Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) welcomes two Scientific Advisors, Dr. Grant Bruno for Indigenous Initiatives and Dr. Kathryn Graham for Research Impact and Assessment, to guide the advancement of evidence-based solutions for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

The phrases “research to real world,” “knowledge to action,” and “bridging the gap” have become common in news stories highlighting research that aims to solve practical problems. But how can organizations evaluate whether efforts lead to meaningful, measurable change? How can they ensure impactful research is reaching intended audiences, including families, governments and decision-makers?

This is why KBHN is acting on its commitment to reconciliation, collaboration and impact. With the guidance of the Scientific Advisors, the Network is poised to expand its initiatives within Indigenous communities and ensure projects directly benefit families.

“Part of KBHN’s goal under the Strategic Science Fund is to ensure that our research is truly working for the people we aim to serve,” said Kim van der Hoek, KBHN Chief Operating Officer. “It’s essential that we can demonstrate impact and communicate it clearly. We want to know that our work is making a difference for all our stakeholders, including policymakers, frontline workers, healthcare professionals who support children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families. Our two outstanding advisors will play key roles in helping us fully understand and realize that impact.”

 

Strengthening partnerships with Indigenous nations

In his role, Dr. Grant Bruno advises KBHN on all Indigenous-focused initiatives, including the development of the new Indigenous Stream, engagement with the Advisory Circle and identification of partnership priorities.

As a nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) scholar and community leader, he brings a vision to KBHN that centres on culturally grounded healthcare models and neurodiversity through the lens of Indigenous knowledge systems.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Scientific Advisor, Indigenous Initiatives with the Kids Brain Health Network. This opportunity reflects a shared commitment to advancing Indigenous-led, culturally grounded research that honours the strengths, voices, and knowledge systems of our communities,” said Dr. Bruno, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Bruno is the founder of Ispimihk Awâsisak (Sky Children Program). Guided by the Nêhîyaw concept of Wâhktotowin that emphasizes relationality and interconnectedness, the program partners with communities to enhance the health and well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and their families.

He also founded the Indigenous Caregiving Collective and serves as an Academic Lead for Indigenous Child Health at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. He was recognized as one of Canada’s next-generation researchers making breakthroughs in health and medicine for his impactful work on the intersection of autism, neurodiversity, and Indigenous cultures.

“I look forward to supporting transformative work that upholds relational accountability, strengthens partnerships with Indigenous families and nations, and ensures that neurodivergent children are seen, heard, and supported in ways that respect who they are and where they come from,” said Dr. Bruno.

 

Achieving action and assessing impact

To advance its mandate, KBHN has engaged Dr. Kathryn Graham, a global leader in amplifying research impact, known for pioneering strategies that transform ideas into successful outcomes.

“KBHN’s passion and commitment to catalyzing collective action for impact is inspirational,” said Dr. Graham, Professor of Research Impact Assessment at the University of Calgary. “They have a track record of supporting, implementing and scaling leading-edge research to inform neurodevelopmental disability policies, improving health practices and practical tools that can be used by children and their families in their communities.”

Dr. Graham brings nearly three decades of experience helping organizations design and scale for maximum societal and economic benefit. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, co-founder of the International School on Research Impact Assessment, and co-author of The Cornerstones of Impact Management.

“I am very excited about my recent appointment as a Scientific Advisor to KBHN, given their mission of ensuring optimal care and better outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Participating in a network that seeks to make a difference in people’s lives is what it is all about.”

Dr. Graham leads the Research Innovation Impact Assessment Lab (RIIAL) at the University of Calgary, focused on realizing real-world impact with and for communities. Her achievements include the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and an International Startup Ecosystem Star Award for innovation leadership.

In her role as Scientific Advisor, Dr. Graham advises on the frameworks for evaluating and communicating the outcomes of KBHN’s work. Working alongside KBHN leadership, she helps assess the impact of research funding, philanthropic investments, and commercialization pathways.

“We recognize that meaningful change happens when community voices, rigorous science, and inclusive values guide our decisions,” said Corey Fortier, KBHN Director of Implementation and Programs. “The contributions of our advisors are instrumental in ensuring that we support more children and families in sustainable and equitable ways.”

With the appointments of Dr. Bruno and Dr. Graham, KBHN reinforces its mission to ensure that all children with neurodevelopmental disabilities experience a good quality of life, inclusion and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Their roles guide KBHN’s scientific direction and deepen its commitments to reconciliation, impact, and community-rooted innovation.