Brain Repair Centre x Brain Canada
Brain Canada at the BRC: Research, Funding & Collaboration
Join us for a Brain Repair Centre & Brain Canada Program Information Session, an opportunity to connect, share ideas and explore research collaboration and funding opportunities for investigators and trainees at all career stages.
The event will feature an overview of Brain Canada's funding programs, followed by presentations showcasing some of the exciting research taking place at the BRC. There will also be time for discussion, questions and networking.
Please RSVP to let us know if you can attend.
Agenda
8:45| Welcome & Networking
9:00 | Brain Canada Information Session
Jim Fawcett, Director Brain Repair Centre
Fiona Sanderson, Senior Program Manager, Brain Canada
Corey Baimel, Brain Canada Future Leader in Canadian Brain Research
Adria Quigley, Brain Canada Future Leader in Canadian Brain Research
Colin MacKay, Brain Canada Rising Star Trainee
10:00 | Networking Break
10:30 | Neuroscience Research Presentations (order may change)
Insect Research Group: Francesca DiCara, Jamie Kramer, Nicanor Gonzales-Morales
Blood Brain Barrier Group: Ellen Parker, Ben Whatley
Mobility and Proprioception: Turgay Akay
Arthritis and Migraine Pain: Jason McDougall, Melissa O’Brien
12:00 | Wrap-up & Next Steps
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: The challenge to anatomy educators: How do we create “Human Engineers?
Speaker: Dr. Judi Laprade, PhD, Associate Professor, Anatomy Course Director for Kinesiology & Physical Education, Dentistry and Physical Therapy Programs, University of Toronto
Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: L7, 2nd floor, Tupper Link
Description:
Form and Function in Ocular Disease
The "Form and Function in Ocular Disease" meeting will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on October 24, 2026. It is a multidisciplinary clinical and basic science meeting. The guest speakers are renowned experts in topics ranging from retinal development to visual hallucinations in vision disorders
There is no charge for attendance but registration is required.
Open House Halifax Campus
Our open houses give you a firsthand look at the Dal experience. By attending an open house, you’ll participate in information sessions, campus tours, socials and more.
Truro Open House: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Halifax Open House: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Virtual Open House: Saturday, December 6, 2026
Parkinson's IQ + You Moncton
Parkinson’s IQ + You is a free in-person event designed to empower people living with Parkinson’s and care partners to manage the condition, learn about the latest research, and connect with local resources. The event is designed for people at every stage in their journey with Parkinson's.
First launched in 2019, Parkinson’s IQ + You is an event series that was established by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research with the goal of bringing education and empowerment to the Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s IQ + You provides people and families with Parkinson’s two of the greatest tools for managing their condition—knowledge and support. These live, interactive, and free events help the community to learn how to live well with Parkinson’s, hear about the latest research, and connect with local resources. Parkinson Canada is the first partner host to sponsor their own Parkinson’s IQ + You event outside of the United States.
Join us in Moncton on October 24, 2026. This in-person event features a program with sessions on navigating Parkinson's, managing care, and learning about research participation. The accompanying Partner Expo includes information on treatment options and local resources for the Parkinson’s community.
Bowling for Brains
BIANS’ annual Bowling for Brains fundraiser is on Saturday, October 24 from 2PM - 5PM at Bowlorama in Dartmouth!
Bring the kids, invite your friends, come with family, or simply come on your own — everyone is welcome! It’s a great opportunity to have some fun, meet familiar faces, make new connections, and support the brain injury community.
🎃 What to Expect
🎳 Bowling and lots of fun
👻 Costumes encouraged!
🍕 Food and refreshments
🤝 A chance to connect with the BIANS community
👨👩👧👦 Bring your kids, friends and family — or come solo!
📍 31 Atlantic St, Dartmouth, NS
🎟️ Sign Up to Bowl
Come out and join us for a fun afternoon while supporting BIANS!
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 22
💙 Can’t Make It? You Can Still Make an Impact!
If you can’t join Bowling for Brains, you can still support BIANS by making a donation.
This year, BAINS goal is to raise $1,000 to support ABI education and help increase understanding of acquired brain injury throughout Nova Scotia.
