend.

It's International Self-Care Day! Self-care is so important when it comes to taking care of both our bodies and our brains!

CMHA-NS* Offers Free Workshop on Mental Health and Burnout

*CMHA-NS is the Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia

This free full-day workshop will take place on July 21, 2026, at the Eltuek Arts Centre in Sydney, NS.

Life is asking a lot right now — financial pressure, work demands, errands, caregiving responsibilities and the general uncertainty of what’s happening in the world around us. For many people, it can feel like there is very little space to pause or catch up.

Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that 23.2 per cent of Nova Scotians report high levels of daily life stress, slightly above the national average. These numbers reflect what many people are already experiencing — the ongoing strain of balancing responsibilities, rising costs of living and emotional fatigue that can build over time.

This is the reality that Tools for Resilience: Mental Health Awareness and Burnout Prevention was designed to help people navigate.

This full-day interactive workshop combines foundational learning about mental health with practical, evidence-informed tools to help participants recognize early signs of strain, better understand stress and burnout, and build strategies to support well-being in everyday life and community settings.

For more info and registration details, visit: https://novascotia.cmha.ca/cmha-ns-offers-free-workshop-on-mental-health-and-burnout/

Please rsvp via the form below

2026 Annual General Meeting
 
Save the date! Join us on Thursday, June 25, 2026 for our Annual General Meeting. This year's meeting will be held virtually, reflecting on the past year at the Society and sharing plans for the future.

Everyone is welcome to attend our AGM, but only members in good standing can vote.

Learn more and register on our website here.

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: J J Murphy,  MSc Candidate

Date: Thursday July 25th 2026

Supervisor(s): Dr. Adam Johnston

Department/School/Program: Dept Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: UNCOVERING THE FUNCTION OF SCHWANN CELLS IN CHRONIC NON-HEALING DIABETIC SKIN WOUNDS

Time: 9:00am

Location: 3rd floor Boardroom, LSRI

What does it mean to spend a lifetime studying a disease, only to be diagnosed with it yourself? Through candid conversations and personal reflection, this book traces Robertson’s journey from pioneering researcher to patient, offering a moving portrait of discovery, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge.

Link to purchase book‍ ‍

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.

Contact  info@braininjuryns.com if you wish to attend.

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Alienor Jamet

Date: Tuesday, June 16th 2026

Supervisor(s): Dr. Balwantray Chauhan

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building (Teams)

Thesis Title: NEUROPROTECTION OF RETINAL GANGLION CELLS IN EXPERIMENTAL GLAUCOMA WITH A NOVEL GENE THERAPY CONSTRUCT AAV2 Hsyn1-Trkb-2A-Mbdnf IN ADULT AND OLD MICE

Join the Halifax community of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as they come together to honour, celebrate, and support everyone affected by a brain tumour. Whether you’re walking in memory, in hope, or in solidarity, your participation helps fuel vital support programs and life-changing research across Canada.

EVENT DETAILS https://btfc.akaraisin.com/ui/btw2026/g/halifax

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Location: Admiral Harry DeWolf Park
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

AGENDA

• Registration begins: 8:30 a.m.

  • Check out our SUPERKIDS Zone, Tree of Hope, and more!

  • Don't forget to pick up your survivor shirt and incentive(s).

• Opening Remarks (Survivor Photos): 10:00 a.m.

• Walk Starts: 10:30 a.m.

• Closing Remarks: 12:00 p.m.

• Event Ends: 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION DETAILS

• Walk length: 2 km

• Wheelchair / stroller accessible: Yes

• Pet friendly: No

• Parking: Yes

Dr Adrienne Weeks, Dalhousie is Your local Walk champion

Adrienne Weeks is a brain cancer surgeon and scientist at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She walks to help give people with brain cancer and their loved ones hope for a strong and healthy future.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADRIENNE

A Gynecologic Cancer Seminar
Featuring Dr. David Huntsman, MD, FRCPC, FCCMG

Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Genomic Pathology Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia
Director, OVCARE — BC’s Gynecologic Cancer Initiative

Cell Context, Mutation, Microenvironment and Gynecologic Cancer Control

Dr. Huntsman is a leading pathologist and clinical molecular geneticist whose research focuses on improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. His work has driven the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ovarian and other tumour types, and his team has been at the forefront of applying genomic technologies in gynecologic cancer. He conducts his research at Vancouver General Hospital and the BC Cancer Agency and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am.

