Discovering the Amazing Brain: Free Science Talks Invite Public to Explore

What do anxiety, concussions, sexuality in later life, and bipolar disorder in young people have in common? They are all shaped, in one way or another, by the brain. And on November 8, 2025, members of the general public will have a chance to hear leading experts unpack these connections at The Amazing Brain Science Talks, a free public event hosted by Brain Canada, Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL) and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome.

Part science festival, part community conversation, the program is designed to open the doors of discovery. In just one afternoon, attendees will learn how Canadian researchers are tackling some of the most urgent questions in brain health, while also hearing from advocates and patients who bring their lived experiences to the stage.

“The Amazing Brain Science Talks aim to make brain health research accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in science.” – Krystle van Hoof, HBHL CEO and Managing Director

“The brain touches every part of our lives, and brain health matters to everyone,” says Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. “Through these talks, we want to make science approachable and show how research connects to the real world, whether you’re managing anxiety, recovering from a concussion, or simply curious about what makes us human.”

Why It Matters

Brain research is often viewed as abstract or highly technical, but events like these show just how tangible its impacts are. Whether it’s understanding how breathing patterns affect anxiety, exploring new treatments for concussions, or uncovering biological clues to mental illness, every breakthrough holds the potential to improve lives.

For Brain Canada, which has supported over 400 research teams through its innovative public-private Canada Brain Research Fund, sharing these stories is part of its mission. “We are building a culture of brain health in Canada,” says Poupon. “That means investing in science but also ensuring the public feels part of the journey. Knowledge belongs to everyone.”

“By bridging the gap between academia and the public, our goal is to empower people with knowledge that can help them improve their brain health and overall well-being.” – Krystle van Hoof, HBHL CEO and Managing Director

Over the course of the afternoon, you’ll hear stories of discovery, meet scientists and advocates who are shaping the future of brain health, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the most remarkable organ in your body: your brain.

“The Amazing Brain Science Talks aim to make brain health research accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in science,” explains HBHL CEO and Managing Director Krystle van Hoof. “By bridging the gap between academia and the public, our goal is to empower people with knowledge that can help them improve their brain health and overall well-being.”

Join the Conversation

The Amazing Brain Science Talks is a free event and open to all. No scientific background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to be inspired.

Date: Saturday, November 8. Time: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Location: La Grande Bibliothèque, 475, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est, Montréal. Cost: Free Reserve your spot today: www.amazingbrain.ca

AGENDA

1:00pm	Introduction to the Amazing Brain Science Talks Viviane Poupon, Brain Canada
1:00 – 1:15p.m.	One breath at a time: Anxiety relief and the brain-heart connection Georg Northoff, University of Ottawa
1:15 – 1:30p.m.	The power of knowledge: A patient perspective on genetic testing and the future of research Kris Noakes, Community advocate
1:30 – 1:45p.m.	Cracking the concussion code: Rethinking how we care for concussions Roger Zemek, University of Ottawa
1:45 – 2:00p.m.	The little blue hope: Can a heart drug heal the injured brain of a baby? Pia Wintermark, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC)
2:00 – 2:15p.m.	Q&A Session 1 Moderated by Viviane Poupon
2:15 – 2:30p.m.	INTERMISSION
2:30 – 2:45p.m.	What older people with HIV can teach us about brain health Lesley Fellows, McGill University
2:45 – 3:00p.m.	It never gets old: Healthy sexuality as you age Philip Jai Johnson, Clinical psychologist and sex therapist
3:00 – 3:15p.m.	Uncovering the heart-related roots of bipolar disorder in youth Benjamin Goldstein, University of Toronto
3:15 – 3:30p.m.	Q&A Session 2 Moderated by Peter Liu, University of Ottawa
3:30p.m.	Closing Remarks Peter Liu
3:30 – 4:30p.m.	POST-EVENT ACTIVITIES Meet and Greet Brain Health Posters Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and Montreal-based students will showcase their research through posters.

Kate Shingler is the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Brain Canada.