National Indigenous Peoples Day
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.
Source: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/
Smudge Ceremony
Dal Libraries will host a morning smudge ceremony, led by Elder Ann LaBillois, at 10:00 a.m. on June 23, to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day. Join us in the Killam courtyard outside the main entrance. All are welcome!
Book Launch
Book Launch Celebration
The launch of Doctor Dopamine: The Extraordinary Life and Science of Dr. Harry Robertson is a public event, hosted by Dalhousie University. This compelling new book, by journalist Jon Tattrie, tells the remarkable story of Dr. Harry Robertson - a Dalhousie University scientist and a founding member of the Brain Repair Cente - whose groundbreaking Parkinson’s disease research helped transform our understanding of the disease and improve opportunities for earlier diagnosis.
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.
Thesis Defence
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
ASNS AGM
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.
Neurogenesis and Repair 2026
Join the 1st International Neurogenesis and Repair Conference 2026:
From Neural Development to Repair: Advancing Neuroregeneration Through Shared Principles
Understanding how the brain develops is key to discovering how it can repair itself. This meeting brings both perspectives together to spark new ideas, highlight shared mechanisms, and move the field toward real therapeutic advances.
What to Expect
Scientific Program: Sessions integrating developmental and repair-focused perspectives, highlighting shared pathways relevant to neuroregeneration.
Networking & Collaboration: Opportunities to connect with global leaders and peers, through dedicated networking sessions.
Workshops & Engagement: Interactive discussions designed to broaden knowledge, spark new ideas, and build lasting collaborations.
For more information and registration details visit:
https://event.fourwaves.com/neurogenesis-and-repair-2026/pages
Call for abstracts is open until April 30, 2026
DAL Innovation Week 2026
Dal Innovation Week: October 5-9, 2026.
Dal Innovation Week is returning this October, and it will be another week of exciting events! After the tremendous success of last year’s events, which attracted over 1,500 students, faculty, and business leaders, Dal Innovates are thrilled to bring even more innovation-focused activities to campus.
Check out DAL Innovates in the coming months for the full schedule of events. There will be pitch competitions, new product demonstrations at Demo Day, a brainhack and more!
CAG 2026
CAG2026 is the 55th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Canada’s premier association for those who work, research or have an interest in the field of aging.
The CAG2026 Scientific Committee is chaired by Dr. Janice Keefe, Mount Saint Vincent University & Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, and Dr. Jessica Strong, University of Prince Edward Island.
CAG 2026
CAG2026 is the 55th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Canada’s premier association for those who work, research or have an interest in the field of aging.
The CAG2026 Scientific Committee is chaired by Dr. Janice Keefe, Mount Saint Vincent University & Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, and Dr. Jessica Strong, University of Prince Edward Island.
CAG 2026
CAG2026 is the 55th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Canada’s premier association for those who work, research or have an interest in the field of aging.
The CAG2026 Scientific Committee is chaired by Dr. Janice Keefe, Mount Saint Vincent University & Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, and Dr. Jessica Strong, University of Prince Edward Island.
SfN - Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting
Save the Date
Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting is taking place November 14–18 in Washington, D.C.
Brain Innovation Days
BID are delighted to bring the brain community together once again for the 6th edition of the Brain Innovation Days, a dynamic two-day event designed to inspire collaboration and accelerate innovation across the brain ecosystem.
On November 18-19 2026, this year’s event will be hosted at Area 42 in Brussels, a remarkable venue that offered the perfect setting to foster creativity, share knowledge and build meaningful partnerships. Over these two days, attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect with leading experts, researchers, clinicians and industry pioneers from across Europe and beyond – all under one roof!
Thesis Defence
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
Halifax Brain Tumour Walk
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.
Seminar: Gynecologic Cancer
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
Seize The Day! - Epilepsy Run / Walk
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.
ABI WALK
🚶♀️💙 Walk for ABI – Join BIANS for the 2026 Walk for ABI on Saturday, June 6, to raise awareness and support individuals living with acquired brain injury across Nova Scotia.
