Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

The goal of establishing the Institute of Mental Health Research's (IMHR's) Ottawa Neuroscience and Mental Health Network for Trainees (NeuMe Trainee Network) is to bring together young scientists and trainees in the rapidly growing neuroscience hub of Canada's capital city. The NeuMe Trainee Network, previously known as the Young Researchers' Committee, aims to expand its affiliations to include collaborations with the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMI), as well as Carleton University's Department of Neuroscience and Society for Neuroscience, Ottawa Chapter. This year marks the 12th annual conference held at the IMHR which brings together trainees from the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region and neighbouring institutions. The goal of this conference is to provide a free and local opportunity for trainee scientists to share their research, establish collaborations, network and learn from leading clinicians and scientists. Our theme will focus on the integration of preclinical and clinical discoveries, from bench to bedside and back again. Translational research is key to improving the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment of complex brain disorders. The conference will bring together plenary and local speakers to present findings from forward and reverse translational research. Furthermore, students will present their research contributions in poster and oral format, providing them with the opportunity for professional development, knowledge exchange and to engage in educational workshops. Our featured talk "Mental Illness, My Story", will feature an individual sharing their lived experiences with the aim of reducing stigma and providing insight into how research impacts lives. Our target audience includes trainees, early-career researchers, mental-health professionals as well as community stakeholders. To expand our collaborations as a re-branded network, and to continue providing this experience free of charge, we are seeking funding from CIHR.