World Brain Day
World Brain Day is an annual event observed on July 22, aimed at promoting awareness and education for neurological disorders that affect individuals worldwide.
Brain Health for All Ages
By Tissa Wijeratne, OAM MD, PhD & David Dodick, MD
Co-Chairs, World Brain Day 2024
Wolfgang Grisold, MD
President, World Federation of Neurology
World Brain Day 2025 is a global campaign devoted to promoting brain health for all ages. The vision for WBD2025 is to work collaboratively with UN ECOSOC and the WHO Brain Health Unit, making this initiative a historic milestone in establishing brain health as a universally recognized priority.
Aligned with the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2022–2031) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year’s campaign seeks to advance a comprehensive and practical strategy that integrates regional insights and fosters sustainable change worldwide. We firmly believe that brain health is essential for individual well-being and for societal progress.
World Brain Day 2025 on Brain Health for all ages is structured around five key messages for action:
Awareness: We aim to elevate the global conversation on brain health by combating stigma and promoting the early recognition of neurological disorders.
Education: Empowering healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the public with the latest scientific knowledge and practical training is vital for advancing brain health initiatives.
Prevention: Our strategy emphasizes evidence-based measures such as early childhood nutrition, vaccination, hypertension control, and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors.
Access to Care and Disability Management: It is imperative to ensure that high-quality neurological care, rehabilitation services, and assistive technologies are accessible and affordable, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Advocacy: By driving policy change, increasing research funding, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, we can reduce the global burden of neurological disorders.
World Brain Day Event
World Brain Day Event
Wednesday, July 23 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Local time)
NOTE: Halifax time is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Hybrid (Zoom)
Details and Registration link at: bcbrainwellness.ca/events/world-brain-day-2025
Join the BC Brain Wellness Program for their annual hybrid World Brain Day celebration! This year’s event will explore the interconnections between the mind, well-being, and resilience throughout life, especially as we head into older age. Enjoy an engaging session of presentations and activities with Dr. Julia Henderson, Sandra Tjoa, Mady Mooney, and Cynthia Friesen!
International Self-Care Day
24 June marks the start of Self-Care Month, which ends with Self-Care Day on 24 July. This symbolic day was chosen because self-care can be practiced “24 hours a day/7 days a week”.
24 June marks the start of Self-Care Month, which ends with Self-Care Day on 24 July. This symbolic day was chosen because self-care can be practiced “24 hours a day/7 days a week”.
It's six years since WHO released the first global Guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, , which has paved the way to link communities, primary care and health systems. Since then, WHO has released many other resources to help countries implement self-care interventions and make healthcare more accessible for all.
During Self-Care Month 2025, WHO will be releasing several more resources including: a Digital adaptation kit on self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy; Spanish versions of the Self-Care Competency Framework Volumes 1, 2 and 3 to help health and care workers support people to self-care; and the Implementation of self-care interventions for health and well-being: guidance for health systems in Spanish. It will also be re-promoting key resources like the Guideline and the free Counselling and prescribing of contraception in pharmacies course on the WHO Academy, which is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
Self-Care Month is an opportunity to:
raise additional awareness about self-care and self-care interventions;
acknowledge the benefits that they bring to people’s lives and what’s been achieved so far; and
call for renewed commitments and action to expand all health systems to include self-care interventions.
During the month, people around the world will be celebrating self-care practices and interventions and the difference they can make to everyone’s lives.
