BrainsCAN’s five Research and Innovation Cores created an integrated, world-class research ecosystem spanning neuroscience from molecule to behaviour and across species. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, technology, and specialized expertise, BrainsCAN removed barriers to sophisticated research methods, accelerated discovery and innovation, enabled collaboration, and strengthened Western’s position as a global leader in neuroscience.

Computational

About

The Computational Research and Innovation Core brought together expertise from neuroscience, psychology, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics and engineering to understand how the brain gives rise to intelligent, goal-directed behaviour. By combining expertise across traditionally separate disciplines, the Core advanced the development and application of mathematical and quantitative approaches to increasingly complex behavioural, imaging, and electrophysiological data.

Research

Computational RIC researchers developed innovative methods, models and theories linking brain activity with behaviour. A particular focus was the development of quantitative approaches capable of bridging observations across species, helping researchers translate discoveries from experimental models into a deeper understanding of the human brain./p>

Human Cognition & Sensorimotor

About

The Human Cognition and Sensorimotor Research and Innovation Core advanced understanding of how the brain gives rise to complex human behaviour. As a key node within Western’s neuroscience community, the Core connected basic, clinical and translational research across Western and the wider London research community.

Research

The Human Cognition and Sensorimotor Research and Innovation Core developed innovative approaches for studying human cognition and behaviour in increasingly complex, real-world environments and across diverse populations. It strengthened connections between researchers and clinical communities, expanded community engagement through initiatives including OurBrainsCAN and the Centre for the Science of Learning, and built interdisciplinary collaborations to advance analytical approaches for complex cognitive neuroscience data.

Imaging

About

The Imaging Research and Innovation Core, via the Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (CFMM), supported reduced rates for BrainsCAN-aligned imaging projects in the cognitive, computational, clinical, technological, and translational approaches required for understanding and intervening in brain function.

Research

The Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (CFMM) houses Canada's only collection of high-field (3T) and ultra-high field (7T and 9.4T) MR systems, as well as Canada's first 15.2 Tesla imaging (MRI) system. The Centre is dedicated to establishing the anatomical, metabolic, and functional characteristics of normal brain development and healthy aging across the lifespan, as well as establishing the brain basis of developmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative deficits.

NHP

About

The NHP Research and Innovation Core enabled highly sophisticated investigations into the neural mechanisms underlying perception, cognition and behaviour. Combining behavioural, neurophysiological and imaging approaches, the Core provided researchers with unique capabilities to investigate brain function from individual neurons through to large-scale networks.

Research

Supported by 15 state-of-the-art neurophysiology rigs, the NHP- Research and Innovation Core brought together an exceptional range of advanced technologies, including virtual-reality environments, robotic systems, high-channel-count acquisition, two-photon microscopy, comprehensive movement assessment and advanced neuromodulation and brain-stimulation approaches. This infrastructure enabled researchers to investigate fundamental questions about sensory processing, motor control, cognition, neuroplasticity and brain networks at extraordinary levels of precision.

Rodent Cognition

About

The Rodent Cognition Research and Innovation Core advanced the development and application of sophisticated approaches for studying cognition and behaviour in preclinical models. Building on the internationally recognized Bussey-Saksida touchscreen platform, the Core supported research designed to bridge fundamental neuroscience discoveries with potential applications to human brain health and disease.

Research

BrainsCAN investment supported specialized technical expertise, infrastructure and advanced touchscreen-based neurobehavioural experimentation at Western. The Core enabled researchers to develop and apply experimental platforms for understanding the brain circuits underlying cognition and to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of potential therapies for cognitive impairment. Its combination of technological innovation, specialized expertise and translational research strengthened Western's international leadership in cognitive neuroscience.