Strategic Science Fund strengthens CABHI’s role in transforming research and innovation to improve the lives of older Canadians
Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation to receive SSF funding
Toronto, December 7th, 2023. The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, is delighted to announce the renewal of its federal funding through the new Strategic Science Fund (SSF), jointly administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Health Canada.
The SSF represents the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting science and innovation organizations. 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, and enhance the well-being of Canadians.
Recipients of the SSF, announced Dec 6th, were selected through a competitive, merit-based and transparent process, and will be at the forefront of translating research and knowledge into action, to grow the economy while improving the quality of life of Canadians.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of ISED, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced this significant support for 24 independent, non-profit science, research, and innovation organizations, including CABHI, in this first-ever SSF competition. Funding CABHI’s mission, focused on advancing innovative products and services that support aging and brain health and build resilient communities, is a testament Canada’s commitment to the well-being of Canadians at risk for and living with dementia.
“CABHI commends Canada’s ISED and Health ministries for underscoring the needs of Canada’s aging population, people living with dementia and their caregivers,” said Jeff Blidner, Chair of CABHI’s Board of Directors. “This announcement recognizes CABHI’s significant contribution to implementing science-driven solutions to improve the lives of older Canadians.”
Dr. Allison Sekuler, CABHI’s President and Chief Scientist highlighted CABHI’s unique collaborative approach, saying, “CABHI thrives on engaging a diverse community of innovators, older adults, caregivers, researchers, post-secondary institutions, health care providers, and nonprofit, government, and private sector partners – a strategy that has proven invaluable to our success. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this funding, which will enable CABHI to continue its critical work and amplify our collective impact for the benefit of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
MP Marco Mendicino expressed his enthusiasm for the result, saying, “As the Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence, I am delighted the Government of Canada has announced new funding for the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). Knowing the leadership of the CABHI team as I do, I am confident that this latest investment will further their world-class research, innovation, and health support for the aging. I will continue to champion CABHI and Baycrest as their local MP.”
CABHI takes pride in its past and ongoing involvement in shaping and advancing Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. Baycrest CEO Dr. William Reichman served as the inaugural co-chair of the Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia that developed Canada’s first national dementia strategy – A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. CABHI also is a founding partner of the Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance, recently created to support and enable the research and innovation pillar of that Strategy.
Our collaboration with SSF partners will similarly maximize impact in dementia research and innovation by addressing knowledge gaps, building capacity, and supporting purpose-built innovations within the aging and brain health ecosystem. CABHI is dedicated to advancing innovation, from idea to impact, ultimately improving the health, economic prospects, and social well-being of Canadians both now and in the future.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES FROM THE OFFICIAL SSF ANNOUNCEMENT:
“Our government is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of funding under the new Strategic Science Fund. With this investment, we are supporting organizations working in a multitude of areas including the development of novel cancer treatments, climate change, reconciliation and Indigenous-led science, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, as well as organizations that are inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers. Congratulations to all of today’s recipients.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Health research plays a critical role in improving our health and social well-being. The Strategic Science Fund will deliver leading-edge research, train the next generation of scientists, and help transform health knowledge into direct actions to improve health outcomes for Canadians. Our government is proud to support these organizations whose work will continue to build a healthcare system that is modern, resilient, and responsive to the needs of healthcare workers and patients.”
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
ABOUT CABHI
A solution accelerator for the aging and brain health sector, CABHI provides funding and support to innovators for the development, testing, and dissemination of the latest ideas and technologies that address unmet brain health and seniors’ care needs. Established in 2015, it is the result of the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. CABHI is a unique collaboration of healthcare, science, industry, not-for-profit, and government partners whose aim is to help improve quality of life for the world’s aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.
CABHI also gratefully acknowledges the support of its current funders: the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and the Government of Canada through the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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For more information:
Lisa Hartford, ABC
Senior Communications Specialist
CABHI
lhartford@cabhi.com
647.466.8053
