As we reflect on the progress of Connected Minds, it is remarkable to see how much we have accomplished in just a few years. With the support of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), York University, Queen’s University, and our many partners, we have built a thriving research community dedicated to understanding the intersections of neuroscience, AI, and society.
Since our launch, we have established opportunities that provide funding and support for innovative research, including team grants, travel awards, and prototyping funds. We have also fostered knowledge mobilization initiatives to ensure our research makes an impact beyond academia (see pages 11-18). Our members and trainees are engaged in groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects— tackling real-world challenges through collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities.
What truly sets Connected Minds apart is the diverse and dynamic network we have built. Our community includes researchers, trainees, artists, as well as industry and community partners, all working together to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. This collaborative spirit has led to meaningful partnerships, creative approaches to problem-solving, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
As you explore this report, I invite you to reflect on the milestones we have reached and the exciting path ahead. Connected Minds is more than a research program—it is a movement toward a future where technology & human wellbeing evolve together.
SINCERELY,
PINA D’AGOSTINO SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
CONNECTED MINDS AT A GLANCE
VISION & MISSION
As new technologies transform society, forging deeper connections between people and intelligent systems, we are mindful of both the exciting opportunities they bring and the significant risks they pose, particularly for vulnerable communities. Supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), Connected Minds leads interdisciplinary research, training, and collaboration to address systemic barriers and power dynamics that shape technology’s societal impact. By mobilizing knowledge and building cross-sector partnerships, we aim to foster trust, transparency, and ethical, inclusive, and responsible innovation.
HealthServices& PolicyResearch Institute
Centre for Health Innovation
CentreforVision Research
Centre for Integrative & Applied Neuroscience
Centrefor Neuroscience Studies
Institute for Technoscience & Society
Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Society
Sensorium: CentreforDigital Arts& Technology
ASSOCIATED RESEARCH UNITS
Ingenuity Labs Research Institute
Centre for Indigenous Knowledges & Languages
73 TRAINEES
50+ PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS
270 ACADEMIC MEMBERS
23 STAFF
19 AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Pina D’Agostino
Scientific Director
York University
At Connected Minds, we are proud of the bold steps we have taken & the remarkable progress we have made together with our diverse communities. Together, we are reimagining the future: we blend diverse perspectives & tackle the challenges of our techno-social world, crafting technologies for the benefit of humanity.
Shayna Rosenbaum Vice-Director
York University
Connected Minds has built strong interdisciplinary networks of researchers and trainees at York and Queen’s, exploring the impact of emerging technologies on brain function and society. Our co-creation process ensures research teams collaborate with healthcare, industry, and community partners from the start for diverse, meaningful contributions.
Gunnar Blohm
Vice-Director
Queen’s University
I am thrilled to witness how Connected Minds fosters truly cross-disciplinary research, exploring the profound ways intelligent technologies reshape every facet of our lives, with Queen's leading contributions to advancing health technologies.
Sean Hillier
Associate Director
York University
Over the year, Connected Minds held numerous events focusing on Indigenous data sovereignty and AI, as well as comprising a diverse group of Indigenous scholars, community members and Knowledge Keepers to serve on the Indigenous Advisory Circle.
Rob Allison York University Director, Centre for Vision Research
Kean Birch York University Director, Institute for Technoscience & Society
Susan Boehnke Queen’s University Lead, Training Committee
Nathan Brinklow Queen’s University Co-Chair, Indigenous Advisory Circle
Catherine Donnelly Queen’s University Lead, Performance Monitoring Committee
Doug Crawford York University Senior Advisor, Director, Centre for Integrative & Applied Neuroscience
Vincent DePaul Queen’s University Lead, EDI Committee
James Elder York University Lead, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee
Kohitij Kar York University Lead, Research Committee
Murat Kristal York University Lead, Innovation & Commercialization Committee
Laura Levin York University Lead, Partnerships Committee
Danica Pawlick-Potts York University Co-Chair, Indigenous Advisory Circle
Ian Stedman York University
Lead, Knowledge Mobilization Committee
JUDY ILLES
EXTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD
The commitment of Connected Minds to the ethical aspects of its work is palpable. This remarkable endeavour spans consideration of the ethics of neurotechnology through the ethics of professional training and engagement, and public outreach. Our Canadian and global Connected Minds colleagues and friends have much to look forward to in the years to come as the program further unfolds and evolves.
