Vancouver, March 18, 2024
After serving for five years as the Chief Scientific Officer for Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), a national research network dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, Dr. James Reynolds today announced he is stepping down from his role with the network as of March 31.
Dr. Reynolds leaves behind an organization with an impactful track record and a promising future. “I was one of the original group of investigators who came together in 2009 to propose a new, collaborative research network aimed at increasing our understanding of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities,” said Reynolds. “The vision for the network from the beginning was to be an organization dedicated to accelerating the pace of understanding disorders of brain development and to implementing solutions that improve the lives of affected children and families. KBHN has stayed true to this vision over the past 14 years, and I’ve been witness to the organization’s increasing commitment to stakeholder engagement and being responsive to the needs of children and families.”
“Dr. Reynolds has played a central and integral role in building KBHN’s sustainability, reputation, growth, and success,” said KBHN Board Chair Sara Saber-Freedman. “He played a critical leadership role in the creation of many of KBHN’s current funding and research programs, as well as two major research funding applications for the network. These include securing a third round of funding from the Networks of Centres of Excellence Program and, more recently, the successful proposal KBHN submitted to the federal government’s Strategic Science Fund (SSF).
He’s leaving the organization in a strong position where KBHN can stay on the leading edge of developing and implementing programs that support kids in realizing their full potential, improving quality of life and greater inclusion in Canada, and ensuring that research innovations reach the kids and families who need them most. On behalf of KBHN’s Board, we extend our deep and sincere gratitude for his immense contributions to KBHN’s mission,” Freedman added.
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There are a number of characteristics that contribute to KBHN’s unique identity,” added Reynolds. “One of these is the close attention KBHN pays to holding its funded research programs accountable for progress. This focus on tracking the achievement of project objectives and deliverables is what ensured that KBHN delivered value and fulfilled its mandate of delivering socioeconomic benefit to Canada. At the same time, KBHN was able to invest in several early-stage, high-risk initiatives, and then nurture these programs to where they stand today, poised to spread nationally and internationally. It will be exciting to see where KBHN can go in the future.” |
KBHN Interim CEO, Geoff Pradella said, “It has been an honour, since I joined the KBHN Board in 2019, to work alongside and learn from Dr Reynolds. He is an individual of great integrity and talent. In the evolution of this network, his leadership has been instrumental in creating and overseeing a world-class, highly recognized research program, and his demonstrated deep passion for the well-being of kids and families is unparalleled in my experience. On behalf of the KBHN team, partners, and the network, we are very grateful for his long service with us, and his dedication and commitment to making KBHN what it is today.”
As KBHN moves into the next phase of its work, under the Strategic Science Fund, please watch for further announcements regarding our programs and the continuation of strong scientific advice and leadership that KBHN has enjoyed over its first 14 years.
About Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN)
Kids Brain Health Network (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 the 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: https://kidsbrainhealth.ca/
For media queries, please contact:
Geil Astorga, Communications Manager
Kids Brain Health Network
Email: communications@kidsbrainhealth.ca