Every donation helps BIANS continue providing education, resources, programs and support to people affected by ABI and their families and caregivers.
Public Talk: Mental Illness Intervention
Department of Psychiatry is hosting a public panel discussion “How Early is Early Intervention for Potential Mental Illness? What are the risks, what do we do?”
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jai Shah, Psychiatrist and ResearcherDouglas Research Centre and McGill University
This FREE IN-PERSON PUBLIC EVENT is on Thursday, October 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Peggy Corkum Music Room.
Below and attached is the poster for the event. Visit the event page or scan the QR code below for more information.
All are welcome. No registration required.
Discovery Awards
24th Annual Discovery Awards for Science & Innovation
Early Bird pricing for the 24th Annual Discovery Awards for Science & Innovation ends July 15. Reserve your seats today for an unforgettable evening celebrating the discoveries and innovations shaping Nova Scotia.
The Discovery Awards is an opportunity to come together and recognize the remarkable people whose work is making a lasting impact in our province. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and the presentation of this year's Discovery Awards.
By securing your tickets early, you'll not only receive discounted pricing, but you'll also support Discovery Centre's Youth Empowerment in Science (YES!)programs. These programs provide youth across Nova Scotia with hands-on STEAM learning experiences, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Early Bird Pricing:
Individual Tickets: $200
Table of 10: $2,000
Early Bird Offer Period:
June 16, 2026 - July 15, 2026
Event Highlights:
Date: November 10th, 2026
Location: Westin Nova Scotian
Time: 5:30PM
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.
Amazing Brain Science Talks
The Amazing Brain Science Talks is an annual event hosted by Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL), an interdisciplinary neuroscience program at McGill University. Presented in collaboration with Brain Canada and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome, the Talks are an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in brain health research in an accessible and engaging format.
Applications for submissions are now open to independent researchers at eligible Canadian institutions that have been awarded Brain Canada funding.
Deadline for receipt of applications: July 31, 2026 at 17:00 ET
Visit BrainCanada.ca for more info and application form
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Regional Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction Across Health and Neurological Disease: A Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Investigation
Speaker: Sheida Mirloo, PhD Student, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Friedman Lab
Date: Tuesday, November 17th, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: 3H-01 [IN-PERSON meeting]
Description: The blood–brain barrier (BBB) maintains a stable environment for brain function, and its dysfunction has been implicated in aging and neurological disease. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, we characterized regional BBB dysfunction in healthy individuals, people with drug-resistant epilepsy, patients with traumatic brain injury, and older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment. Human imaging studies and complementary animal experiments demonstrate regional variation in BBB measurements, disease-associated leakage extending beyond visible structural lesions, and associations between regional BBB dysfunction and cognitive performance. The presentation will explore these findings, the potential of BBB imaging to provide information complementary to conventional structural MRI, and the methodological challenges and validation required for future clinical applications.
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!
RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala
Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets to Halifax’s leading holiday fundraising gala today!
This holiday season, join the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia for the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, an unforgettable evening kicking off the holiday season. Enjoy merry mingling, festive photo booths, fine dining, exciting raffles, live auctions, and late-night dancing.
Tickets at: mentalhealthns.ca
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: TBD
Speaker: Dr. Albert Hiu Ka Fok, Postdoctoral Fellow, Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC
Date: Tuesday, November 17th, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: 3H-01 [IN-PERSON meeting]
Description:
Terry Anders Memorial Lecture
TERRY ANDERS MEMORIAL LECTURE
Date: Thursday November 26th
Location: Sir James Dunn Building, Room 101
Speaker: Dr. Katelynn Boerner, BC Children's Hospital
Title: TBA
2027 IBIA World Congress
Hosted by The International Brain Injury Association (IBIA), the 16th World Congress on Brain Injury is being held on May 23–26, 2027, here in Halifax.
The World Congress on Brain Injury is the premier international conference dedicated to brain injury and its consequences. Held biennially, the Congress attracts a global audience of multidisciplinary professionals committed to improving outcomes for individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury. More than 1,000 professionals attended the 2025 World Congress, and we anticipate even greater participation in 2027.
