Best Brains Exchanges
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Overview
CIHR’s Best Brains Exchange (BBE) program, founded in 2008, is a knowledge mobilization program which brings together senior policy makers, researchers, implementation experts and key stakeholders to discuss high-priority, health-related topics identified by policy makers with the goal of supporting the integration of research evidence into policy. CIHR organizes BBEs in partnership with policy makers at the Federal, Provincial/Territorial, multi-jurisdictional and international levels. BBEs are planned in collaboration with CIHR’s Institutes and Initiatives.
The objectives of the BBE Program are to:
- Provide senior policy makers with high-quality, timely and accessible research evidence and advice from leading researchers and implementation experts;
- Engage policy makers and researchers in an open dialogue around the applicability of the evidence to the current policy context; and
- Foster the development of relationships between policy makers, researchers and implementation experts.
CIHR encourages and may recommend that policy partners conduct a rapid review as part of their evidence-gathering process.
Initially developed to enhance CIHR’s capacity to engage with provincial and territorial ministries of health, the program expanded to include Federal Health Portfolio policy maker partners in 2010. In 2019, the program expanded further to include events held in partnership with Canadian and International policy makers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIHR shifted the delivery of the BBE program to a virtual platform.
Program Details
Policy makers at the Federal or Provincial/Territorial levels are invited to submit health-related topics for a BBE session at any point in the year. Successful applicants will work with CIHR to plan and host the sessions. BBEs are planned in collaboration with CIHR’s Institutes and Initiatives.
Format
BBEs are private, by-invitation only events delivered virtually over a period of one to two half days. The format includes a balance of short, high-level presentations followed by protected time for facilitated discussion. The objectives, discussion questions and anticipated outcomes of the BBE are driven by policy partners.
Participants and Speakers
The BBEs are limited to a small number of participants, a facilitator, up to eight speakers, and the organizing team (CIHR and partner staff). The BBE team at CIHR collaborates with colleagues across CIHR’s thirteen Institutes, to identify potential speakers and facilitators for the BBE through its network of researchers and implementation experts, environmental scans and other sources.
CIHR is committed to equitable representation of speakers and participants at the BBEs as CIHR continues to build meaningful relationships founded on equity, diversity and inclusion and respectful of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) Peoples as rights-holders. This commitment will further expand CIHR’s relationship with communities inclusive of perspectives from those affected disproportionately by inequitable health. Such efforts further strengthen the Canadian health research ecosystem, as CIHR aims to fund research shaped by, conducted by, and mobilized in collaboration with, health equity deserving communities.
Time Commitment
Each BBE takes a minimum of 3-4 months to plan following the review and approval process. CIHR leads regular planning group meetings to prepare for the BBE. Policy partners are expected to participate in the meetings, support the development of BBE materials a select the facilitator and presenters and manage the participant list.
Cost
CIHR covers the cost of most core operations such as presenter/facilitator fees. Policy partners are responsible for some costs related to optional services such as report writing or simultaneous interpretation.
Apply to Host a BBE
Canadian policy makers at the Provincial/Territorial or Federal levels are invited to submit an application to host a BBE on a health-related topic at any point in the year. While applicant teams must be led by a Canadian policy maker, BBE planning partners can include non-policy makers. Canadian policy makers may also choose to submit an application in partnership with policy makers from other countries on a shared topic of interest. Successful applicant teams will work with CIHR to plan and host the sessions.
Application Details and Eligibility
For an application to be eligible:
- The Principal Applicant must be a Federal or Provincial/Territorial policy maker;
- The application must be approved by the relevant Director General or equivalent;
- The BBE should occur within six months of the date of application;
- The topic of the BBE must be health-related.
In addition to an eligibility review, a feasibility assessment will also be conducted based on the timelines requested by applicants and taking into consideration the capacity of the CIHR planning team.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the review within 2-3 weeks of submitting their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Who is eligible to host a BBE?
A Canadian policy maker working within the Federal, Provincial or Territorial governments. The proposed topic must be driven by a pressing need for information/advice on a policy/research issue.
Applications for multi-jurisdictional or international events can propose a co-lead model. Co-applicants could include P/T Ministries of Health, Members of the Health Portfolio (PHAC, HC, CFIA), other Federal Departments (with a health related policy issue), an organization mandated to support F/P/T health policy decision making and international policy makers or other non-policy maker partners including P/T health funders, international organizations, agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations.
