BRaIN program manager wins National Award for Public Engagement in Research
SOURCE: The Institute
February 19, 2025
The Institute is proud to celebrate Alexandra Kindrat, PhD, who has been awarded the Public Engagement and Advocacy Award by the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA). As Program Manager of the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), Alexandra has made exceptional contributions to public engagement in neuroscience research and advocacy.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and for the BRaIN Program, the Institute and myself to be acknowledged nationally by the Canadian Association of Research Administrators,” said Alexandra Kindrat. “This award fuels my commitment to continue bridging the gap between research and the community, inspiring future generations to value and engage with science.”
The CARA Awards Program recognizes leaders in Canadian research administration, honouring individuals and teams who make outstanding contributions to the field. Established in 2018, the Public Engagement and Advocacy Award celebrates innovative efforts to connect research with the public.
Alexandra Kindrat’s achievements include:
- Collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency to organize a seminar on the brain in space
- Chairing the annual BRaIN Program Symposium and helping recruit the International Montreal Brain Bee Competition for students in grades 9 to 12 to The Institute
- Organizing a neuroscience retreat for Indigenous students
- Facilitating collaboration between research institutions, including the PERFORM Centre at Concordia University’s School of Health
- Receiving an International Brain Research Organization and Dana Foundation Brain Awareness Week grant to support public engagement in neuroscience
- Promoting the accomplishments of BRaIN Program members through outreach and communications
Jesper Sjöström, PhD, director of the BRaIN Program, applauded the achievement: “Congratulations, Alexandra! I am so pleased that your excellent work and your dedication are being recognized with this award. Thank you for being such an inspiring and inclusive ambassador for the BRaIN program and The Institute.”
Alexandra Kindrat will be recognized at the CARA Awards Gala later this year.
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