Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program - Open Pool

The proposed Café - "Exploring new possibilities for brain imaging research in mental health" - will help participants understand why brain imaging is not currently available for the diagnosis of mental health disorders, and how scientists are working to change this. Café panel members will share current knowledge about the status of brain imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning in mental illness. Participants will gain an improved understanding of: - current, approved, clinical uses of brain imaging in mental health and their limitations - the use of brain imaging in research and what it can tell us about mental health at the individual patient level - current opportunities to participate in brain imaging research at The Royal Ottawa Hospital's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) and the potential benefits of participating. In a follow-up session, participants will learn how brain imaging research is conducted and why support for this research is so important. Participants will then engage with each other and our imaging scientists in a series of World Café style discussions on brain imaging outcomes that are relevant to them - informing future research strategy at The Royal's IMHR and Brain Imaging Centre. After attending this event, participants will be better able to understand and advocate for the use of imaging where indicated, and for the importance of brain imaging research in mental health. The Café integrates research, education, practice and lived experience, a central component of The Royal's strategic plan to Co-Create Access, Hope and New Possibilities for our clients.