Find out more about Self-care at the following sites:
Thesis Defence
Masters Thesis Defence
Candidate: Nicole Ponto, MSc Candidate
Date: Friday July 25th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. Philip Tibbo, Dr. Candice Crocker
Department/School/Program: Psychiatry Dalhousie University
Thesis Title: ADOLESCENT CANNABIS USE, PSYCHOTIC-LIKE EXPERIENCES, AND THEIR IMPACT ON BRAIN WHITE MATTER IN A SAMPLE OF DEVELOPING ADOLESCENTS
Time: 10:00am
Location: C150, CHEB
Pyschology & Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Neural Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury
Speaker: Dr. Mark H. Tuszynsk, Distinguished Professor of Neurosciences and Director of the UCSD Translational Neuroscience Institute at the University of California-San Diego
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 11:30am – 1:00 pm
Location: LSC, Rm # P4260
Host: Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience
Description: We have been developing a neural stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) in which early stage neural stem cells (NSCs) are grafted into spinal cord lesion sites to form new neural relays across the lesion: transected host axons regenerate into a neural stem cell graft implanted into the lesion site, and form synapses; in turn, grafted neurons extend axons out from the lesion site and into the distal host spinal cord and synapse onto host neurons. This circuitry establishes poly-synaptic relays across the lesion (Lu et al, Cell 2012; Kadoya et al, Nat Med 2016; Rosenzweig et al, Nat Med 2018; Kumamaru et al, Nat Meth 2018; Koffler et al, Nat Med 2019; Poplawski et al, Nature 2020; Ceto et al, Cell Stem Cell 2020; Sinopoulou et al, Neuron 2022; Sinopoulou Nat Biotech 2025). Key to this approach is the creation of a human neural stem cell line of spinal cord identity, H9-scNSCs, derived from the H9 embryonic stem cell line (Kumamaru et al, Nat Meth 2018). This talk will review efficacy and safety data regarding this line of work in rodent and primate models of SCI. Recently we found that grafts of H9- scNSCs restore 50% of skilled hand use after unilateral C7 SCI in non-human primates, compared to only 5% recovery in lesioned controls (P < 0.001). This program is undergoing preparation for initiation of human clinical trials.
Meet a Scientist
Meet a Scientist is run by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. The event will be held in the Lindsay Children’s Room and BMO Community Room at the Halifax Central Library.
Meet a Scientist is a free, family-friendly event! We welcome potential future students, alumni, and members of the public curious about science to attend. Come explore science fields, ask questions, and learn about exciting research happening right here in Nova Scotia.
Refreshments will be provided. Admission FREE, register here.
Alzheimer’s Disease International Forum (AAIC)
Join distinguished researchers, clinicians and dementia professionals at the largest international conference on dementia research. Share theories, breakthroughs and best practices while exploring opportunities to accelerate your work and elevate your career.
Abstract submissions open in December.
Registration opens in March.
https://aaic.alz.org
PS. The top five winners of the 2024 International Brain Bee (including Canada’s Lisa Wei), will be participating in the second IBB NextGen event to be hosted at this conference.
Lily George Travel Awards
Closing date August 7th
Details at https://www.brainrepair.ca/grants
MS BIKE 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION, to register or donate, visit msspbike.donordrive.com or
CONTACT Melanie Bennett: melanie.bennett@mscanada.ca | 902-496-5874
Computation and Cognition Conference 2025
The Computation and Cognition conference provides a forum for researchers in cognitive science, neuroscience, and AI, focused on understanding the computations that underlie behaviour. Our goal is to deepen and strengthen the interactions between our disciplines, and to discover the ways in which each research community can benefit from the successes of others.
Poster abstract submission deadline: July 15
World Alzheimer’s Month
Each September, the Alzheimer Society supports World Alzheimer's Month.
During this month, we at the Society encourage organizations and individuals like you, to learn more about dementia and its stark impact on Canadians.
This Alzheimer Awareness Month, 10 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia.
These are actions that you can take at any age or stage of your life to work to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia. These vital steps for improving brain health also include those that have already been diagnosed with dementia.
We want to empower Nova Scotians to take an active role in their own brain health. Together we can reduce our risk.
Parkinson Canada Superwalk
Every September, Canadians from coast-to-coast unite to raise awareness and important funds for Parkinson Canada. To date, SuperWalk has raised over $44 million to fund research, support tools, and advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s.