In Person:
Room C266
Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building
5850 College Street
Halifax, NS

Virtual Attendance:Click to Join Here

https://worldoceanday.org/12moa-2026/

June 6th - Seize The Day! - Epilepsy Run / Walk

In partnership with the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes, Saltbox presents:

"Seize The Day!" where participants can run 5km or walk 3km in support of individuals and families affected by epilepsy.  Fundraising will kick-off with the run / walk and will continue throughout the day with various events at Saltbox!  Come check out the run / walk route, music, food & drink! 

All funds raised will support counselling and service navigation support, advocacy, education opportunities, scholarship opportunities and ongoing epilepsy-related resources for those in need. 

Sign-in at 10 am , run / walk leaves at 11am.

🕙 Meet at 10:00 AM 
📍 Lower parking lot at the beach — look for the BIANS flag! 
👟 Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes. Enjoy a relaxed 45–60 minute walk, followed by a bring-your-own picnic at 11:00 AM 

 👉 Donate here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/146092

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Kate Freeman

Date: Monday, June 5th 2026

Supervisor(s): Dr. Rudolph Uher

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building

Thesis Title: POLYGENIC SCORES, SLEEP, ACTIVITY AND FAMILY HISTORY AS PREDICTORS OF MAJOR MOOD DISORDERS

World Environment Day

A UN day raising awareness and encouraging action for environmental protection.

#WorldEnvironmentDay 2026 focuses on climate change—on the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back. UNEP’s global campaign calls on all of us to step in #NowForClimate, and steer a world already in motion. See how you can get involved. 

Azerbaijan will host the global observance, while a cascade of events, campaigns, and creative actions will unfold across continents—on screens, in streets, and in communities everywhere.

Check out https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/ for updates, resources and opportunities to join this global moment for action and hope.

Topic: PKA Sensitivity Gates Flexibility in Clock Regulation During Stress

Presented by Dr. Deniz Top, Associate Professor, Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Alberta

Location/Platform: Dalhosuie University - 5th Floor Biology Seminar room

Contact info: Shelley Adamo sadamo@dal.ca

Graduate Student Research Day has been an annual event since 2005, when it began in the Faculty of Medicine. Now, this event invites participation from graduate students from across the University, who are involved in health research.

Normally held in the spring, this event typically receives over 80 abstracts, which are presented during this full-day of platform and poster presentations. Presentations are adjudicated by experienced researchers, in the spirit of helping students further develop their presentation and research skills. All Dalhousie graduate students are welcome to present their health-related research at this event.

In addition to providing an opportunity for students to present their research, this event allows a rare chance for these students to learn about other health research happening in their community and to develop research collaborations with others outside their fields of expertise.

This is one of the largest research showcases on Dalhousie University campus and promotes the importance and presence of the excellent research happening here.

The main objectives of graduate student research day:

• to help students and trainees enhance their awareness of ongoing research and opportunities

• to allow students and trainees an opportunity to critically assess the features of a good research project

• to provide students and trainees an opportunity to consider how research fits with the ongoing process of health education

Abstract Submissions due by April 5, 2025.

Web: https://dalu.sharepoint.com/sites/mrdo/SitePages/Graduate_Research_Day.aspx

Title: The Neuroscience of Skill: Quantifying and Modeling Movement with Artificial Intelligence. 

Speaker:  Dr. Alexander Mathis, professor at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. 

Date: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026,

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: Theatre C, Tupper  [IN-PERSON meeting]

Description: Motor control, the art of coordinating muscles to produce intricate movements, is a marvel of biological intelligence. From the graceful dance of a ballerina to the dexterous manipulation of objects, these movements are a testament to the brain’s prowess of mastering numerous degrees of freedom, which can take years of training and coaching to master, involving both explicit and implicit learning. Yet, understanding how the brain achieves skilled behavior remains one of the fundamental challenges in neuroscience. I will discuss methods for quantifying behavior, as well as modeling and experimental approaches to elucidate the principles of motor control.