Important Dates to note:
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Details at: https://braininjurycongress.org/abstract-submissions/
Registration
Registration to attend is not open yet but we will let you know when it is - early Bird registration will be open until end of February and there is a special rate for Maritime Residents!
Purple Walk for Epilepsy
Join Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes at DeWolf Park in Bedford, NS on Sunday, October 18th for a 5K Purple Walk for Epilepsy! Whether you're walking in support of a loved one, living with epilepsy yourself, or just want to help raise awareness, everyone is welcome to take part.
DeWolf Park, 150 Watefront Drive, Bedford Nova Scotia
October 18th, 2026 at 9am
Registration is $25 - Get $10 off on early bird registration until August 31st! Youth under 17 can register free of charge!
Together, we'll walk to raise awareness, and help build a more informed, understanding, and inclusive community. Every step taken helps spark conversations, reduce stigma, and remind those affected by epilepsy that they are not alone.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. at DeWolf Park, with the walk beginning shortly afterward. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join us, whether you choose to walk the full 5K or simply come out to cheer on others and connect with the community. Help us meet our goal of $15,000!
Gather your family, friends, coworkers, start a team and wear your purple with pride! We can't wait to see you there as we come together to make a difference.
Register here: https://www.canadahelps.org/.../p2p/purple-5k-for-epilepsy/
Any questions? Reach out to us! Info@epilepsymaritimes.org
Aging Your Way Expo
Aging Your Way: A Home, Health & Wellness Expo
Empowering Aging. Supporting Families. Connecting Communities.
Join us for the 2025 Halifax Aging Your Way Expo — a one-of-a-kind community event bringing together local experts, services, and supports to help Nova Scotians age safely, confidently, and with dignity.
Whether you're a senior looking to live independently, an adult child supporting aging parents, or a caregiver seeking trustworthy resources — this expo is for you.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for anyone navigating aging — for themselves or someone they love.
Seniors planning to age in place or stay active and engaged
Adult children with aging parents who need support, information, or peace of mind
Persons living with disabilities seeking accessible living solutions
Caregivers, family members and care partners who want tools, resources, and relief
Anyone exploring options around home care, housing, health, finances, and wellness
Come with questions. Leave with confidence.
What You’ll Find at the Expo
Local vendors offering health, wellness, housing, and aging-in-place solutions
Live presentations from professionals on aging-related topics
Information on home modifications, financial planning, mobility aids, caregiving, and more
A warm, welcoming space to learn, explore, and connect — at your own pace
Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome!
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.
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: “Patterning the cerebral cortex by transcription factor expression gradients”CB₂ Modulation, Hypoxia, and Recovery After TBI
Speaker: Dr. Sen-Ju Chou, PhD & Research Fellow, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Date: Thursday, October 15th, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: 3H01, Tupper
Description:
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.
SPR 2026
SPR Annual Conference comes to Halifax!
The Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) is an international scientific organization with over 800 members worldwide. The society focuses on the interrelationships between the physiological and psychological aspects of behavior. The 66th Annual Meeting of the SPR will be held in Halifax, Canada, from October 14-17, 2026. The event will feature symposia, poster sessions, plenary talks, and pre-conference workshops on various psychophysiological research topics. The SPR aims to continue exploring new theories, methods, and research while connecting anatomy and physiology with psychological phenomena.
Pharmacology Seminar Series
Dr. Yacine Touahri
Title: Harnessing the regenerative potential of Müller glia in the retina: a
study of development and regeneration
Speaker: Dr. Yacine Touahri
Date/Time: Tuesday October 13th 9:30am-10:30am
Synopsis: Degenerative retinal diseases cause permanent vision loss because the
mammalian retina lacks the regenerative capacity found in lower
vertebrates. This seminar will examine emerging gene therapy
strategies to unlock Müller glia derived regeneration by re-activating
neurogenic programs normally silenced in the adult retina.
Dr. Touahri will discuss how imprinted genes enforce Müller glia
quiescence and restrict their ability to re-enter a progenitor like
state, and how modulating these regulators creates a permissive
environment for reprogramming.
