After four years serving as a member of Ontario Brain Institute’s (OBI) Board of Directors, I was honoured to be stepping into the position of Board Chair.

Throughout my tenure with the Board, I’ve been incredibly impressed with OBI’s ability to bring together the right team, at the right time, for the right initiatives. Our programs reflect the seamless connections between researchers, innovators, caregivers, and most importantly, patients themselves. These efforts cover the diversity of brain disorders and address brain health across the entire lifespan – from neurodevelopmental disorders and youth mental health which greatly impact our children and families, to concussion and depression which impact people during their prime working years, to cognitive disorders like dementia in our elder population.

“Over the years OBI has led transformational change, earning Ontario a spot as a world-leader in brain research, commercialization and care. Our approach is also creating global opportunities for research and innovation involvement bringing knowledge and funding back to Ontario.”

- Heather Chalmers, Board Chair

Last year, OBI fostered several important international partnerships, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Health and the Brain Health Nexus are just two examples, highlighting Ontario’s recognized expertise and excellence in brain health. Additionally, OBI and its partners have brought $700M in leveraged funding into Ontario to expand research, commercial development, and community-based innovation capabilities

All these achievements have a dramatic impact on our ability to chart new pathways to better brain health. This year alone, OBI reached over 260,000 people with tools and resources to improve knowledge and support self-management for brain health. And 2,800 patients experienced better care through clinical trials, community-led interventions, and neurotechnology testing.

Looking ahead, the combination of innovative research advancements, exceptional talent, and increased collaboration across the brain health community only illustrates the pivotal moment for brain health advancement and OBIs leadership. I speak confidently for myself and my Board colleagues in expressing our gratitude and appreciation to be involved with such an esteemed community.