May 29, 2024
Vancouver, British Columbia – Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) hosted the Honourable Terry Beech MP of Burnaby North-Seymour, British Columbia on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus, as part of the federal announcement of the results of the inaugural Strategic Science Fund (SSF). Minister Beech, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, highlighted the government’s support for third-party science and research organizations through the SSF.
Minister Beech is testing out the headphone device, equipped with AI-based software, that selectively filters out aversive noises in real-time, empowering children to engage fully in daily activities.
As one of the recipients of a significant investment of up to $17 million, Kids Brain Health Network and our programs will make a positive impact on kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families through the SSF. Minister Beech was accompanied by Parm Bains, Member of Parliament, Steveston-Richmond East who also interacted with KBHN’s leadership and research teams about our innovations.
Announced in December 2023, the SSF represents a milestone in fostering innovation and scientific advancement. Its merit-based approach, informed by independent expert review panels, is an investment that will support the work of 24 organizations across Canada including Kids Brain Health Network.
Minister Beech interacted with, and test drove two KBHN-funded program teams: Sound Sensitivity and Dino Island projects.
Dr. Siamak Arzanpour and Dr. Elina Birmingham, and their research team, are pioneering solutions for children with decreased sound tolerance (DST). The innovative wearable device, equipped with AI-based software, selectively filters out aversive noises in real-time, empowering children and individuals with this condition to engage fully in daily activities.
Additionally, KBHN’s Dino Island program, led by Dr. Sarah Macoun, offers a “serious” game-based intervention for children with brain-based differences. Through engaging gameplay designed to be accessible in local and remote/resource-scarce communities, children enhance essential cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem-solving to improve learning, behaviour, and day to day function.
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The really exciting thing about this announcement is that we’re really investing in the future. This is all about taking two very cool technologies—two of the many technologies being produced in this facility—and instead of exposing them to 185 children, this investment figures out how we can get these now-proven technologies in the hands of 185,000 children in Canada. Every kid in Canada can utilize these technologies,” states Minister Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Member of Parliament for Burnaby—North Seymour. |
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The support from the Strategic Science Fund is a game-changer for us,” said Geoff Pradella, Interim CEO of Kids Brain Health Network. “This investment will propel our efforts to scale and spread novel interventions, ensuring every child and family in Canada has access to life-changing solutions.” |
KBHN remains committed to collaboration with national, provincial, and local partners to maximize the SSF’s impact, translating research into tangible innovation and action.
To read more about this visit, here is the official announcement from the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2024/05/government-of-canada-invests-in-cutting-edge-research-and-the-next-generation-of-scientists.html
Minister Beech's daughter Nova and KBHN Interim CEO Geoff Pradella look over the Dino Island game which aims to enhance essential cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem-solving
About Kids Brain Health Network(KBHN)
KBHN is a national network that develops and harnesses scientific advances in technologies, interventions and supports with the goal of helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families live their best lives. The science of children’s brain health is making advancements and KBHN is bridging the gaps between these scientific advances and implementing solutions that directly address the needs of children and families. In delivering on its mission, KBHN is advancing federal responsibilities and priorities aimed at building a healthier future for all kids. More information is available at: www.kidsbrainhealth.ca/.
About the Strategic Science Fund
The Strategic Science Fund program (ised-isde.canada.ca/site/strategic-science-fund) is jointly administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada. It aims to mobilize the expertise and resources of independent, third-party science and research organizations to enhance Canada’s science, technology and innovation excellence. SSF investments will achieve results for Canadians by addressing critical needs, such as supporting Canada’s knowledge economy, in ways that advance federal objectives.
For media queries, please contact:
Prachi Jatania, Communications Manager
Kids Brain Health Network
Email: communications@kidsbrainhealth.ca