Join the 2025 Suerwalks in NS at:
Halifax - from DeWolf Park on Saturday Sep 6;
Sydney on from Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Sunday, Sep 7;
Wolfville from Clock Park, also on Sunday, Sep 7.
To register for the walk or make a donation go to: https://donate.parkinson.ca
Dal Innovation Week
Last year’s inaugural Dal Innovation Week brought together over 1,500 students, faculty, and business leaders for 15 innovation-focused events, supported by 30 partner organizations. It was the largest student-driven innovation showcase in Atlantic Canada.
This year, we’re raising the bar.
Led by Dal Innovates, Dal Innovation Week celebrates the bold ideas, ventures, and breakthroughs emerging across campus. It's a spotlight on the creativity and energy driving Dalhousie’s entrepreneurship and innovation community.
What to expect:
Pitch competitions and hackathons that put ideas to the test
Innovation workshops and more to spark creativity and collaboration
Volunteer and networking opportunities
Opportunities to collaborate with like-minded innovators
Check out our website to discover the exciting opportunities ahead and find out how you can get involved. Big announcements are coming soon—don’t miss out!
SCAPPS 2025 Conference
SCAPPS is the National organization for researchers and students in motor learning and control and sport/exercise psychology. https://www.scapps.org/. The motor control and learning arm of the conference focuses on behaviour and neuroimaging work in humans, mainly focusing on basic research but with some clinical/applied sport focus as well.
More details coming soon
Dementia Care Conference
Join Alzheimer Society Nova Scotia for this year's 36th Annual Dementia Care Conference, where we'll focus on Fostering Curiosity in Care. This meeting will broaden our understanding of behavioural changes in dementia, explore innovative strategies for creating dementia friendly rural communities, witness the transformative power of music therapy, and more. Be sure to attend our keynote address by Dr. Agnes Chinelo, an author and advocate who will share practical, culturally-informed insights drawn from her distinctive perspective as both a physician and family caregiver.
Registration and more at Eventbrite. Early Bird rates available.
Neuroscience 2025
Meeting Dates: Saturday, November 15–Wednesday, November 19
Location: San Diego Convention Center
Each year, scientists from around the world congregate to discover new ideas, share their research, and experience the best the field has to offer. Attend so you can: present research, network with scientists, attend session and events, and browse the exhibit hall.
Join the nearly half a million neuroscientists from around the world who have propelled their careers by presenting an abstract at an SfN annual meeting — the premier global neuroscience event.
Visit https://www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2025 for dates, registration, etc.
CSPC 2025
17th Canadian Science Policy Conference
Toward a resilient future for Canada: Mobilizing science, knowledge and innovation
Thesis Defence
Masters Thesis Defence
Candidate: Laith AlHadeed, MSc Candidate
Date: Friday July 18th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman
Department/School/Program: Dept Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Thesis Title: MULTIMODAL ASSESSMENT OF ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS AMONG CANADIAN PERSONNEL
Time: 10:00am
Location: C150, CHEB
WESTERN Conference on Science Education
WCSE 2025 is July 16–July 18, 2025.
Sustainable Learning
There has been a lot of rapid change in education over recent years. As a result, we have had to adapt and evolve to support students. These changes have come with increased administrative workload and pressure on educators—all during a time of fiscal instability for post-secondary institutions. WCSE 2025 invites you to think about moving forward in a sustainable way in this ever-changing landscape.
Many educators are commenting on a lack of time and space to engage in professional development—such as attending conferences. WCSE is structured to simultaneously support learning and development, while providing space for reflection and design of your teaching; the goal is for you to leave the conference with ideas and resources that are ready to put into practice. For 2025, WCSE has a new program element that specifically invites participants to share strategies to address the drains on your time and energy.
Sustainable learning will mean something different to each of us. At WCSE, we are defining it as efficient and effective ways of furthering quality science education while prioritizing our own well-being. Therefore, we invite proposals that support this initiative. Of course, WCSE has always had the philosophy that all individuals engaged in science education—whether as students, educators, technical staff, and education-oriented private sector partners—as well as all topics related to teaching and learning science are welcome.
