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

 

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.

Connections

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.

> Applications are closed

Mental Health

Mental health affects the quality of life of all individuals and is fundamental to our well-being. Mental health can affect all areas of daily living, and in turn is affected by a multitude of variables including genetics, physical health, our environments, and psychosocial factors. Neuroscience research plays a vital role in unraveling the biological mechanisms of mental health and its intersection with these other factors, offering insights into possible interventions, protective factors, and areas for policy change to create healthier community outcomes. 

Coming 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 for the 2nd cycle?  Stay tuned for a deadline announcement.

Theme 1: Sustainable Brain Health Application Guidelines.

Download the Application Form.

 

If you have any questions OR if you are interested in applying, contact Dr. Diane Seguin at WINResearch@uwo.ca.