Former Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, IP Osgoode Advisory Board
ALLISON SEKULER
President & Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy For Research and Education
BARRY SOOKMAN
Senior Counsel with McCarthy Tétrault
GRAHAM TAYLOR Research Director at the Vector Institute
MICHAEL TULLOCH Chief Justice of Ontario
JOHN WEIGELT National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amir Asif VP Research & Innovation, York University
Chris Ardern Dean, Faculty of Health York University
Nancy Ross VP, Research Queen’s University
Sarah Bay-Cheng Dean, AMPD York University
Kevin Deluzio Dean, Engineering Queen’s University
Susan Dion Associate VP, Indigenous Initiatives York University
Trevor Farrow Dean, Osgoode York University
Marco A. Fiola Principal, Glendon York University
Susana Gajic-Bruyea VP Advancement, York University
Jane Goodyer Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering York University
Narin Kishinchandani
VP Finance & Administration, York University
John-Justin McMurtry Dean, LA&PS York University
Bob Lemieux
Dean, Arts & Science Queen’s University
Stephen Vanner Dean, Health Sciences Queen’s University
Lisa Philipps
VP Academic & Provost, York University
Rui Wang Dean, Faculty of Science York University
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
AR DUCAO
Ar Ducao (they/them) is an artist, engineer, and educator working with underrepresented and incarcerated learners. They co-founded Multimer, a bio-spatial analytics firm recognized by the National Science Foundation SBIR program, and lead the sci-fi arthouse animation series, The Great Tit is a Bird. Ducao teaches at NYU’s School of Engineering & MIT MITES and advises organizations such as Inua Kike, Birth by Us, and the Callen Lorde LGBTQ+ Health Center.
GALA HERNÁNDEZ LÓPEZ
Gala Hernández López is an artist, filmmaker & researcher whose work explores computational capitalism, tech utopias, and control fantasies through an ecofeminist lens. Her award-winning creations, including La Mécanique des fluides (2024), have been featured globally. A PhD candidate at Paris 8, she teaches, directs After Social Networks, and is in residence at Palais de Tokyo. She is developing Dreams of Prophets, a film on the history of dream engineering technologies.
The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC), comprised of Elders/Knowledge Keepers, community members, youth & scholars, works toward ensuring Indigenous ways of knowing and being shape Connected Minds. They collectively are working to challenge the colonial & academic structures, supporting Indigenous & non-Indigenous researchers & strengthening ethical engagement with community. The IAC oversees all Indigenous-focused research, training & community partnerships. The October 2024 IAC Summit at Queen’s University provided a crucial opportunity to refine priorities for Indigenous engagement within Connected Minds, strengthening our commitment to ethical, community-driven research.
STEMInA
The IAC at Connected Minds empowers Indigenous leadership in STEM by supporting initiatives like STEM Indigenous Academics (STEMInA) at Queen’s, with $180K dedicated to research stipends, mentorship & culturally responsive training. By funding opportunities such as STEMInA trainees attending the AISES conference, Connected Minds integrates Indigenous perspectives into research & training, building pathways for the next generation of Indigenous STEM leaders.
CONNECTED MINDS & IAC PRIORITY AREAS:
Connected Minds dedicates part of its training & research budget to support Indigenous & Black scholars.
CONNECTED MINDS: ADVANCING INDIGENOUS RESEARCH
Michael Sherbert - Elder AI: Indigenous AI for Healthcare & Knowledge Preservation Postdoctoral Fellow Queen’s University
This project explores AI’s role in Indigenous healthcare & cultural preservation, focusing on the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Challenging Eurocentric AI views, it emphasizes data sovereignty & co-creation. Inspired by the Trickster, "Elder AI" envisions AI as a living repository of cultural wisdom, blending tradition with innovative healthcare.
Dean Ray - Nłeʔkepmxcin Language Revitalization through AI Postdoctoral Fellow
York University
This project aims to revitalize the nłeʔkepmxcin language by developing a community-owned AI language model. Through transcription, translation, & chatbot tools, it combines Indigenous knowledge with AI to promote cultural preservation & data sovereignty, empowering the nłeʔkepmx communities & aligning with Connected Minds' ethical, community-driven innovation goals.
