Philanthropy and government unite to advance research and patient care and to establish leading edge facilities and technologies at The Neuro
Today, May 23, 2018, The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) gratefully acknowledged significant government funding and unveiled the Thinking Ahead Campaign (2007-2013) donor wall as a tribute and thank you to the many people who helped transform The Neuro鈥檚 ability to deliver cutting-edge research and clinical care. This ambitious campaign brought people from around the world together to share in one common goal: to accelerate the pace of neuroscience discovery and deliver exceptional care to patients.
The event was attended by Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, Jacques Bougie, Co-Chair of the Thinking Ahead Campaign and Chair of the Neuro Advisory Board, and Dr. Guy Rouleau, Director of The Neuro. They were joined by campaign donors and volunteers.
Philanthropic and government funds have allowed The Neuro to construct the new North Wing, acquire novel technology, fund the work of exceptional scientists and clinicians, and establish innovative programs, while creating an inspiring research environment.
Thinking Ahead Campaign
Thanks to the impactful generosity of our community of donors, The Neuro鈥檚 $40-million Thinking Ahead capital campaign exceeded its goal, raising more than $49-million towards听vital priorities. 听The Donor Wall art, which is inspired by the brain, uses light and colour to mirror complex neural networks in the brain and symbolizes the important link between science and philanthropy at The Neuro.
Molecules to Models to Humans: Infrastructure for Neurological Research in the 21st Century
Government of Quebec - Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation- Programme de soutien 脿 la recherch茅, volet 2 (PSRV2), of $17.9 million.
This grant provided the funding necessary to achieve the final construction and outfitting of the North Wing as well as a new microscopy facility 鈥� equipped with the latest generation of super-resolution microscopes. 听The Neuro is grateful for the Government of Quebec鈥檚 constant support and confidence in their mission to understand the nervous system, and develop effective new treatments for neurological diseases and disorders.
Canada Foundation for Innovation
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grants of $14.1 million to the Montreal Consortium for Brain Imaging Research and $2.5 million to the International laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) provided critical funds for these programs.听
Quotes
鈥淭hrough its efficient, state-of-the-art research and innovation infrastructure, Qu茅bec has developed recognized expertise in the life sciences sector, especially in the realm of neuroscience. Moreover, the development of The Neuro鈥檚 infrastructure will facilitate the retention and recruitment of highly qualified researchers in this field听and听offer the academic community a competitive听research environment.鈥�
Dominique听Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
鈥淟eading-edge facilities such as the North Wing at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital are vital to making important advances in research and innovation. The CFI is proud to provide support for state-of-the-art infrastructure that will help researchers delve further into the mysteries of the brain that impact mental and physical health.鈥�
Roseann O鈥橰eilly Runte, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation
鈥淭he opening of the North Wing, and the unveiling of the donor wall, speak volumes about the importance of The Neuro in Quebec, Canada, and the world, and the commitment of its donors that propel The Neuro forward as a global leader in neuroscience. Government grants and programs and transformational gifts from our community of philanthropists attest to The Neuro鈥檚 promising future.鈥�
Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University
鈥淲e extend our deepest gratitude to the donors, individuals, foundations and corporations that were inspired to contribute to the Thinking Ahead Campaign, as well as the provincial and federal governments, whose funding made this new facility possible.听 Your support for research and development holds great promise for the successful treatment, cure and prevention of neurological diseases.鈥�
Dr. Guy Rouleau, Director of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital
Major projects and technologies
Neurological diseases represent one of the leading causes of disability and lost productivity in Canada. The technologies and projects listed below are housed in the new North Wing.听 They hold enormous potential to improve the quality of life of patients here and around the world.
Brain Imaging
The McConnell Brain Imaging Centre has the most advanced neuroimaging technologies, including a magnetoencephalography machine (MEG) and a 7-Tesla MRI scanner (to be installed in 2019). These machines provide a new level of imaging accuracy that help researchers and clinicians understand the mechanisms behind neurological disease. Through early detection of disease and the development and evaluation of therapeutic strategies, neuroimaging can improve patient - and by extension - societal outcomes. MEG is a highly-advanced imaging technology that measures brain activity by recording magnetic fields produced by electrical currents occurring naturally in the brain. At The Neuro the MEG is being used to make advances in research to improve memory to biofeedback techniques to help epilepsy patients, amongst other applications.
Brain, Music and Sound research (BRAMS)
Dr. Robert Zatorre, Co-director of BRAMS, conducts research on the organization, function, and dysfunction of the nervous system in relation to basic and complex auditory processes. The new lab encompasses audiological testing, brain stimulation, high-density electroencephalography; a mock scanner for training and preparation of participants for scanning, and for training in the use of MRI-compatible musical instruments, a visual testing lab, a behavioral testing lab, and workstations for visiting scholars or students.
Healing Garden
The Manulife Atrium houses a Healing Garden, where patients, staff and visitors can enjoy the serenity of an airy greenspace and sunlight. 听The Healing Garden was carefully designed to be a calm and tranquil space for pause and reflection.听 Natural, artificial and night-time lighting are integrated to create a soothing visual effect.