The talk will highlight recent advances using engineered, high potency
neurogenic transcription factors that enhance Müller glia conversion
into retinal neurons.
Building on these findings, the seminar will also explore how
transcription factors such as Neurog2 and Ascl1 govern cell fate
specification in the developing retina.
Defining how these factors establish lineage hierarchies and shape
chromatin accessibility during development provides key mechanistic
insight for designing transcription factor based strategies that can
be redeployed to drive Müller glia-derived regeneration.
For more information or to request a MS Teams link, please email Dr. Jason McDougall at jason.mcdougall@dal.ca
Centres & Institutes Open House
Join us for the Centres and Institutes Open House on Thursday, October 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Catherine Steele Atrium, in the Fountain School of Performing Arts.
Explore innovative research, meet researchers from across Dalhousie, and learn how our centres and institutes are tackling challenges in health, sustainability, technology, public policy, and beyond.
Register here: Get your free ticket
Jacob Hamilton Memorial Lecture
JACOB HAMILTON MEMORIAL LECTURE
Date: Thursday October 8th
Location: Sir James Dunn Building, Room 101
Speaker: Dr. Kayla M. Joyce
Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
Title: Why Do People Use Substances? Coping, Motherhood, and the Future of Integrated Perinatal Care
Let’s Keep Talking
Let’s Keep Talking, presented by Bell Let’s Talk, is an annual public event created to educate, inspire and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Nova Scotians who either live with mental illness or addiction or support those who do.
This year, Olympian Karen Furneaux is the keynote speaker.
More details at: https://mentalhealthns.ca/events/lets-keep-talking/
Medical Neuroscience Seminar
Title: CB₂ Modulation, Hypoxia, and Recovery After TBI
Speaker: Aminat Mustapha, MSc Candidate
Date: Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Location: 3H01, Tupper (Halifax) & & DMNB Room 221, (Saint John, NB)
Description: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates secondary injury cascades that critically shape functional outcomes, with cerebral hypoxia emerging as a central and potentially modifiable mechanism.
Despite similar primary insults, affected individuals may diverge into susceptible or resilient recovery phenotypes, though the biological basis of this variability remains unclear.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB₂) signaling, a key regulator of inflammation and neurovascular function, represents a promising pathway through which hypoxia-related processes may be modulated. My talk explores the relationship between hypoxia, CB₂-targeted intervention, and recovery phenotypes following TBI.
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!
CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK
CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK: Sep 26-Oct 3
Keep your eye on BIANS social media as they shed light on the prevalence of concussions, how to prevent, recognize, and manage concussions, and launch our new concussion awareness and education posters that will be distributed in schools and sports facilities across NS.
To learn more about concussions and view all of BIANS’ concussion resources, tools, and more, click the button below or visit www.braininjuryns.com/concussion
Journal Club Meeting: NS Insect Research Group (NSIRG)
Topic: Modelling Rare MFN2 Variants in Drosophila
Presented by: Dr. Tim Shutt, University of Calgary
Location/Platform: 5th floor Biology Seminar Room
Contact info: Shelley Adamo sadamo@dal.ca
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, and those who were never able to return home. Dalhousie acknowledges that this day calls us to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the important work of reconciliation.
You can find events and resources by checking the Halifax Regional Municipality website, Mount Saint Vincent University events, The Coast's guide, and through Halifax Public library , which offers a staff-created list of children's books and resources. Other organizations like the Downie Wenjack Fund also host Truth and Reconciliation Week activities, and Sipekne Katik First Nation may have specific event scheduled.
CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK
CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK: Sep 26-Oct 3
Keep your eye on BIANS social media as they shed light on the prevalence of concussions, how to prevent, recognize, and manage concussions, and launch our new concussion awareness and education posters that will be distributed in schools and sports facilities across NS.
To learn more about concussions and view all of BIANS’ concussion resources, tools, and more, click the button below or visit www.braininjuryns.com/concussion
Walk YOUR Way
Save the Date: September 26, 2026!
Join Autism NS in making Waves of Action this fall at Walk YOUR Way 2026, proudly presented by Carson Exports. Do it YOUR way in support of the Autistic community across Nova Scotia.