CONNECTED MINDS OPPORTUNITIES
Engaging with Connected Minds
Become a member of an interdisciplinary research community with over 270 Connected Minds members, spanning research areas in health, neuroscience, engineering, AI, humanities & arts.
Work with 50+ government, industry & community partners and collaborators offering opportunities for collaboration, internship, & career development.
Collaborate on Connected Minds-funded research projects.
Access funding opportunities, including Seed Grants, Team Grants, Knowledge Mobilization Funds, Prototyping Awards & Travel Awards, designed to support innovation & collaboration.
Participate in Connected Minds-funded events.
MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to $10,000 for up to 2 years
To be eligible for the Master’s Scholarship, your Master’s program must be aligned with the Connected Minds program at York or Queen’s.
PhD SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to $10,000 for up to 4 years
The Scholarship will provide financial support to high-calibre trainees doing scholarly work aligned with the program.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
$70,000 a year for 2 years
$8,500 research & networking allowance per year for 2 years
The Fellowship will provide financial support to scholars conducting research aligned with the Connected Minds program.
SEED GRANT
Up to $75,000 per award over 2 years
Seed grants are intended to establish new collaborative projects that promote community building & scholarly activities aligned with the goals of the program.
TEAM GRANT
Up to $1M per award over 3 years
Team grants are expected to mobilize collaborative research to fulfill the major goals of the program through following an active co-creation process.
KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION FUNDS
Up to $5,000 per activity
The Knowledge Mobilization Fund supports the translation of research into action, fosters sustainable relationships & aligns research strengths with community & industry needs.
TRAVEL AWARDS
Up to $10,000 per visit
Travel Awards will provide travel support for high-calibre scholars/artists, trainees & multi-sector partners doing work that with the Connected Minds mandate.
PROTOTYPING AWARDS
Phase 1: Up to $20,000
Phase 2: Up to $50,000
Connected Minds offers funding to support prototypes for commercialization, knowledge sharing, or open-source development, aligned with its socially responsible technology mandate.
TRAINING
The Connected Minds Training Program is equipping the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers with the skills & experience to drive meaningful change. This year, we welcomed a diverse group of outstanding trainees, selected through a highly competitive review process. Beyond traditional training, our program provides internships, travel funds & hands-on opportunities that foster real-world impact & professional growth.
Committed to excellence, the Training Committee strives to ensure that the next generation of researchers is not only equipped to excel at the intersections of disciplines but is also driven to create meaningful societal & global impact.
- Shital Desai, Training Committee Vice-Lead
EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The Connected Minds EDI Action Plan is committed to creating a welcoming, safe & inclusive space where everyone feels valued, heard & empowered to thrive. This year, the committee:
Hosted a Leadership Summit & 5 Affinity Group Sessions
Secured approval for the EDI Action Plan
Launched the First Connected-EDI Workshop
Launched the EDI Research Considerations Tool
Developed EDI Funding Opportunities
Looking ahead, we’re introducing new initiatives like Workshop Marathons, Community Engagement Events & EDI Collaboration Spaces, recognizing that EDI work is ongoing & continuously evolving to drive meaningful progress.
KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION
Our Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) efforts play a pivotal role in connecting research with real-world impact, driving innovation & promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across the Connected Minds community. By providing the necessary support & resources, our KMb funds empower members to take creative risks & leverage cutting-edge technologies.
To Date, the KMb Committee:
By providing the necessary support and resources, we empower our members to take creative risks and leverage cutting-edge technologies.
- Ian Stedman, KMb Lead
Funded 15 KM Activities
Awarded $81,577 in KMb Initiatives
2 3 4 5 Ethics & Research Impact Dialogues Creative & Public Engagement Initiatives Conferences & Networking Events Workshops & Training Programs
MAKING AN IMPACT: KM AWARD STORIES
Old Constellations (above Vila Itororó) - Dr. Gabriel Gonring, Queen’s University
Old Constellations is a virtual exhibition that reimagines cultural heritage through mixed reality technologies. This initiative leverages digital twins to tell counternarratives & engages both local & global communities through interactive events, aiming to redefine the role of tech in social memory practices.