The social program will be begin in the evening of Tuesday, July 15 as we gather for a "mixer" event on Western University campus (London, ON, Canada). The academic program will begin on Wednesday morning and run until early afternoon on Friday. If you would like to keep informed of important updates and future WCSEs, send a message to wcse@uwo.ca to be added to our mailing list.
For the program and more information: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/wcse
Thesis Defence
PhD Thesis Defence
Candidate: Reynaldo Popoli
Date: Thursday July 14th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. Turgay Akay
Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building
Thesis Title: EXPLORING PHARMACOLOGICAL CHOLINERGIC MODULATION AND ITS MECHANISMS AS A THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Local cholinergic interneurons modulate locomotor- and breathing-related motoneuron output
Speaker: Dr. Gareth Miles, Professor of Neuroscience, University of St Andrews
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 pm
Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building
Description: Rhythmic motor behaviours, such as breathing and locomotion, need to be adaptable to suit the varying demands organisms encounter. We have studied how interneurons contribute to the adaptability of the motor circuits that generate breathing and locomotion. We have revealed mechanisms by which local cholinergic interneurons modulate the activity of motoneurons, the final common pathway for controlling behaviour, to ensure that the output of motor circuits matches environmental and organismal demands.
Annual Memorial and Interment Services for the Donors to Medical Science
Annual Memorial and Interment Services for the Donors to Medical Science
Nova Scotia
Saturday July 05, 2025
Interment Service – 11:00 AM
Dalhousie Memorial Gardens
593 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
Memorial Service – 2:30PM
Rebecca Cohen Auditorium
6101 Univeristy Avenue, Halifax
New Brunswick
Friday May 02, 2025
Memorial Service – 4:30 PM
Quispamsis United Church
372 Hampton Road
Quispamsis, NB
We wish to extend an invitation to you and your staff to attend the Annual Interment and Memorial Services to be held in recognition of the contribution that is made to our teaching and research programs and to pay thanks and gratitude to the families and friends of the individuals who have donated their bodies for the Advancment of Medical Education and Research at Dalhousie Universty
ComSciCon Canada Workshop
Are you interested in strengthening your ability to communicate your science to non-specialist audiences?
Would you like to meet other graduate students across the country who are passionate about science communication?
Do you want to network with professionals to explore science communication in all its facets?
This is your opportunity!
ComSciCon is a series of workshops focused on enhancing communication skills and fostering an inclusive community that can effectively communicate scientific information to academic and non-academic audiences. Created in 2013 by graduate students at Harvard University and MIT, over 2000 graduate students have now benefited from learning the skills needed to communicate complex concepts within science, engineering and other technical fields to reach broader and more diverse audiences. ComSciCon has now come to Canada to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM fields across the country.
This year, ComSciCon Canada will be holding a National Workshop (ComSciConCAN) from June 27th to 29th at McMaster University. The conference is offered at a low cost for selected attendees.
The application deadline is Monday, Feb 10th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST and the application form is available here:
https://bit.ly/ComSciConApp2025
For more information, please refer to our website (http://www.comsciconcanada.org/) or contact us directly at our email address below.
