2025 Institute Highlights
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute is successful due to the efforts and achievements made by our researchers, clinicians, trainees and staff and the vital support from our community through their time and philanthropic donations.
Below are a few highlights from the past year celebrating the research excellence and community impact across the HBI.
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Annual Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize Award
Drs. Adam Kirton and Alicia Hilderley are the 2024 recipients of the $1-million Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize to advance their work in brain-computer interface (BCI) solutions. The successful project will implement and assess the impact of community-based, personalized BCI solutions for children living with severe disabilities, establishing this as the standard of care provincially, and create a model for national and global expansion. Read more here.
Leadership at the Speed of Science summit
HBI and Mathison researchers join executives and Astronaut Chris Hadfield in summit to explore how stress reshapes decisions, teamwork, and what leaders are capable of under pressure. Produced by Cortical Consulting & Coaching in partnership with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the event was designed to challenge how leaders think about performance when pressure is high and conditions are uncertain. Read more here.
G7 Canada Brain Economy Summit
The University of Calgary was front and centre this summer as global leaders in brain health gathered in our city to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, improve government policy and increase investment. More than 100 academics, researchers, policymakers and business leaders gathered in Calgary in June for the G7 Canada Brain Economy Summit, timed to align with the G7 summit happening simultaneously in Kananaskis. Read more here.
Stroke Team Continues Making Impact
Dr. Sean Dukelow is featured in the New York Times: "A Pill to Heal the Brain Could Revolutionize Neuroscience" and "3 Psychiatric Tools That Could Boost the Brain’s Natural Healing" as he shares insights into recovery after stroke. As well, a study he led investigates transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat aphasia caused by stroke, which provided promising results. Read more about the study here and access PDF versions of both NYT articles here and here.
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute brings together a diverse group of experts and trainees in the pursuit of a common goal: The discovery and development of new, improved ways to prevent, detect, and treat neurological and mental health conditions.
Your donation will help the Hotchkiss Brain Institute expand its research and education efforts, fueling transformational change and inspiring innovations that foster healthy brains for better lives.
Our Research Areas
Concussion & Brain Injury
UCalgary's Integrated Concussion Research Program works with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the Faculty of Kinesiology, and the Department of Psychology to address concussion other mild traumatic brain injuries.
Stroke
The Stroke team at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute is a part of the Calgary Stroke Program. Research focuses on the most recent and cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment for patients with stroke.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research is a long-standing focus area at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, where basic and clinical researchers support discovery and translation of research into treatment.
Parkinson's/Movement Disorders
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute coordinates the Calgary Parkinson Research Initiative (CaPRI), a nationwide research network studying the origins of the disease, symptoms, and treatments
Spinal Cord/Nerve Injury & Pain
The spinal cord/nerve injury and pain (SCNIP) team at HBI is focused on managing chronic pain, accelerating rehabilitation, and finding treatments for the physical and mental affects of injury.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. The epilepsy team at the HBI offers full-spectrum epilepsy research and treatment spanning all ages.
Dementia & Cognitive Disorders
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are growing concerns. By 2031, greater than one in five Albertans will be age 65 or older. HBI explores new detection and treatment mechanisms in these areas.
Mathison Centre for Mental Health
The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education is a centre dedicated to advancing research and education on early identification, treatment and prevention of mental illness.
Neurodevelopment
Neurodevelopmental disorders can affect a child’s emotion, learning ability, and behaviors. The Neurodevelopment Team is focused on understanding fundamental developmental programs and how these processes might be perturbed in various disease states.
Can I specify which area I wish my donation to support?
If you would like your donation to go to one or more of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute's specific areas of research or education, please include a note with your cheque indicating which of the brain and mental health programs or priorities you would like to support, or contact:
Sarah Salus
Senior Director of Development
Cell: 403.971.2182
sarah.salus@ucalgary.ca
I want to donate by cheque. Where do I send it?
Your cheque to support the Hotchkiss Brain Institute MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE "UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY".
Mail your cheque to:
University of Calgary
Gift Processing & Tax Receipting
OVC 131, 2500 University Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
All receipts are issued from the University of Calgary. All gifts are tax deductible.
While cheques must be made PAYABLE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY, if you would like to ensure your donation is sent to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, please specify "Hotchkiss Brain Institute" in the memo line of the cheque.
What is the impact of my gift?
As a donor, you are able to direct your donation to a specific project or area that has meaning to you and/or your family. More information on our programs can be found on Our Research page.
I am interested in honorary or memorial giving. What is the process?
To create an honorary or memorial fund, please contact Annual Giving at 403-220-8261 or give@ucalgary.ca
Can I donate online?
Yes, you can. Please click here.