Visit the Apply to Host a BBE page for more information on eligibility.
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2. What types of topics are relevant for a BBE?
The topic proposed for the BBE must be health-related to be considered eligible.
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3. When can I apply?
Policy makers interested in organizing a BBE are invited to submit an application at any point in the year, within six months of the anticipated event date. It typically takes 3-4 months to plan a BBE following the review and approval process.
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4. How are BBE applications evaluated?
All applications are reviewed internally to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and are feasible by the BBE team.
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5. How soon will I hear if my application is successful?
Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application within 2-3 weeks of submitting an application to CIHR.
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6. What is the format of a BBE?
BBEs are private, by-invitation only events delivered over a period of one to two days. The format includes a balance of brief, high-level presentations followed by protected time for facilitated discussion. The objectives, discussion questions and anticipated outcomes of the BBE are driven by policy partners. The BBEs are limited to a small number of participants and observers, as well as a facilitator, presenters, and the organizing team (CIHR and partner staff). Since 2020, BBEs are being delivered virtually.
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7. How many people can attend a BBE and how are participants chosen?
BBEs typically include 40 participants, including the facilitator, presenters and organizing team. The events are small to encourage engagement between participants. Policy maker partners are responsible for selecting and inviting the participants. The list is developed in collaboration with CIHR.
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8. Who presents at a BBE and how are presenters chosen?
The presenters at a BBE include researchers and implementation experts. The BBEs are limited to a small number of participants, a facilitator, up to eight speakers, and the organizing team (CIHR and partner staff). CIHR will identify potential presenters and facilitators through its network of researchers and implementation experts, environmental scans and other sources.
CIHR is committed to equitable representation of speakers and participants at the BBEs as CIHR continues to build meaningful relationships founded on equity, diversity and inclusion and respectful of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) Peoples as rights-holders. This commitment will further expand CIHR’s relationship with communities inclusive of perspectives from those affected disproportionately by inequitable health. Such efforts further strengthen the Canadian health research ecosystem, as CIHR aims to fund research shaped by, conducted by, and mobilized in collaboration with, health equity deserving communities.
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9. Is there a financial cost associated with co-hosting a BBE with CIHR?
Yes, while CIHR covers the cost of most core operations such as presenter/facilitator fees, our policy partners are responsible for some costs related to optional services such as report writing or simultaneous interpretation.
Past exchanges
Best Brains Exchanges (BBEs) are in-camera sessions. As a result, not all Best Brains Exchange topics and presenters are listed here. The following information is being shared with consent.
For more information on any of the past Best Brains Exchanges listed below please contact BBE-EMC@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
2026
January
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Responsible Opioid Prescribing Practices for Pain Management
Partner: Health Canada, Chronic Pain Policy Team
The goal of responsible opiate prescribing is to advance a balanced, evidence-informed approach, that reduces unnecessary exposure to opioid medication and protects lives while supporting those living with pain and ensuring that they do not face access barriers to needed medication. The Best Brains Exchange (BBE) examined the challenges surrounding the implementation of responsible opioid prescribing practices for pain management and potential solutions. The event provided an update on recent trends and emerging national guidance, explored barriers to effective practice change, and identified opportunities for cross sector collaboration to support future action.
2025
October
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Building leadership practices to transform health systems
Partner: Nova Scotia Health and Canadian Health Leadership Network (CHLNet)
The Best Brains Exchange (BBE) convened policymakers, researchers, and health system leaders for a dialogue on fostering excellence in leadership practices to improve health system performance. The event served as a collaborative platform to refine best practices in leadership development programs, with a focus on identifying leadership qualities and strategies that contribute to positive health outcomes. Participants explored how evidence-based leadership practices could be integrated into development programs and leveraged to support system-wide transformation. Drawing on Nova Scotia’s experience with the Health System Leadership Academy (HSLA), the BBE highlighted early outcomes and lessons learned from the LEADS-based initiative. The BBE aimed to generate guidance for scaling the HSLA model, inform future leadership initiatives, and contribute to a renewed narrative that broadens the learnings of leadership and its impact on health policy and practice.