Walk Locations:
Click on your preferred location to learn more and register as an individual or team.
To register, donate or find our more go to:
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/129615/walk-your-way-2026
Postdoc Appreciation Week
National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) takes place from September 21 to 25, 2026.
Sponsored annually by the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) since 2009, this week recognizes the vital contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research, innovation, and scientific discovery.
Key Details for 2026
Dates: September 21 – 25, 2026.
Theme: Celebrating 150 years of the U.S. postdoc position.
Activities: Universities, institutions, and postdoctoral associations across North America and globally host virtual and in-person events, including professional development workshops, networking sessions, and social gatherings.
Virtual Events: The NPA coordinates a multi-institutional virtual celebration to connect postdocs worldwide.
ASNS Community Week Event
This event is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is encouraged. Register here!
Join ASNS in Dartmouth on September 21, 2026, for a free community event as part of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia's annual Community Week!
Attend education presentations on dementia-related topics
Meet local service providers and learn about the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
Connect with others, enjoy refreshments, and build community
Doors open at 1:00 p.m. to browse tables of community resources
Presentations begin at 2:00 p.m.
This event is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is encouraged. Register here. Ticketing is just for us to know the number of attendees to expect! No need to bring a copy of your ticket to the event with you.
Community Week is an annual week-long series of events held in communities province-wide. These events provide education on dementia-related topics, Alzheimer Society programs and services, and other community resources to support individuals on their dementia journey.
SURGE Neuro Hackathon
SURGE Hackathons challenge students to design creative solutions to a science-based problem over a single, high-energy time period. Held multiple times a year with support from faculty, student mentors, and industry partners, each event features a different theme, pushing students to apply their skills in new contexts.
Interdisciplinary teams get instruction on science-related problems and techniques, then take a solution from idea to prototype to pitch — building real skills along the way: collaboration, project management, delegation, brainstorming, and problem-solving under pressure, and how to turn that solution into a viable business model.
All SURGE hackathons are open to all post-secondary students in any discipline across all of Nova Scotia.
Falling Walls Lab Atlantic Canada
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library
What if three minutes could change the course of an idea? Or even help solve an important global challenge?
On September 14 at 6:00 pm, 14 students and early-career researchers from across Atlantic Canada will take the stage at Falling Walls Lab Atlantic Canada 2026 to do exactly that. Selected from 24 applicants, the 14 finalists will pitch breakthrough ideas spanning disciplines and institutions from across our region. Each gets just three minutes to make their case before a distinguished panel of judges - and a live audience.
Join colleagues, students, researchers, innovators and members of the public for a fast-paced evening of smart people, surprising ideas and some very big thinking. At the end of the evening, one will be named the 2026 Falling Walls Lab Atlantic Canada winner to represent our region at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale in Berlin.
Disability Showcase 2026
Disability Showcase 2026
Join Brain Injury NS, March Of Dimes Canada and Caregivers Nova Scotia Association for the Disability Showcase, formerly known as Pathway to Peers! This free, drop-in community event brings together individuals, families, caregivers, service providers, and community organizations to connect, learn, and discover available supports and resources.
Explore over 25 community vendors offering information, programs, services, and opportunities for people living with disabilities and their support networks. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary food and beverages while networking and connecting with others in the community.
Don't miss the popular Lived Experience Panel, where individuals with lived and living experience will share their stories, insights, and perspectives through a moderated discussion.
Whether you're looking for resources, support, connections, or simply want to learn more about disability services in Nova Scotia, you are invited you to stop by!
Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Cedar Event Centre, 111 Clayton Park Drive, Halifax, NS
This is a free, accessible, drop-in event. Everyone is welcome!
World Suicide Prevention Day
Visit the CAST Suicide Prevention Hub: https://novascotia.cmha.ca/cast_resource_hub/
Labour Day 2026
Dalhousie University and BRC offices are closed today on observation of Labour Day.
While not medically linked to neurology, long weekends offer a vital pause from occupational stress, helping workers prevent burnout and mental fatigue!
World Alzheimer’s Month
Each September, the Alzheimer Society supports World Alzheimer's Month.
During this month, 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.
