The Brain-Heart Connection: From Research to Reality
Jun 10, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Event details
The Brain-Heart Interconnectome State of the Science Summit brings together leading experts advancing research and care for brain–heart conditions. This public lecture extends that dialogue beyond the lab and into the community, highlighting innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and elaborating on the value of moving away from siloed models toward integrated research and care.
Researchers will share emerging insights, highlighting the shift from siloed approaches — where brain, mental health, and cardiovascular conditions are addressed separately—to more integrated models of research and care. Individuals with lived experience will offer powerful perspectives onhow these siloed versus integrated approaches have shaped their health journeys, and why whole-person care matters.
The lecture will explore key topics, including:
- Integrated care for those with brain-heart conditions
- Prevention of brain-heart conditions and healthy aging behaviors
- Holistic approaches that integrate community and culture
The session will incorporate an interactive Q&A, providing the audience with an opportunity to engage directly with speakers.
No background in science and medicine is required, only curiosity about the brain-heart connection!
Reception from 4:30-5:30pm.
Moderator:
Global Health Epidemiologist and Science Communicator, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa.
Dr. Deonandan brings critical appraisal and evidence-based insight to complex, rapidly evolving global challenges. His research spans the epidemiology of reproductive technologies, digital health, and the ethical dimensions of global health interventions, with a focus on population health. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in the interior of Guyana, working to understand and address health challenges faced by remote Indigenous peoples.
Speakers and Panelists Include:
Head and Chief of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital; Professor and Tier 1 Clinical Research Chair in Bipolar Disorders and Metabolism, Department of Psychiatry and School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa
Dr. Fiedorowicz’ research focuses on morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders with methods expertise in quantitative methods in epidemiology. Clinically, he is board certified in psychiatry and in obesity medicine and values taking an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to care.
I acknowledge that I live and work on lands of the Nêhiyawak, Nêhithawak, Anishinabek, Nakawe, Nakota, Nehinawak, Lakota, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.
Associate Professor, CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Wholistic Health and Well-Being Through Physical Activity for Indigenous Peoples; Heart & Stroke/CIHR Indigenous Early Career Women’s Heart and Brain Health Chair (2018-2025) and Co-Scientific Director of aen mamawii kiiayaahk (Healing Together).
Dr. Foulds’ research focuses on Indigenous wellness, healthy aging and management of chronic conditions, and human performance.
Associate Professor, Killam Scholar, and Behavioural Neurologist Scientist, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
Dr. Geddes leads a translational research program at The Neuro focused on motivational neuromedicine in aging. Her work examines neurobiological mechanisms underlying motivational resilience and vulnerability in aging and Alzheimer’s disease to inform interventions for promoting protective behaviours and prevent dementia, and ultimately help older adults lead healthier lives.