The Best Brains Exchange Meeting Report is available [ PDF (371 KB) - external link ]
September
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Income Security and Basic Income as Structural Determinants of Health
Partners: Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Manitoba Families, and Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness
This Best Brains Exchange (BBE) brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics, policymakers and community members to examine international and Canadian evidence to support a dialogue on guaranteed basic income (GBI) through a lens unique to Manitoba and in the context of Truth and Reconciliation. The exchange sought to determine whether it would be feasible and desirable to transform or adapt existing provincial income support programs to operate more like a guaranteed basic income; explore whether these changes would improve population health outcomes; and consider whether this approach would align with the values of the population, including Indigenous values. Learnings from the BBE will serve to identify key issues related to the health effects of GBI and the Manitoban context and identify priority actions that can support change in existing provincial programs.
March
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Addressing the mental health impacts associated with acute environmental emergencies
Partners: Mental Health Directorate, Health Policy Branch, Health Canada
The Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) identified Mental Health and Emergency and Crisis Response as a key priority for 2024-25.
This Best Brains Exchange examined evidence-based interventions to support various levels of government in coordinating and developing appropriate strategies to address the mental health impacts of acute environmental emergencies. This exchange included perspectives from domestic and international partners from the fields of emergency management, health promotion and mental health to identify best practices, interventions and community assets that have improved or supported positive mental health and well-being before, during and after an environmental emergency. Key learnings from the BBE will be shared in the form of a summary report that will drive FPT collaboration to address the mental health impacts of emergencies and crisis response situations.
January
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Team-based Primary Care: Learning how to evaluate the outcomes and implementation of team-based care
Partners: Health Canada, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Health and Community Services, Alberta Health Services and the Canadian Primary Care Research Network
This Best Brains Exchange presented the latest evidence and strategies used to develop a draft Pan-Canadian evaluation framework for team- based primary care. Well-designed primary healthcare teams can improve the quality of care and patient experience, decrease burnout among health providers, and reduce overall costs for the health care system. A diverse range of participants contributed to the conversation, including patient partners, Canadian and US researchers, and healthcare professionals, policymakers and other interest-holders. The event included representatives from each of Canada’s provinces and territories. A Summary Report will be made publicly available to stimulate ongoing policy discussion.
The Best Brains Exchange Meeting Report is available.
2024
June
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Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods – Identifying Research Priorities
Partners: Health Canada, INMD and ICR
This Best Brains Exchange examined the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on health and aimed to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities of relevance to public health. Discussion topics included gaps in evidence regarding the relationship between UPF consumption and health, and plausible pathways and mechanisms by which UPF consumption affect health. This exchange in an emerging area of public health research benefited from the perspectives of Canadian and international researchers, health research funders, and policy makers.
February
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Integrating mental health and substance use treatment with other service needs: Best practices in providing multisectoral, community-based supports for individuals with complex needs
Partners: Health Canada's Mental Health and Substance Use Integration Directorate
This Best Brains Exchange examined evidence-based approaches and critical partnerships needed to support individuals with complex needs. Individuals with complex and intersecting support needs typically require high levels of service from multiple sectors (e.g., health, housing, social services, public safety, criminal justice), and service pathways. The discussions during this BBE centered around potential service models rooted in community engagement and integration of strategies across multiple sectors. This exchange was enriched by perspectives from medical professionals, policy makers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and individuals with lived and living experience.
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Understanding gaps and identifying opportunities for Federal Action to Eliminate Hepatitis C in Canada by 2030
Partners: Public Health Agency of Canada and the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
This Best Brains Exchange engaged researchers, community members and Federal government departments in open dialogue to identify gaps and opportunities for action at the federal level for the elimination of Hepatitis C. The discussions focused on innovative approaches to equitable care for key populations disproportionately affected by Hepatitis C. Recommendations from the BBE will be considered in developing culturally safe strategic goals and priorities in alignment with the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action and the associated federal Action Plan.
2023
November
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A Vision for the Future of Public Health Surveillance in Canada in 2030
Partners: Public Health Agency of Canada's Data, Surveillance and Foresight Branch
This Best Brain Exchange examined evidence-based strategies, partnerships, and competencies to contribute to a renewed public-facing vision for public health surveillance in Canada. The discussions included participants with domestic and international expertise, and with perspectives from academia, healthcare, and government.