ComSciConCAN organizing committee
contact@comsciconcanada.org
X (formerly Twitter): @ComSciConCAN
Instagram: @ComSciConCAN
Northwood 13th Annual Research Symposium
Northwood Research Symposium - Innovating Care, Empowering Lives
Northwood’s 13th Annual Research Symposium – a day of innovative discoveries and thought-provoking conversation! Agenda and Ticket info at: Eventbrite
Thesis Defence
Masters Thesis Defence
Candidate: Abdallah Alshanti, MSc Candidate
Date: Thursday June 19th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman
Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience,, Dalhousie University
Thesis Title: IMPACT-DETECTING HELMETS AS INDICATORS OF CONCUSSION AND BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DYSFUNCTION IN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 1:00pm
Location: C150, CHEB
Thesis Defence
Masters Thesis Defence
Candidate: Laith AlHadeed, MSc Candidate
Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman
Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Thesis Title: MULTIMODAL ASSESSMENT OF ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS AMONG CANADIAN PERSONNEL
Date: Friday July 18th 2025
Time: 10:00am
Location: Rm 14-B2, Tupper Building
Thesis Defence
PhD Thesis Defence
Candidate: Gracious Kasheke
Date: Thursday June 19th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. George Robertson
Department/School/Program: Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University
Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building
Thesis Title: Assessment of Functional Recovery in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Putative Remyelinating Drugs
Thesis Defence
Masters Thesis Defence
Candidate: Paige Reynolds
Date: Wednesday June 18th 2025
Supervisor(s): Dr. Ying Zhang
Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience,, Dalhousie University
Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building
Thesis Title: Characterization of ALS Patient-Derived iPSC Motor Neurons
Location: Rm 14-B2, Tupper Building
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Unraveling the Mystery of "Havana Syndrome
Speaker: Laith AlHadeed, MSc Candidate, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building
Description: In late 2016, Canadian and U.S. government personnel stationed in Havana, Cuba, began experiencing sudden-onset neurological symptoms, later termed “Havana Syndrome.” These included persistent cognitive, vestibular, and sensorimotor disturbances that were difficult to diagnose.
To investigate these health incidents, we conducted a mixed-methods longitudinal cross-sectional study involving 51 participants and 229 assessments. Data collection included symptom questionnaires, biological sampling, brain imaging, and cognitive testing. Approximately 50% of those deployed reported high symptom burden, encompassing headaches, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, and memory deficits.
The symptoms aligned with post-concussion syndrome as identified by the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ).
Symptoms generally emerged within the first 6 months of deployment and persisted throughout follow-up. Risk factors for symptom development included female sex, a history of endocrine or metabolic disorders, and elevated anxiety scores. A multiple logistic regression model using these factors predicted symptomatic outcomes with 85.7% accuracy.
Biological analyses revealed elevated levels of C-reactive protein and thyroid stimulating hormone, along with decreased butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase activity during deployment. Cognitive testing identified impairments in spatial reasoning and multitasking. While clinical MRIs did not show overt pathology, some individuals demonstrated leaky blood-brain barriers and slowing of brain activity on MEG/EEG.These findings point to a potential environmental cause, with mass fumigation in Havana identified as a possible contributing factor.
The study contributes to the growing body of research examining acquired brain injuries from toxic exposures. The findings of this work could influence medical surveillance and pre-deployment health screening protocols of Canadian diplomats stationed in high-risk environments.
G7 Brain Economy Summit
In 2025, under Canada’s leadership, the G7 has an unprecedented opportunity and responsibility to place brain health and brain skills at the heart of global economic strategy. The economy runs on “brain capital”, the combined power of brain health and cognitive skills. Yet, it remains largely absent from major policy discussions. At a time of workforce disruptions, AI-driven change, and demographic shifts, our economies depend on healthy brains, cognitive skills, and emotional resilience. It’s time to recognize the brain as an economic priority.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: HYPOXIA MEDIATES N-MEHTYL-D-ASPARTATE SIGNALING RELATED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Speaker: Jamil Muradov, PhD Candidate, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building
Description: Cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs) are an early hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are associated with poor clinical outcomes, yet their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that post-traumatic hypoxia promotes CSDs and impairs neurovascular responses. This study examined how hypoxia and CSDs affect neurobehavioral outcomes post-TBI and evaluated the effects of NMDA receptor antagonists as potential therapeutics.
Using an animal model of single moderate TBI (N=67), I assessed outcome variability. TBI impaired neurological scores at 48 h post-impact (p<0.0001) and disrupted the neurovascular response to CSDs. Behavioral scores showed a bimodal distribution (R²=0.88; trough=7.01), categorizing animals into “susceptible” and “resilient” groups. Susceptible animals exhibited early cardiorespiratory dysfunction (lower HR and SpO₂ at hind paw and neck; p=0.02, p<0.001, p=0.01) and a significantly reduced neurovascular response to triggered CSDs, along with prolonged post-CSD oligemia.
