Best Brains Exchanges 2024

Best Brains Exchanges (BBEs) are in-camera sessions. As a result, not all Best Brains Exchange topics and presenters are listed here. The following information is being shared with consent.

For more information on any of the past Best Brains Exchanges listed below please contact BBE-EMC@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

November

  • Advancing Pharmacogenetics in Health Policy: Why is pharmacogenetics currently under-utilized in clinical practice in Canada?

    Partners: Health Canada, the University of British Columbia

    This Best Brains Exchange examined the strength of evidence and real-world applicability of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice. Discussions focused on addressing existing gaps in regulation, policy, and practice, with particular attention to barriers in clinical decision-making, implementation challenges, and economic considerations for health technology assessment. The exchange brought together diverse perspectives from experts across Canada, as well as from the US and the UK. Participants included medical professionals, pharmacists, policymakers, researchers, and patient advocates. Information gained through this BBE will be considered for integration in a regulatory framework and national guidance to enhance and support the use of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice.

June

  • Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods – Identifying Research Priorities

    Partners: Health Canada, INMD and ICR

    This Best Brains Exchange examined the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on health and aimed to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities of relevance to public health. Discussion topics included gaps in evidence regarding the relationship between UPF consumption and health, and plausible pathways and mechanisms by which UPF consumption affect health. This exchange in an emerging area of public health research benefited from the perspectives of Canadian and international researchers, health research funders, and policy makers.

February

  • Integrating mental health and substance use treatment with other service needs: Best practices in providing multisectoral, community-based supports for individuals with complex needs

    Partners: Health Canada's Mental Health and Substance Use Integration Directorate

    This Best Brains Exchange examined evidence-based approaches and critical partnerships needed to support individuals with complex needs. Individuals with complex and intersecting support needs typically require high levels of service from multiple sectors (e.g., health, housing, social services, public safety, criminal justice), and service pathways. The discussions during this BBE centered around potential service models rooted in community engagement and integration of strategies across multiple sectors. This exchange was enriched by perspectives from medical professionals, policy makers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and individuals with lived and living experience.

  • Understanding gaps and identifying opportunities for Federal Action to Eliminate Hepatitis C in Canada by 2030

    Partners: Public Health Agency of Canada and the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

    This Best Brains Exchange engaged researchers, community members and Federal government departments in open dialogue to identify gaps and opportunities for action at the federal level for the elimination of Hepatitis C. The discussions focused on innovative approaches to equitable care for key populations disproportionately affected by Hepatitis C. Recommendations from the BBE will be considered in developing culturally safe strategic goals and priorities in alignment with the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action and the associated federal Action Plan.

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