AI & The Art of Storytelling: Industry Talks 2.0 - Dr. Mary Bunch, York University
Industry Talks 2.0 is a series of masterclasses that explore the intersection of emerging AI tech & filmmaking. Featuring prominent Canadian artists, scientists, & researchers, the series equips young Black filmmakers & diverse creatives with the tools to navigate & innovate in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
RESEARCH
The Connected Minds Research Program drives transformative innovation by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration & aligning research with its mission to address societal challenges. Seed grants are designed to establish new collaborative projects that promote community building & scholarly activities while supporting groundbreaking research that advances innovation, commercialization & socially responsible solutions. Guided by our unique Social Impact Assessment Guidelines, each project integrates ethical, societal & equity considerations. Through this approach, Connected Minds is shaping the forefront of impactful, socially conscious research.
Grants Funded to Date
Connected Minds’ Team Grants are designed to bring together multidisciplinary groups—including: —to address complex challenges at the intersection of:
Following an active co-creation model, teams integrate KMb & align with Connected Minds’ goals of interdisciplinary scholarship, international collaboration & social impact.
INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION
The Innovation & Commercialization Committee (ICC) fosters ethical commercialization & socially responsible tech development. We are pleased to announce Dr. Alvine B. Belle as the inaugural Prototype Award recipient for CiteFair, a tool addressing gendered citation biases in computing. To better support diverse commercialization interests, the Prototype Award has two funding streams: Economic Benefit, focused on driving economic growth in Canada & Social Impact, aimed at creating positive societal change. This structure allows the ICC to offer more tailored guidance & resources to applicants.
FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Building & maintaining world-class facilities is essential to advancing research & collaboration at Connected Minds. In November, York University celebrated the grand opening of its Markham Campus, a milestone event attended by President Rhonda Lenton, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, & Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. As part of this expansion, $10M of dedicated space at the new campus has been allocated to Connected Minds research, creating a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary innovation & discovery.
To advance cutting-edge research, $200K is allocated annually to support Connected Minds members with reduced scanning rates at York’s MRI facility. This investment enhances accessibility, drives innovation & ensures researchers have the resources needed to push the boundaries of discovery.
PARTNERSHIPS
Strong & sustainable partnerships are the foundation of Connected Minds, driving innovation & global research impact. To support these collaborations, $155,573 in travel awards has enabled 27 scholars & trainees to connect with key partners by covering travel & accommodations. These exchanges make vital collaborations possible, strengthening research networks & fostering long-term, interdisciplinary innovation.
TRAVEL AWARD IMPACT
Stories from the Field
Trinity Leon, a Connected Minds trainee at York, conducted fieldwork in Guatemala, where she collaborated with the Batz Asociación, a women’s weaving cooperative in San Juan La Laguna. Trinity built strong relationships with the weavers, deepening her connection to the community & enriching her research.
Lora Appel, a Connected Minds researcher at York, traveled to Strasbourg, France, to advance VR therapy in palliative care. Collaborating with the Inserm Research Institute & a local hospital, she helped design a pilot trial using VR to reduce pain & anxiety. This work paves the way for a larger multi-site study with MOME in Budapest & advances non-invasive palliative care solutions.
Farhana Zulkernine, a Connected Minds researcher at Queen’s, traveled to the University of Sharjah (UAE) as a Visiting Professor to advance healthcare data analytics. She helped establish a Digital Health lab & contributed to projects improving healthcare quality. Her collaboration resulted in two peer-reviewed papers, a book chapter in progress, & research talks.
Annemarie Wolff, a postdoc at Queen’s, conducted research in Montreal, gaining expertise in Advanced Research Computing, computational modeling, & hyperscanning techniques. She also attended the Montreal AI & Neuroscience (MAIN) conference, enhancing her skills in AI & machine learning.
