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The Amazing Brain Science Talks is an annual event that aims to share information with the public on key findings from brain health research. The event will feature independent researchers delivering TED-style talks to a public audience onstage at a prominent venue in downtown Montreal. The talks will be followed by a meet-and-greet in which the public will be invited to view and discuss brain health research displayed on plain-language posters made by trainees. The event is hosted by Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL), Brain Canada and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI).

Important: The posters presented at the meet-and greet will NOT be traditional scientific posters that can be re-used at most academic conferences. The posters will follow a plain language template and use language and visuals that are accessible and interesting to the general public.

Timeline

Program Objectives

• Provide the public with accessible, evidence-based and empowering information about brain health through plain-language posters; and
• Assist trainees to develop their science communication skills.

Event Details and Time CommitmentsÌý

The Amazing Brain Science Talks will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal (475 De Maisonneuve Boulevard East, Montreal, Quebec).Ìý

There will be three in-person science communication workshops of two to three hours each in July and August (dates to be confirmed). All applicants must agree to attend the main event and two out of three science communication workshops in Montreal as a condition of being considered as a poster presenter.

Poster Details

Successful applicants will learn how to create posters aimed at the general public using plain language and eye-catching visuals to effectively communicate a topic in brain health research to a public audience. The information on the posters will be presented in a way that will be interesting and engaging for the public. Successful applicants will work from a template to create their posters, which will be provided during the science communication workshops.Ìý

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Evidence shows that increasing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation and creativity. HBHL is committed to excellence through equity and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to our funding opportunities, which will promote the expression of diverse perspectives, approaches and experiences, including those of underrepresented groups.

All applicants must complete the HBHL equity self-identification form at the time of submission. Note: applicants have the option to select ‘prefer not to answer’ for all questions.Ìý

Individual responses will be seen only by a limited number of the HBHL team and will not be shared with reviewers.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to trainees who:

• Are affiliated with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, Brain Canada, Université de Montréal or Polytechnique Montréal, or the Core Academic Members of BHI (note: if required, travel costs from Ottawa will be covered for BHI-affiliated trainees);
• Conduct research in the area of brain health; and
• Commit to attending a minimum of two of three in-person science communication workshops in Montreal in July and August (dates TBC).

Submission InstructionsÌý

to apply to be a poster presenter at the Amazing Brain Science Talks by June 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

In the online application form, applicants will be asked to submit a scientific abstract (250 words max). They will be asked to explain why this topic would be of interest to the general public (250 words max). Finally, applicants will be asked about their motivation to present a plain-language poster and how this activity contributes to their academic, personal or professional goals (250 words max).

Following an administrative review, the top-ranked 20 applicants will be invited to be poster presenters at the meet-and-greet at the Amazing Brain Science Talks event. Successful applicants will be asked for their availability to attend two in-person science communication workshops in Montreal between July and August 2025. Successful applicants must commit to attending a minimum of two workshops, regardless of whether they fall on the dates they prefer as we will not be able to accommodate everyone’s preference.Ìý

Review Process

All applications will be reviewed internally by a panel consisting of representatives from HBHL, Brain Canada and the BHI based on the following criteria:

Confidentiality and Ownership

HBHL, Brain Canada and the BHI will keep all materials submitted for this opportunity confidential and only share them with internal reviewers at their respective institutions.

Individual responses to the HBHL equity self-identification form will be seen only by a limited number of the HBHL team and will not be shared with reviewers.

Contact Information

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact hbhl [at] mcgill.ca