This event is also a joint fundraiser supporting BIANS and Aphasia Nova Scotia, with all proceeds shared equally between both organizations. Your support helps strengthen programs, services, and advocacy for individuals and families living with brain injury and aphasia across the province.
Participation is free, but optional donations are welcome and deeply appreciated. Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.
🕙 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
Thesis Defence
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
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.
Journal Club Meeting: NS Insect Research Group (NSIRG)
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
PREP Graduate Research Day
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
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
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.
ABI Flag Raising
JOIN THE BIANS TEAM FOR ABI FLAG RAISING
📍 Parade Square, Downtown Halifax
🕙 Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 AM
Come together to hear the official proclamation, raise awareness, and show support for survivors and families.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today. It is also a moment for reflection and to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation.
The campaign dates back to 2009, when the House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
June is Brain Injury Awareness Month — a time to come together, raise awareness, and support one another.
Join BIANS this month as they host events to connect, share survivor voices, and reduce isolation, this month and beyond.
MS WALK Halifax
Event Location: Acadia Park
(650 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3V2)
Event Check-In/Registration: 2:00 pm
Opening Ceremonies: 3:00 pm - Walk to Follow
Route Distance: 5 KM
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Melanie Bennett: melanie.bennett@mscanada.ca | 902-496-5874
Walk for Alzheimer’s
2026 Walk for Alzheimer’s in on May 30th in Hlaifax (and other locations, Truro is on May 29th).
Even if you are not taking part, you can support a team or individual like our friends Janice Keefe & Pam Fancey’s team: “The Mount Agetastics” from the Centre of Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University. Or John Britton, Connie Vanberkel & Sacha Nadeau’s team at the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
If you’d like to support, you can make a donation here: Donate to the Walk for Alzheimer’s
Children's Healthcare Canada
Join us in Calgary #ChildHealthCan2026
Tomorrow’s Promise, Today’s Plan: Transforming Children's Healthcare in Canada
This year’s conference theme reflects a bold commitment to shaping a healthier future for children across Canada starting with the actions we take today.
Join leaders, innovators, clinicians, researchers, and families as we explore transformative ideas and practical strategies to advance child health. Together, we’ll share insights, challenge the status quo, and build the blueprint for tomorrow’s care, grounded in equity, innovation, and collaboration.
Information & registration at: https://event.fourwaves.com/childhealthcan2026/pages
IWK Telethon Live Tribute Show
Mark your calendars! The IWK Foundation’s biggest fundraising event—the IWK Telethon for Children—kicks off with a special entertainment-filled broadcast on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tune in to enjoy live performances by Neon Dreams, Funk Unit, Ian Janes, Amelia Parker, Declan and Ryker Power, Joce Reyome, Reeny Smith, Wolf Castle and Kim Dunn as musical director!
The IWK Telethon broadcast returns on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This cherished Maritime tradition will air live on CTV Atlantic, sharing inspirational and heartwarming stories from IWK families across our region.
The Telethon offers a powerful glimpse into the specialized care your IWK provides to countless children and families every day. These stories highlight the life-changing impact of donor generosity—and remind us why support for the IWK is so essential.
This emotion-filled live broadcast will also shine a spotlight on longtime IWK community supporters, celebrating the meaningful and unforgettable ways they help make world-class care possible for Maritime families.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Chronic pain uncouples functional brain network segregation from cognitive performance in aging.
Speaker: Cameron Calder, MSc student, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
Date: Tuesday, May 26th, 2026,
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Room C268 (CHEB) [IN-PERSON meeting]
Description:
2026 ILA YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS
2026 ILA YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Dear Students, Parents, Educators and Cherished ILA Community,
Imhotep's Legacy Academy cordially invites you to mark your calendars for our 2026 Youth Excellence Awards ceremony.
Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ADT, plus reception
Venue: Irving Oil Auditorium, 5257 Morris Street Richard Murray Design Building
Theme: Powered by Purpose
This year’s theme celebrates students who are driven by purpose in everything they do, using STEM not just for achievement, but to create meaningful impact. It reflects ILA’s mission of empowering youth to lead and serve through STEM.
