The 10th meeting of the INMHA IAB marked another first for our Institute by including a session with the IAB of the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH). This joint initiative is another example of the collaboration and partnership that are possible between like-minded organizations focusing on common goals.
But before exploring how IAPH and INMHA are growing together, the INMHA IAB had the opportunity to discuss a number of issues at McGill University's Douglas Hospital on June 8, 2003.
The meeting opened with a report from Dr. Remi Quirion, INMHA's Scientific Director, and information about an important and novel RFA in the field of regenerative medicine and nanotechnology. One of the most important and vast research areas for our Institute and community in the future, the RFA will focus on various aspects of regenerative medicine, including: Nanotechnology Development and Nanomedicine, Stem Cells, and Tissue Engineering. Dr. Quirion also gave information regarding two other new funding projects: tobacco and nicotine addiction and neuroethics. Dr. Quirion also discussed recent Scientific Directors' meetings, Open Competitions and a project regarding education, as well as leading a discussion about CIHR Web sites, the 2nd INMHA Annual Meeting, first episodes, and the expansion of INMHA's own Brainstar awards program.
Chair Dr. Anthony Phillips provided an update on another crucial research area - gambling and addictive behaviours - and efforts to build partnerships with Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, and between federal and provincial organizations and governments. This initiative - a partnership agreement led by the OPGRC - is expected to lead to a national action plan following an INMHA-sponsored national workshop on problem gambling.
INMHA staff followed with brief updates on their activities, including a report from Astrid Eberhart, Assistant Director, Partnerships and International Affairs, about INMHA international affairs. This included information about research collaborations with Japanese organizations (mainly JSPS), a Parkinson's and Alzheimer's conference in Spain, and various meetings with national and international organizations. Dr. Richard Briere provided an update on NET and Training and the performance measurement committee. Justin Kingsley reported on CIHR central communications, who are building stronger, more effective relationships with the institutes, as well as information from the Look and Feel committee of CIHR, which is working on building a consistent, cohesive image for all of CIHR. Ramia Jabr gave an update on administration matters at INMHA.
Board member Robert Ladouceur presented an update on peer-review issues, including successes, concerns and recommendations regarding the review process, as well as expectations of peer review panels. The purpose is to ensure that CIHR remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of peer review and confidence in the process. Dr. Quirion is drafting a letter to be sent to CIHR Vice-President Mark Bisby, outlining these issues more thoroughly to collaborate in making the peer review process as effective as possible. A resolution was carried to enhance the importance of scientific expertise in peer reviews and panels.
Two outstanding young CIHR scientists made presentations during the lunch break. Dr. Gustavo Turecki, McGill University's Douglas Hospital, is continuing his groundbreaking research in the area of suicide and genetic links. Dr. James P. Pfaus, Concordia University, was reunited with his PhD advisor and INMHA Chair Anthony Phillips and gave a presentation about his area of expertise - the modification of sexual behaviour by drugs of abuse.
Following lunch Phil Upshall, IAB member and President of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, announced that the Canadian Alliance for Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) will be launching its Public Service Awards during Mental Illness Week, in Ottawa in October 2003.
Martin Steinbach reported on the work of the Annual Meeting organizing committee, including confirmation of the meeting site in downtown Toronto, selection/invitation of keynote speakers, and themes to be explored during the November 22-23 event. The Board determined that the event be open to all researchers and the public, with reserved seating for invited delegates. More information will be distributed to stakeholders via The Brain Brief, INMHA's electronic newsletter, early in September.
Considering that Sunday, June 8 was one of the first sunny and warm days of the year, the board, under the guidance of Remi Quirion, held a Blue Sky discussion. The purpose: to explore those areas where CIHR, INMHA and its board can grow, thrive and excel according to the highest standards. Board members had the opportunity to reflect on INMHA's Strategic Plan and evaluate how the institute has fared. -Dr. Quirion asked the Board members for their comments on the Report Card before posting it on the Web site. Following discussion on this topic the board quickly looked to tomorrow and how the Institute can fulfill the promise that led to its creation and its subsequent ascent to the top of the ladder in terms of research community and CIHR-funded projects and researchers. The board members agree that INMHA will work on developing deeper research capacities in the following areas: first episodes in brain disease, co-morbidity, and addictions (including the much anticipated October 2003 workshop organized with the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse). An environmental scan of the INMHA community - NGOs, researchers, students and other stakeholders - is expected in the fall.
Dr. Philippe Gros, member of CIHR's Governing Council, opened the session by playing host to an engaging discussion surrounding numerous themes, including: challenges posed by INMHA's insufficient operational budget, CIHR performance in general, as well as efforts to build partnerships and links with Canadian and international organizations.
Marty Saggese, Executive Director of the Society for Neurosciences (SfN), represented the Washington, D.C.-based organization to entertain talks about collaborations and how best for the SfN to work with INMHA in reflecting and supporting the needs of its 2,000 Canadian members. The SfN, which boasts of over 30,000 members in the world, has 10 active Canadian chapters. Mr. Saggese was joined by Dr. Ken Rose, President of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN). The SfN, CAN and INMHA will be collaborating on a number of initiatives, with more information to follow soon.
Dr. Peter Scholefield, leader of the Focus Group on Budget and the Board's numbers guru, gave an update on the state of the Institute's finances. The budget for the current fiscal year is fully committed - which presents an alarming challenge is institute funding levels remain static in years to come, including 2003-2004.
Drs. Roberta Palmour and Michel Maziade led a discussion on the ethical of animals in research, as well as key policy issues related to cloning. Dr. Lisa McKerracher followed with an update on the Rick Hansen Workshop and the Spinal Cord Injury Net - a Translation Research Network aiming to improve the life of people affected by SCI.
Following introductions and adoption of agenda, Dr. Jeff Reading, Scientific Director of IAPH, and Dr. Quirion began with their respective reports on activities. Dr. Jim Brien of Queen's University followed with a presentation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a problem identified over two decades ago by researchers which continues to affect a significant number of Aboriginal Peoples as well as other Canadians. Dr. Lawrence Kirmayer of McGill University provided details on the National Network for Aboriginal Mental Health Research. Both projects were co-financed by the respective institutes.
A significant amount of time was spent by members of the IABs to address the problem of suicide in First Nations, as well as within other Canadian communities. This included a Report on the Advisory Group on Suicide Prevention 2003, as well as the Report on the Workshop on Suicide-Related Research in Canada 2003 (web links included here).
As well as tackling issues such as FAS and suicide, board members also engaged in a roundtable focused on current and future collaborative agreements, including RFAs, conferences and workshops and symposia. A small committee was developed to determine common research agenda in this area. The committee includes: Ms. Bronwyn Shoush, Alberta Government Office of Aboriginal Justice, Rob McCormack, University of British Columbia, Dr. Alain Lesage, Universite de Montreal, and Dr. Remi Quirion. Their objective is to develop an RFA for January 2004 or earlier.
