Sector Highlight:

Halifax is making a lot of headway in better understanding the brain.

Halifax is home to Dalhousie University, the Brain Repair Centre, the IWK Health Centre, the QEII Health Sciences Centre, and more—in other words, we’re the scientific, medical, and research centre of Atlantic Canada. So it’s not all that surprising that Halifax is the source of new discoveries and advancements in neurology.

There are currently over 200 clinical trials underway here; Dalhousie’s Departments of Medicine and Medical Neuroscience are training the next generation of brain problem-solvers; and Dr Sultan Darvesh, professor with the Division of Neurology, is just one example of how an individual’s research can incalculably change lives. Given the effort, dollars, and people dedicated to neurology in Halifax, our city is sure to continue to have a recognized place on the world stage.

Halifax is making remarkable advances in brain health.

We’re the population and innovation center for Eastern Canada and the focal point for life-changing progress in neurology.

The Brain Repair Centre
A collaboration of scientists, clinicians and trainees in brain illness and injury, the Brain Repair Centre provides programs and services to advance neuroscience discovery, and improve neurological clinical care.

New diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s
Halifax researchers are on the verge of launching the first-ever technology with the ability to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in a living person’s brain. Until now this was only possible after death.

Preventive medicine for migraines
Nova Scotian Neurologist Dr. David Dodick is about five years away from remarkable advances in the development of new drugs to help prevent the onset of migraine headaches.

Four clusters of ground-breaking research activity.

Halifax has embraced the cluster approach to research because it encourages researchers to participate in a collaborative way that cuts across disciplines. The result is better synergies between teams, better communication, and research that’s furthered much more quickly.

Atlantic Mobility Action Project (AMAP) cluster
A large group of spinal cord researchers (including neurosurgeons, neurobiologists, electrophysiologists, physiatrists, and physiotherapists), who aim to restore function and mobility in people with diseases or injuries that affect the spinal cord and nervous system.

Neurodegeneration cluster
Researchers in this cluster focus on aging-related diseases and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Their work investigates how these diseases can be diagnosed, monitored, treated, minimized, and even prevented.

Neurodevelopment cluster
The focus of this cluster is to uncover ways the brain develops and the interplay of genes and environment on that process. Areas of research include neurodevelopment disorders, epilepsy, mood disorders; autism spectrum disorders, aging, stress, bipolar disorder, attention, memory, learning, and genetic disorders.

Traumatic Injury (TBI) cluster
The TBI cluster—which includes academia, clinicians, government, associations, and citizens—has developed a unique business model that offers continuing care to brain-injured patients while combining research and delivery of support through a collaborative care model.

In Halifax, we foster innovation in neurology with investment.

In Halifax advances in brain health are encouraged with targeted investment incentives. A few of these include the Healthcare Venture Fund, which invests in innovative companies that improve healthcare productivity; Genome Atlantic, which provides up to 50% of project funding through research competitions; and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program.

Contact Discover Halifax to learn more!

Ready to learn more, or to start planning your event in Halifax?  Contact our sector expert today.