Please Click Here to R.S.V.P Now!
Also feel free to contact ilaprg@dal.ca or phone number 902-494-2400 if you have any questions.
Brain Bee Canada - Phase 2
The Canadian National Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for high school students, grades 9 through 12. Students study brain and neuroscience research topics including memory, sleep, intelligence, emotion, perception, stress, aging, brain imaging, neurology, neurotransmitters, genetics, brain disease, and more. To compete in the Canadian National, students must first compete in a regional brain bee competition in Canada. The top place winner of each official regional brain bee will advance to the Canadian National level of competition. Finally, the top place champion of the Canadian National Brain Bee will advance to the next level of competition: the International Brain Bee.
The 2026 Canadian National Brain Bee competition is hosted in two exciting phases. Regional brain bee winners were invited to compete in the first phase, which was held virtually on Friday, April 24, 2026. Congrats to Adunola Oyenola who was the Haifax representative in this round.
The top 3 competitors from the first phase won travel and accommodation to compete in the second phase of the Canadian National: the Final Showdown, which is being held in person at the 2026 Canadian Association for Neurosciences annual meeting in Montreal on May 20th, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM.
Canadian Neuroscience Meeting
Join the 2026 Canadian Neuroscience meeting in Montreal, May 18-21, 2026. 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. Rosemary Bagot and Mark Cembrowski are putting together an exciting program that covers a wide range of neuroscience topics.
Save the dates! Canadian Neuroscience Meeting May 18-21, 2026
Location: Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Rosemary Bagot, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee
Mark Cembrowski, Co-Chair of the Scientific Program Committee
Stuart Trenholm, Chair of the Local organizing committee
REGISTRATION
https://can-acn.org/meeting-2026/registration-2026/
Meeting registration (regular rate): March 4, 2026 - April 29, 2026
Meeting registration (late, on-site): April 30, 2026 - May 21, 2026
Graham Goddard In House Conference
Annual Graham Goddard In House Conference
📅 Friday, May 15, 2026 | 🕘 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📍 LSC 4260 & Lilyan E. White Centre (LSC P4332)
Open to everyone!
🍕 Refreshments and pizza lunch provided.
✅ Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 3:00 p.m.
✉️ Register or arrange payment by emailing susan.lowerison@dal.ca
Fees:
• Faculty: $35
• Grad students, postdocs, RAs, staff: $25
• Undergraduates: $15
ℹ️ All presenters and attendees must register and pay by the deadline.
Dietary needs (gluten free/vegan): email libby.myles@dal.ca by May 6.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Seminar title: “AI and the cognitive brain: Have we uncovered the ingredients for intelligence?”
Seminar Speaker: Dr. Thomas Trappenberg, Ph.D., Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Location: 3H-01, Tupper building [in-person]
Description: Given the recent mind-blowing abilities of AI agents, I want to review some of the theoretical underpinnings. This includes the Modern Hopfield Model (MHM) and Vector Symbolic Architectures (VSA). I will try to illuminate the ideas behind these concepts in a non-mathematical way, although I cannot promise that no formulas are displayed for illustration purposes. While these mechanisms might be implemented with transformers, I will debate the question if these mechanisms are implemented in the brain on a cognitive level, and where it seems that there are gaps in such a cognitive architecture.
Department of Surgery Research Day
Department of Surgery Research Day 2026
MONDAY MAY 11, 2026
Halifax Convention Centre
The 2026 Combined Research Day Keynote
Dr. Brian Nosek
Professor, University of Virginia Medical School
Psychology Department
"Shifting Incentives: From Getting it Published to Getting it Right"
Open Lecture
Making Research Matter: The Power of Implementation Science
This introduction to implementation science will highlight the ways that researchers can apply or embed implementation science into their research, implementation, and evaluation initiatives. We will introduce people to frameworks and tools that can be applied to their research initiatives.
