Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance
A voice for healthy brain aging

Key Objectives

• Encourage dementia research and innovation funders to speak with one voice to align their dementia research investment strategy across Canada.
• Provide a forum for funders to work together to leverage and amplify dementia research, promote capacity building and training, scan the current dementia research landscape, compile and analyze data of all Canadian funded dementia research, identify research gaps and needs, and mobilize knowledge gained through dementia research.
• Support and enable the delivery and implementation of the research component of the research and innovation pillar of Canada's National Dementia Strategy.

Our Mission

• Accelerate Research: We pledge to fund and support cutting-edge research and innovation that deepens our understanding of dementia, its causes, risk factors, potential interventions and also develop the next generation of researchers.
• Drive Innovation: We will foster collaboration across disciplines and sectors, encouraging novel approaches to risk reduction, early diagnosis, treatment, and care. Innovation is essential to improving the lives of those impacted by dementia.
• Leverage Data: We will document dementia research and innovation investments in Canada, including identifying needs, gaps, and/or emerging priorities. By doing so, we aim to create transparency and provide opportunities for collaboration to avoid duplication and improve the return on investment in brain health and dementia research.
• Promote Equity: We recognize that dementia disproportionately affects certain populations across Canada. Our efforts will promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, in research and access to resources and supports.
• Raise Awareness: We commit to encouraging cross-promotion and amplification of messages that promote research findings and their implementation, raise public awareness about dementia, dispel myths, reduce stigma, and advocate for policy changes that enhance dementia care and research and innovation.

Guiding Principles

• Collaboration: We believe that our collective impact is greater than any one single organization. The Alliance fosters collaboration by hosting a unique forum for members to share perspectives and expertise. For optimal impact, we leverage the strengths of our member organizations and respond to their needs. We encourage open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives.
• Transparency: We commit to transparent communication, sharing research findings, funding analytics, and progress updates with the broader community. All members will retain their individuality and may act as appropriate in their own context. 
• Impact: Our actions will be guided by the potential to positively impact the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers. We strive for tangible improvements in their quality of life.
• Inclusivity: We are committed to ensure the equitable access to resources and supports, and to actively promote participation of community members and underrepresented groups, as well as to support research that addresses the needs and perspectives of diverse communities.
• Long-Term Vision: We recognize that addressing dementia requires sustained effort. Our alliance will focus on both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Please contact BHCIA-SCTCV@cihr-irsc.gc.ca if you would like a copy of the Terms of Reference.

The Steering Committee of the Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance, chaired by the Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aging, plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction and ensuring the alignment of the Alliance's activities with its overarching goals. Comprising key stakeholders from various sectors, the Committee provides oversight, fosters collaboration, and makes critical decisions on resource allocation and project priorities. By leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives, the Steering Committee helps to navigate challenges, enhance the impact of research efforts, and ensure that outcomes are relevant and beneficial to all partners involved.

Luca Pisterzi
Vice President
Research
Alzheimer Society of Canada

Mira Puri
Manager, Science Initiatives
Azrieli Foundation

Viviane Poupon
President and CEO
Brain Canada Foundation

Allison Sekuler
President and Chief Scientist
Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation

Jane Rylett
Scientific Director
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging

Neil Drimer
Director Health Innovation Program
Healthcare Excellence Canada

Alexander Maxan
Director of Research & Strategic Partnerships
Huntington Society of Canada

Jordan Antflick
Director, Integrated Discovery
Ontario Brain Institute

Franca Gatto
Director Division of Aging, Seniors and Dementia
Public Health Agency of Canada

Cristina Tang
Program Director
Weston Family Foundation

Working Group 1: Mapping The Dementia Research Ecosystem

This working group will map and analyze the dementia research and innovation ecosystem in Canada. The working group members will identify key stakeholders (e.g., researchers, funding agencies, industry partners, community-based groups, policy makers, etc.), current research domains, trends and emerging priority research areas, and knowledge mobilization activities, to create a detailed, actionable overview of the landscape. This will inform strategic decision-making, collaboration opportunities, and resource allocation to enhance dementia research and innovation impact and coordination across Canada.

Participating organizations:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada
• Brain Canada Foundation
• CIHR
• Huntington Society of Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada

Working Group 2: Funding Analytics

This working group will analyze the dementia research and innovation funding landscape in Canada. The working group members will focus on identifying funding trends, gaps and opportunities, as well as evaluating the impact of existing funding strategies. Results from this analysis will support the development of evidence-based practices that optimize resource allocation and maximize the impact of dementia research and innovation in Canada.

Participating organizations:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada
• Brain Canada Foundation
• Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
• CIHR
• Public Health Agency of Canada

Working Group 3: Communications, Knowledge Mobilization, and Dissemination

This working group will enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the Alliance and dementia research and innovation in Canada. Working group members will focus on developing and implementing strategies for effective communication, dissemination, knowledge mobilization, and support uptake of information stemming from Alliance activities to a diverse range of stakeholders, such as policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and the public.

Participating organizations:

• Brain Canada Foundation
• Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
• CIHR
• Ontario Brain Institute
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Weston Family Foundation

The Alliance would not have been possible without the participation of our partners:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Canada
• Alzheimer Society of Canada
• Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Azrieli Foundation
• Brain Canada Foundation
• Canadian Brain Research Strategy
• Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
• Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health
• Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
• Canadians for Leading Edge Alzheimer Research
• Healthcare Excellence Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• HelpAge Canada
• Huntington Society of Canada
• Krembil Foundation
• National Research Council
• Natural Science and Engineering Research Council
• Ontario Brain Institute
• Ontario Ministry of Health
• Parkinson Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Reena
• Weston Family Foundation
• Women's Brain Health Initiative