Our
Vision
To understand how viruses and other infectious agents impact brain health, and address gaps in knowledge and funding at the intersection of different fields and disciplines.
VINEx will specifically focus on:
Viruses
- Viral infections and their acute and/or chronic impacts on the brain, with an initial focus on the neurological and psychiatric impacts of SARS-CoV-2.
- Viruses as triggers/contributors to for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
- Increase in zoonotic disease and connection to climate change.
Other infectious agents
- Infectious agents (such as fungi, bacteria, parasites) and their impact on the brain.
- How infectious agents may contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases and mental illnesses.
One System
Studying the brain as one system within the whole human system and surrounded by an external environment.
Pandemic Preparedness
Laying the groundwork for addressing future brain health crises including pandemic preparedness.
Patient Experience
Bridging scientific research and evidence with patient experience and quality of life impacts – to set research and care priorities, and ensure the benefits of research reach people more rapidly, including through improved diagnostic and treatment options.
Ecosystem Approach
A commitment to collective and coordinated action with an ecosystem approach.
Collaboration
Collaboration across diseases, disciplines, institutions, sectors and countries.
Data Sharing and Open Science
Data sharing and open science to fast-track progress and reach patients more rapidly.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion both among researchers and in the focus of research, to ensure that personalized approaches consider biological and non-biological variability in populations within one country and around the world.
“To address complex science challenges, we need to rally and engage diverse people and organizations. A vine may be both expansive and invasive: VINEx will be a catalyst for researchers across disciplines and people with lived experience, to explore how contagions may invade our human system, and set in motion events which harm our brain health across the lifespan. This is an area that needs further exploration, new thinking and new approaches.”