To explore the relationship between hypoxia and CSDs, I used epidural electrodes and cranial window surgery. Animals that developed CSDs had lower mean SpO₂ (83.6%) compared to those that did not (92.2%). The co-occurrence of CSDs and hypoxia significantly altered the neurovascular response, with a 16% reduction in cerebral blood flow during the expected hyperemic phase, suggesting potential hypoperfusion and ischemia.
I also studied CSD-induced vascular responses in resilient vs. susceptible animals under hypoxia or following NMDA receptor antagonist treatment. Memantine reduced CSD incidence by 42–73% and mitigated cortical hypoperfusion. In a randomized pre-clinical trial, memantine treatment improved behavioral outcomes and preserved neurovascular function. This multi-modal investigation identified post-impact hypoxia as a key driver of CSDs and demonstrated that hypoxia and CSDs synergistically impair neurovascular regulation. Targeting these processes through oxygen support and NMDA receptor antagonism prevented secondary injury and improved outcomes. These findings may inform mechanism-based strategies for mitigating TBI susceptibility across injury severities.
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.
Thesis Defence
PHD Thesis Defence
JAMIL MURADOV, Department of Medical Neuroscience
Thesis Title: : HYPOXIA MEDIATES N-MEHTYL-D-ASPARTATE SIGNALING RELATED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Date: June 4th 2025
Time: 9:30am
Location: 31017, Mona Campbell
Annual Flag Raising Ceremony (BIANS)
Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS)
Annual Flag Raising Ceremony,
to mark the beginning of Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Neuroprotection
Speaker: Dr. Jamie Hutchison, Staff Physician, Division of Pediatric Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa. Adjunct Scientist, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Program, SickKids Research Institute and Honorary Staff Physician, Department of Critical Care Medicine, SickKids, Toronto. Professor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building
Our Future is Aging: Multidisciplinary Research Informing People, Policy & Practice
Presented by Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, the “Our Future is Aging” conference is on June 3-4, 2025!
This conference builds on the success of the 2012 and 2016 conferences and will be a valuable opportunity to revitalize relationships, networks and connections, to understand who is working on research on aging and to discuss existing collaborations in research on aging and foster new ones.
Researchers, trainees, decision makers, practitioners won’t want to miss this conference which will showcase research on aging from a diversity of perspectives, disciplines and approaches which address issues and opportunities of an aging population.
The conference will offer high caliber key note speakers, concurrent oral and poster sessions and interactive workshops.
More details at: https://www.ourfutureisaging.ca
A Fireside Chat . . . Aging Is Our Future: Navigating the Next 50 Years
A Fireside Chat… Aging Is Our Future: Navigating the Next 50 Years
Monday, June 2, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm
REGISTRATION OPEN
In Person: Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd Floor, Rosaria Student Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University. Click here to register for in-person.
Virtual livestreaming. Click here to register for virtual livestreaming.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the realities facing today’s and tomorrow’s generation of older adults – the fact that we are living longer. This is a good news story as a society but what does it mean for older adults, our communities, the labour force, our health care system?
Status quo is inadequate for creating healthy longevity. Transformative thinking is needed by individuals, organizations and governments to ensure we are living healthy for longer. How we view older adults, how we prepare for a longer life (socially and financially), and our approach to health care all need to be challenged.
Our top-notch influential thinkers will raise much needed awareness about this important topic leaving us better positioned to navigate the next 50 years.
This is a discussion you won’t want to miss!
This event is FREE but registration is required.
