KBHN appoints Chief Scientist and Strategic Partnership Advisor
Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) welcomes two new roles to the team: Dr. Jennifer Zwicker as Chief Scientist and Dr. James Reynolds as Strategic Partnership Advisor to the CEO.
Both Dr. Zwicker and Dr. Reynolds have long histories with KBHN, having served the Network in various roles. Their respective appointments to these new positions align with KBHN’s new structure under the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund, focusing on translating research into innovative solutions for kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
Dr. Zwicker will lead KBHN’s initiatives to enhance early identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities and improve access to services for children and families.
Dr. Zwicker brings years of experience leading research programs that inform policies and actions surrounding disability. Previously the Deputy Scientific Officer, she has been at the forefront of advancing KBHN’s initiatives, spearheading a national training program that has nurtured the next generation of researchers and fostering expertise in areas critical to supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
As KBHN’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Zwicker will lead the scale, spread and implementation of projects aimed at early identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities, improved access to services and enhanced support for children and families.
“Over the years, I’ve seen KBHN evolve from a focus on discovery science to application and implementation of interventions to meet the needs of children and families,” said Dr. Zwicker. “With the new funding from the Strategic Science Fund, we are poised to expand our impact around our priorities in early identification, timely access to interventions and support for children and families.”
The investment of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to KBHN through the Strategic Science Fund signals a new chapter of research innovation geared towards bringing solutions to families.
Dr. Reynolds, who previously held the position of Chief Scientific Officer, was instrumental in establishing KBHN as a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the implementation of research innovations serving the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families into practice.
In his new role, Dr. Reynolds will work closely with KBHN CEO Geoff Pradella on continuing to build partnerships crucial for moving research projects toward implementation and commercialization. This will include transitioning projects into non-profits, social enterprises, or commercial entities as appropriate, supporting the acceleration of proven supports, services and technologies for children and their families.
Reflecting on his journey with KBHN, Dr. Reynolds said, “We’ve learned that partnerships are crucial to the continued success of KBHN, as they are absolutely essential for bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world application.”
The Strategic Science Fund will support KBHN’s ambitious goals, including strengthening collaborations across Canada, launching investment competitions, and forming new advisory committees with diverse expertise.
As part of this strategic expansion, KBHN will also form a team of scientists to tackle research innovation priorities and establish a youth and family advisory council. These initiatives underscore KBHN’s commitment to engaging children, youth, and families as active partners in its research and innovation.
“Exciting times are ahead for KBHN,” said KBHN CEO Geoff Pradella. “With Dr. Reynolds’ continued involvement and Dr. Zwicker’s leadership, we are well-positioned to drive transformative change in the lives of children and families across Canada.”
Dr. Reynolds will work with KBHN CEO Geoff Pradella to strengthen partnerships that transition research into non-profits or commercial entities, enhancing support for children and families.
