Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

NeuroConnect: From Bench to Bedside is a province wide conference aimed at bringing together those involved in brain research, mental health, and neuroscience education. Our goal is to create a space for transdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector communication, strengthening the Albertan neuroscience community. In this way, researchers, healthcare workers, educators, trainees, patients, and decision-makers can share their ideas and challenges to improve brain health. As neuroscience in Alberta grows, many sectors and institutions work separately, limiting this desired connection and collaboration. Researchers may not be regularly connecting with care providers or educators shaping future practitioners. This event addresses this by hosting a hybrid event to unite different sectors, stakeholders, regions, and institutions in neuroscience across the province. NeuroConnect includes keynote presentations, panels, small group breakouts, and presentations to help facilitate stronger collaborations and spark new joint projects across every stage of the neuroscience journey. Held at Red Deer Polytechnic, the conference's central location makes it accessible to all of Alberta, with an online portion catering to those who can only join online. This format allows for more participation, strengthening relationships with rural communities and smaller institutions. This inclusion is particularly important as it aligns with Alberta Neurosciences expanded mandate, including smaller universities, colleges and polytechnics, contributing to our vast network of researchers and clinicians. NeuroConnect: From Bench to Bedside will facilitate conversations and partnerships, with a goal of building a long-lasting neuroscience network. By improving knowledge mobilization and the translation of research from labs to classrooms, hospitals, and beyond, we make the neuroscience field a more inclusive space and responsive to the needs of Albertans.