Guest Speaker – Margaret Gillis, President, International Longevity Centre (ILC) Canada
Co-President ILC Global Alliance
“Ambassador” Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
Margaret Gillis is founding President of International Longevity Centre Canada, a leading-edge policy shaper working to identify ways through which older adults can lead healthy, fulfilling and active lives. She is also Co-President of the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance, which is an alliance of 16 centres around the world dedicated to the needs of older people. Closer to home, Ms. Gillis is an “Community Ambassador” for Elder Abuse Awareness Ontario, an organization providing education, training and information on elder abuse.
An award winning executive and innovative leader, Margaret Gillis played a key role in establishing the Age-friendly Community program in Canada and internationally. Other career highlights include the establishment of the “Canadian Coalition Against Ageism” a nation-wide social change movement to combat ageism.
Margaret Gillis has strong credentials in regard to human rights, working with and speaking at the UN General Assembly on behalf of older people. She has been actively working for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons in Canada and internationally. With a background in health promotion, protection and programming, Ms. Gillis is committed to improving the rights of older people.
Moderator – Anne Martin-Matthews
Professor Emerita of Sociology
The University of British Columbia
Anne Martin-Matthews has focused her career on issues of aging and social gerontology. Born in Newfoundland, she holds a PhD in Sociology from McMaster University, and has served on the faculty of the University of Guelph (1978-1997) and The University of British Columbia (1998-2023).
Her publications include two books, Aging and Caring at the Intersection of Work and Home Life: Blurring the Boundaries; Widowhood in Later Life; three edited volumes (on methodology; policy development; and Canadian gerontology in international context); and numerous journal articles and chapters on health and social care, aging and social support, work-family balance, and rural aging. She is a past President of the Research Committee on Aging of the International Sociological Association. A former Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal on Aging, she is currently a member of the editorial board of Ageing and Society (UK). Anne has received numerous awards and recognition for her mentoring of students in the study of aging.
In addition to her extensive academic career, Anne has held leadership positions and advisory roles at provincial and national levels. She completed two terms (2004-2011) as Scientific Director of the Institute of Aging, of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Under her leadership, the Institute of Aging led the development of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a 20-year study of 50,000 Canadians aged 45-85. In recognition of her contributions in advancing research on aging, Anne was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018.
This public event is made possible by:
Dr. F.R. MacKinnon Endowment Fund, Mount Saint Vincent University
NS Department of Seniors and Long-term Care
ALS Walk Strong 2025
ALS NBNS are thrilled to announce that their annual Walk Strong event will be returning this June! Mark your calendars and get ready for a season filled with hope, connection, and powerful stories!
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as they reveal more details about the walks, special guests, and ways you can get involved.
Follow ALS NBNS on Facebook for details and updates.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Using human iPSC derived motor neurons to model ALS and the neuromuscular junction
Speaker: Jack Guthrie, PhD Candidate, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building
Description: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction and motor neuron death. There is currently no cure and treatment options are limited, making it essential to develop appropriate model systems to study the disease. Multiple in vitro model systems using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from ALS patients have been used to study the pathophysiology of motor neurons during disease progression. However, few in vitro studies have examined NMJ function. It is important to study the NMJ in ALS as its dysfunction is an early pathognomonic characteristic of the disease. This seminar explores our work using iPSC derived motor neurons as a model to study ALS. Additionally, I will present a novel technique to study neuromuscular junction formation and function in vitro using iPSC derived motor neurons.
2025 Halifax MS Walk
For information on registration, fundraising for HALIFAX go to MSWalk website or contact
Melanie Bennett: melanie.bennett@mscanada.ca | 902-496-5874
CAN 2025
18th Canadian Neuroscience Meeting
The 2025 Canadian Neuroscience meeting is in Toronto, May 21-24, 2025. The Canadian Neuroscience meeting is a great opportunity to present your work, learn about new cutting-edge research and network with neuroscience leaders from Canada and abroad.
The chairs of this year’s meeting, Drs. Matt Hill and Rosemary Bagot are putting together an exciting program that covers a wide range of neuroscience topics.
Visit can-acn.org/meeting-2025/ for more information, program and more. ,