Community-driven research for real-world impact
The Western Institute for Neuroscience (WIN) is dedicated to addressing major societal challenges through fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting active community engagement. NeuroConnect is our flagship program that brings together researchers and community members to collaboratively develop research questions and solutions, ensuring that discoveries in neuroscience lead to meaningful, real-world impact.
> Learn more about program benefits
> Application guidelines & documents
From start to finish, most neuroscience research takes place in the lab. It could instead begin and end in the community.
Translating neuroscience research into tangible and lasting benefits is accelerated when researchers, community partners, patients, and policymakers are engaged in mutually beneficial and highly inclusive partnerships.
The NeuroConnect program aims to adopt a more inclusive research approach that integrates diverse voices and experiences. By catalyzing interdisciplinary research and engaging community at every stage of the research process, NeuroConnect helps accelerate the path from research to results, making a meaningful difference in people's lives and society at large.
NeuroConnect is bringing teams together to build interdisciplinary capacity and drive community engagement.
A commitment to co-creation
We are dedicated to ensuring reciprocal relationships with our community partners and to removing barriers for community members to drive, participate and engage in research and access information.
Community representatives embedded in the research team
Teams will include local community workers from key community organizations.
Western trainees embedded in the London community
We will facilitate lasting relationships between neuroscientists and community partners and will provide opportunities for Western trainees to engage directly with community organizations.
For our first round of NeuroConnect projects, we asked community members to share their needs and priorities and developed two distinct areas of focus based on their feedback. As more resources become available, WIN will seek to support additional emerging areas of focus.
Sustainable brain health
As people live longer lives, the rates of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise, impacting not only those affected but also their families and communities. Identifying and implementing strategies to promote healthy brain aging and reduce dementia risk is crucial for optimizing cognitive function and enhancing the quality of life for aging Canadians and their families.
Completed applications must be submitted to win@uwo.ca
Chronic pain, mental health, addiction and homelessness
We know that housing insecurity worsens brain health, yet people experiencing homelessness are rarely included in neuroscience research. In addition, one in three people are affected by neurological conditions, with those from disadvantaged and marginalized communities disproportionately impacted—highlighting an urgent need for more targeted and inclusive solutions to this escalating public health crisis.
Applications will open soon.
What benefits can interdisciplinary teams expect from this program?
- Up to $200,000 per year in funding for a two-year period, renewable for a maximum funding period of 5 years
- Research Officer support for proposal development, and identification of funding opportunities
- Project management support
- Grant development support
- Staff support for community engagement and outreach
- Support liaising with Western University Advancement for donor support
Interested in applying? Have a look at our program guidelines.
Completed applications must be submitted to win@uwo.ca by 5:00pm, November 29th, 2024.
