The BRaIN Neuroscience Retreat at the RI-MUHC offered a preview of a diverse and dynamic scientific landscape
SOURCE: RI-MUHC
June 19, 2024
In advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) hosted an inspiring event in the journey towards inclusivity and diversity in neuroscience research. Held on June 6 at the Montreal General Hospital and specifically tailored for Indigenous students, the BRaIN Neuroscience Retreat was a celebration of knowledge, culture, and the future of neuroscience.
Organized by the BRaIN Program’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee, the retreat reflected the commitment of the RI-MUHC to nurture the next generation of Indigenous neuroscientists. Participants included Indigenous undergraduate, CEGEP and Grade 12 students.
“The retreat was a comprehensive experience, including hands-on sessions in both wet and dry labs, where participants could immerse themselves in the real-world applications of neuroscience,” says BRaIN Program Manager Alexandra Kindrat, PhD, who chairs the organizing committee. “An integral part of the retreat was the presence of an elder who blessed the event with traditional wisdom, bridging the gap between ancestral knowledge and modern science,” she adds. “This powerful opening set the tone for a day of learning and exchange, emphasizing the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into scientific discourse.”
The retreat featured talks by distinguished researchers, including Charles Bourque, PhD, a leading figure in the study of osmoregulation, who shared insights into how the brain maintains fluid balance, a topic of great relevance to both health and disease. Aparna Suvrathan, PhD, revealed how her work at the intersection of learning and neuronal plasticity is reshaping our understanding of memory formation, and Wei-Hsiang Huang, PhD, opened a window for participants onto his groundbreaking research on gene dosage imbalance and its implications for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Generously supported by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), the retreat was hosted in collaboration with the Indigenous Health Professions Program at McGill University and the RI-MUHC EDI Advisory Committee, led by EDI Specialist Diego Herrera, PhD. It underscored the global effort to support educational initiatives that foster diversity in the scientific community. IBRO’s commitment to providing opportunities for young scientists was evident in the quality and depth of the programming offered.
“As the students navigated the intricacies of neuroscience, they were not just passive attendees, but active participants, engaging with the researchers and their peers, asking questions and contributing their unique perspectives,” explains Kindrat. “The visit to the wet and dry labs was particularly impactful, offering a tangible connection to the theoretical knowledge being shared. As we look to the future, events like this will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a diverse and dynamic scientific landscape, where every voice is heard, and every mind is valued.”
Diego Herrera agrees. “The success of the RI-MUHC BRaIN Neuroscience Retreat for Indigenous students is a step in the right direction,” he says. “It demonstrates the power of inclusive education and the potential of Indigenous students to contribute significantly to the field of neuroscience, enriching the dialogue with their views and questions.”
Learn more about equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives at the RI-MUHC.
