A transformative week of learning, connection, and collaboration – and fun!
From August 19 to 23, 2024, the Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training (CanNRT)
Platform hosted its second Annual Summer School in Montréal, Québec. This immersive, week-
long event brought together 33 students and over 30 mentors from across Canada and beyond,
creating a vibrant space for advancing neurodevelopmental research and fostering meaningful
connections.
Participants joined the program through a competitive selection process, becoming part of a
distinguished and growing cohort of emerging researchers. Their work holds the potential to
transform the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families.
Bridging gaps through a co-designed curriculum
The Summer School curriculum, co-designed by CanNRT’s committees, featured new courses
and workshops designed to address training gaps and emerging priorities.
From exploring the intricacies of early neural development to discussing the challenges and
advancements in autism epidemiology, the programme was designed to both inform and inspire.
Trainees delved into topics ranging from the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions to the
brain health of older adults with developmental disabilities, and learned how to navigate media
interactions to effectively share their research with broader audiences.
Participants had the chance to engage in interactive sessions and networking opportunities, like
refining their elevator pitches in a lively “Pitch Fest” hosted in an informal setting. This activity
honed their communication skills and encouraged them to think critically about how to make
their research accessible and impactful.
The Summer School’s holistic design ensured that participants connected and learned from
individuals with lived and living experience of neurodevelopmental conditions — an opportunity
many found transformative. As Wen Da Lu, CanNRT Fellow and master’s student at McGill
University’s Faculty Biological and Biomedical Engineering, remarked, “The connection between
me and my dataset became more human than just numbers on a spreadsheet.”
A collaborative community
The Summer School emphasized the importance of building bridges—between disciplines,
researchers, and communities. Ellie-Anna Minogianis, CanNRT Training Manager, underscored
this sentiment:
“The energy and collaboration we witnessed this week was inspiring. Bringing together
such a diverse group of students and mentors creates a space where the next
generation of researchers not only learn, but also share knowledge and perspectives
that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the field.”
Participants described the Summer School as a “second home,” providing them with
opportunities for long-term collaboration, mentorship, and personal growth. The Summer
School’s impact is clear: many alumni now lead research initiatives and continue to engage with
the CanNRT network as faculty members, amplifying its influence across Canada and beyond.
Looking ahead
As we look ahead, we are proud to once again create a space where emerging leaders in
neurodevelopmental research can connect, innovate, and shape the future of the field.
Fellows, mark your calendars: the next CanNRT Annual Summer School is scheduled for
August 18 to 22, 2025, in Montréal, Québec.
Stay tuned for updates and registration details.
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The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training (CanNRT) Platform is a collaborative training hub that supports sustainable and equitable pathways for early career researchers in neurodevelopment across Canada through cross-sector learning, mentorship, and connectivity. CanNRT is proudly powered by the Azrieli Foundation.