The Best Brains Exchange meeting report is now available
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Compassionate Communities – How to Optimize Federal Support for Community-Led Care
Partners: Health Canada's End-of-Life Care Unit, Healthcare Excellence Canada
This Best Brain Exchange examined current evidence and implementation strategies to advance the compassionate community model in Canada. The discussions included perspectives from academia, health care professionals, government, persons with lived and living experiences and international experts.
October
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Racism and Discrimination experienced by Black People and Communities in Canadian Health Systems
Partners: Health Canada's Strategic Policy Branch
This Best Brains Exchange examined evidence-based policy solutions aimed at addressing systemic anti-Black racism in Canadian health systems. The discussion was centered on the voices of Black community members and included perspectives from academia, persons with lived and living experiences, provincial and federal government, and international experts.
June
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Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for Whom Death is Not Reasonably Foreseeable (Track 2)
Partners: British Columbia Ministry of Health Medical Assistance in Dying Operational Committee, British Columbia's Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, Interior Health Authority, Northern Health Authority, and the University of British Columbia
This Best Brain Exchange examined current evidence and fostered discussions to support the development of policies and procedures to optimize the care of 'Track 2' patients requesting MAiD (including those with a mental disorder as the sole underlying medical condition). The discussion included perspectives from provincial health authorities, federal government, academia, health care professionals and international experts.
The Best Brains Exchange Meeting Report [ PDF (565 KB) - external link ] is available.
March
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Exploring the Development of a Canadian Breast Implant Registry
Hosted in collaboration with Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) and Health Canada and the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
The purpose of this Best Brains Exchange (BBE) was to examine current evidence and convene stakeholders from multiple sectors to determine whether developing a Canadian breast implant registry would improve patient notification in the event of safety concerns.
February
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Treatment of Chronic Pain and Complex Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Conditions
Hosted in collaboration with Health Canada
The purpose of this Best Brains Exchange (BBE) was to bring together federal, provincial and territorial partners with researchers, clinicians, professional associations, implementation experts and those with lived experience to enhance and share knowledge related to best practices and treatment options for people living with chronic pain and concurrent mental illnesses and/or substance use-related conditions.
2022
November
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Climate Change and Health in BC: From Disaster Risk to Resilience
Hosted in collaboration with the British Columbia Ministry of Health and Michael Smith Health Research BC
This Best Brains Exchange (BBE) brought together senior-level policy makers from across sectors and jurisdictions, Indigenous partners, researchers, people with lived experience and other key stakeholders who have knowledge and decision-making responsibility for managing the health impacts of climate-related emergencies in British Columbia (BC), including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants examined evidence-based strategies and approaches on how BC’s health sector can work collaboratively and proactively with other sectors to protect and promote health before, during and after climate-related shocks.
Learn more about the BBE in the summary report [ PDF (317 KB) ]. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. To request the complete report, please reach out to bbe-emc@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
October
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Improving Canada’s Retention and Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals: Barriers and Best Practices
Hosted in Collaboration with Health Canada
This Best Brains Exchange (BBE) examined current evidence and brought together partners from multiple sectors (policymakers, researchers, academia, public health stakeholders, and those with lived and living experience) to address Canada’s substantial health workforce challenges that threaten the ability of the health care system to provide timely, equitable, accessible, quality care to Canadians. The BBE considered strategies to improve retention, recruitment and wellness of healthcare professionals.
June
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Action Plan on Palliative Care: Using Public Policy to Shift Attitudes toward Death and Dying
Hosted in collaboration with Health Canada’s Strategic Policy (End of Life Care Unit) and Communication and Public Affairs Branches
The Best Brains Exchange (BBE) brought together policymakers, researchers, public health experts, and people with lived and living experience to discuss how public policy and education can be used to shift attitudes towards serious illness, death and dying to enable better end-of-life planning. In examining current evidence, the BBE considered successful interventions and education campaigns in multiple sectors and identified ways to apply learnings to the current Palliative Care Action Plan’s commitment to public education.
January
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Supporting the Healthy Development of Young Children Facing Health Equity Barriers in Communities in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond
Hosted in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH)
The purpose of this BBE was to bring together partners from multiple sectors (policy-makers, research community, academia, public health stakeholders, private sector, people with lived and living experience etc.) to examine community-level interventions and how these can be better supported and implemented to improve the healthy development of young children (0-6) facing health equity barriers, including within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The BBE focused on identifying opportunities to improve community-level interventions through innovative service delivery and multisectoral partnerships.
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