RESEARCH ENHANCED HIRES
POUYA AMIRI
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts & Science
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Biofeedback Training, Human Balance Control
TESHAGER DAGNE
Associate Professor, LA&PS YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Governance of Innovation in Emerging Techs, IP Law
CRYSTAL MACKAY
Assistant Professor, School of Rehabilitation
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Quality & Accessibility of Health Care for People with Chronic Conditions
SIHWA PARK
Assistant Professor, AMPD YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Cross-/Multi-Modal Generative AI Modelling
LALEH SEYYED-KALANTARI
Assistant Professor, Lassonde YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
AI Fairness, AI in Healthcare, AI Risks
INES AROUS
Assistant Professor, Lassonde YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Human-AI, Natural Language Processing
ROBERT GEHL
Associate Professor, LA&PS YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Alternative Social Media, History of Propaganda
SANA MAQSOOD
Assistant Professor, Lassonde YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Usable Security & Privacy, Vulnerable Users
DANICA PAWLICK-POTTS
Assistant Professor, LA&PS YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Issues in AI & Data Ethics
SACHIL SINGH
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Datafication, Racism, Surveillance
ORC
KEAN BIRCH
Professor, Faculty of Science
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Digital Economies, Social Studies of Science & Tech
SUSAN BOEHNKE
Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Neurotechnology, Social Neuroscience
AIMI HAMRAIE
Associate Professor, LA&PS
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Technology, Society, Disability
FABIO MONTANARI
Assistant Professor, AMPD
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
AI, Screenwriting
MICHAEL KALU
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
AI & Culture, Aging, Care Transitions
EMILY OBY
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Brain-Machine Interfaces, Motor control
EFFIE PEREIRA
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts & Science
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Social Attention, Temporal Dynamics
ANNE SULLIVAN
Assistant Professor, AMPD
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Critical Game Design, HumanComputer Interaction
ACHALA RODRIGO
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Cognitive Control, Neuroimaging
JAREK SZLICHTA
Associate Professor, Lassonde
YORK UNIVERSITY
AREAS OF INTEREST
Explainable AI, Responsible Data Science
Thanks to the teaching release from the Connected Minds Research Enhanced Hires initiative, I've been able to dedicate time to iterative, unconventional & culture-centric traditional collaborative meetings with Black & People of Color older adults, their families & partner organizations to understand mobility needs & explore AI solutions for an equitable, socially responsive wearable. I came to York because it provides a supportive environment & mentorship that nurtures bold, unconventional ideas, creating fertile ground for innovations that traditional grant agencies often overlook.
-Dr. Michael Kalu, Research Enhanced Hire & Inaugural Seed Grant Recipient
CONNECTED MINDS HIGHLIGHTED IN
THE TORONTO STAR
A massive seven-year interdisciplinary research initiative led by York University –backed by substantial federal research funding – is setting out to tame the unruly world of AI and other disruptive technologies, so humans can benefit equitably from advances in a machine-driven world.
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION EXPLORES THE VISION OF CONNECTED MINDS
“THE END OF THE GENERATIVE
BUBBLE”
Kean Birch writes for the Globe and Mail.
DOUG CRAWFORD ON THE LAUNCH OF CONNECTED MINDS
A new research project has been launched at York and Queen’s University to look into how AI and other technologies affect communication.
CONNECTED MINDS EVENTS
CONNECTED MINDS ANNUAL RESEARCH RETREAT FEBRUARY 2024
The Connected Minds Annual Research Retreat provided members with a comprehensive overview of our first-year progress & research initiatives, featuring updates from committee leads & insightful talks from Research Enhanced Hires.
BRACING FOR IMPACT WITH CONNECTED MINDS MARCH 2024
The Bracing for Impact conference, co-hosted by Connected Minds & York’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Society, brought together experts to examine AI’s societal impacts. Sponsored by Microsoft, the event featured panels on equity, health, neurotechnology, & the arts, along with a keynote by the Hon. David Lametti, who shared insights on law & governance.
NOVEMBER 2024
IP & RESEARCH SECURITY WORKSHOP
The IP & Research Security Workshop, led by Dr. Joseph Turcotte and Rebecca Irwin, provided key insights on safeguarding research, IP & commercialization pathways. A key discussion explored how emerging challenges, such as AI, impact IP protection & innovation. Attendees engaged in dynamic conversations, exchanged valuable insights & connected with members, trainees & partners to explore new opportunities for collaboration & commercialization.
