CanNRT and KBHN announce recipients of their 2026 joint Trainee Travel Award

Published on 06/19/2026

The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform (CanNRT) and Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 CanNRT–KBHN Trainee Travel Award.

Through this joint initiative, 10 trainees from across eight universities and five provinces will present their work at the KBH+ Conference 2026, taking place October 18–21 in Calgary, Alberta.

Centered on the theme, From Evidence to Everywhere: Scaling and Sustaining Innovations for Kids, the conference will provide trainees with opportunities to share knowledge and engage with leaders in implementation science and knowledge mobilization.

2026 CanNRT–KBHN Trainee Travel Award Recipients

Kelly D'Souza

PhD student, McGill University (T. Flanagan)

Sandrine Gagné-Trudel

Postdoctoral Fellow, Dalhousie University (S. Phelan)

Aditi Ilangovan

Undergraduate student, University of Alberta (K. Murias)

Fatima Karim

PhD Student, Carleton University, Holland Bloorview (E. Anagnostou, Z. Merali)

Anna Katalifos

PhD student, McGill University (T. Flanagan)

Carly Magnacca

PhD student, York University (A. Perry)

Ebrahim Mahmoudi Kojidi

PhD Student, McGill University (K. Shikako)

Meaghan Reitzel

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Calgary (J. Zwicker, M. Phoenix)

Olivia Tsihlias

PhD Student, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (J. Zwicker)

Meryssa Waite

PhD Student, Simon Fraser University (G. Iarocci, E. Birmingham)

The Travel Award reflects a shared commitment between CanNRT and KBHN to strengthen training opportunities and support the next generation of researchers working in neurodevelopmental conditions.

“We were truly impressed by the quality and diversity of applications received from trainees across the country,” said Ellie-Anna Minogianis, Training Programs Manager at CanNRT.

“The selected recipients represent an exciting and promising group of emerging researchers whose work will help shape the future of neurodevelopmental research in Canada,” added Corey Fortier, Director of Implementation and Programs at KBHN.

About Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN)

Since 2009, KBHN has led transformative projects and real-world solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. In 2016, the Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) was established to mobilize philanthropy, partnerships, and public support, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. Kids Brain Health Innovation Fund (KBH-IF) further strengthens our ability to accelerate the growth, scale, and spread of tested and effective innovations emerging from the KBHN and KBHF portfolios.

Together, KBHN, KBHF, and KBH-IF form KBH+, a national platform delivering impact for children and youth with neurodisabilities. Through coordinated efforts in government funding, philanthropy, and impact investing, KBH+ advances early identification, effective interventions, and access to family supports.

About CanNRT

The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training (CanNRT) Platform supports research excellence and builds sustainable and equitable pathways for early career researchers in neurodevelopment and associated conditions across Canada. Through multidisciplinary cross-sector learning, mentorship, and connectivity, CanNRT equips trainees to become the next generation of leaders.