A child’s brain activity is measured with electroencephalography (EEG).
NeuroDevNet, a UBC-based national research network dedicated to understanding children’s brain development, has received a $19.6 million renewal of funding.
The investment is the result of the most recent competition in the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. With this renewal for a second five-year term, the total funding award to NeuroDevNet is $39.2 million for 2009-2019.
Dan Goldowitz
“Over the next five years, we will move new diagnostic tools into practice to help identify children with neurodisabilities as early as possible, and launch treatment initiatives focused on achieving the best trajectories for children with autism, cerebral palsy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” said Dan Goldowitz, Scientific Director of NeuroDevNet and a Professor of Medical Genetics. “Working with our champions and our partners, we will deliver on our promise to make a difference – to improve quality of life for children who live with neurodisabilities – and their families,”
- 1/6 children are impacted by neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
- Network researchers published 168 peer reviewed scientific publications between 2010-2014.
- NeuroDevNet has 164 partners, including 80 not-for-profit organizations, 26 network members, 23 industry, 19 universities and research institutes, 9 provincial departments and agencies, 7 federal departments and agencies.
- 36 graduate students and postdoctoral/clinical fellows received support from the network in its first five years.
“NeuroDevNet’s talented researchers have made major advances in understanding various childhood brain disorders,” said Andre Isabelle, Associate Vice-President of the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada. “Renewal of the network’s funding is testimony both to its past achievements and the quality of its research plan for the coming five years. We look forward to seeing the ongoing impact of this work on improving diagnosis and treatment for kids with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism and FASD.”
“The vital work of NeuroDevNet in understanding the developing brain aligns with UBC’s commitment to excellence in neuroscience research and is opening up opportunities to substantially improve the quality of life for children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders,” said UBC President Arvind Gupta.