JANUARY 2025
VISIT FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
The Hon. Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, visited Connected Minds at York to explore research shaping Ontario’s future, including Dr. Maya Chacaby’s Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse & Dr. Laleh Seyyed-Kalantari’s work on responsible AI. During the visit, we explored inclusive education, community ties & ethical innovation. These discussions reinforced our commitment to ensuring tech & research serve all communities, paving the way for a future where innovation & social responsibility go hand in hand.
OUR STORIES
Preserving Indigenous Language Through Innovation
Professor Maya Chacaby, a Connected Minds member & Anishinaabe scholar at Glendon Campus, secured nearly $1M in federal funding for her metaverse project, Biskaabiiyaang: Creating a Path Towards Healing and Reconciliation. Partnering with the Nokiiwin Tribal Council & co-led by Professor Rebecca Caines, this initiative uses immersive virtual gaming to teach the endangered Anishinaabemowin language & share cultural teachings. Through advanced tech & AI, it aims to preserve Indigenous languages & traditions for future generations.
Exo-Sensory Augmentation to Reduce Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Clinical Settings
With the support of a Connected Minds seed grant, Dr. Qingguo Li is leading an innovative project to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks in clinical settings through exo-sensory augmentation technology. Designed for healthcare staff, this groundbreaking initiative enhances sensory awareness to improve task performance & prevent injuries during physically demanding tasks. Prioritizing inclusivity, the project aims to develop accessible, wearable technology that supports clinicians from diverse backgrounds, fostering a safer & more equitable healthcare environment.
Advancing Global Collaboration
In November 2023, Connected Minds welcomed a delegation from the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz to York, launching the “Collaborative Technology & Emergent Behaviour” initiative. This partnership explores the intersections of tech & human behaviour, fostering innovative research & solutions. The visit, initiated by Dr. Nikolaus Troje, featured lab tours & scientific presentations, setting the stage for future initiatives. In August 2024, a Connected Minds delegation traveled to Konstanz, Germany to continue the exchange, engaging in lectures & lab tours, with a special emphasis on supporting early career researchers. Formal agreements signed in 2024 cemented the partnership, establishing programs to advance researcher exchange & collaboration.
The Intergenerational Healing Power of nêhiyawêwin
Supported by a Connected Minds seed grant, Dr. Joseph DeSouza explores how re/learning nēhiyawēwin (Cree language) fosters healing across physical, mental & spiritual dimensions. Through the nêhiyawak Language Experience, a land-based immersion program, participants undergo assessments of brain function & emotions. This vital research combines Indigenous knowledge with neuroscience & contributes to language revitalization, reconciliation & cultural preservation for future generations.
OUR PARTNERS
Connected Minds unites over 50 partners and collaborators from diverse sectors to drive interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together a range of expertise, we aim to create a healthier, more equitable society through groundbreaking research & innovation.
Our partners connect with leading scholars, cutting-edge research & advanced technology at York & Queen’s Universities. Through grants, fellowships & events, we turn breakthrough discoveries into meaningful progress, driving a more just & inclusive society
CONNECTED MINDS PARTNERSHIPS SPAN ACROSS:
FORGING CONNECTIONS FOR BRAIN-MACHINE INNOVATION
A Connected Minds Seed Grant supports Dr. Ozzy Mermut (York Research Chair in Biophotonics) in developing socially responsible brain-machine interface technologies in collaboration with NIRx’s Dr. Androu Abdalmalak. Supported by our Travel Award program, Dr. Christopher Barrett (McGill University) has contributed expertise & specialized equipment that drives the collaboration.
Connected Minds has enabled me to collaborate with York’s diverse team, developing cutting-edge technologies & advancing our shared research. This support has been instrumental in the creation of three research papers on these groundbreaking innovations.
- Christopher Barrett, Professor (McGill University) & Connected Minds Affiliate Member
A PARTNERSHIP IN PERFORMANCE INNOVATION
Connected Minds offers a unique opportunity for cross-sectoral collaboration. Our first project, Meta Physical Theatre, will utilize robo tech that would be difficult to access independently. Our artistic team is inspired to work with high-calibre researchers to push the boundaries of live performance in Canada.
