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About the Azrieli Accelerator

Igniting transdisciplinary collaboration to transform neurodevelopment research across the lifespan

The Azrieli Accelerator uses strategic funding to cultivate and launch research and opportunities with a focus on neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental conditions, with a lifespan approach, in a way that leads to making a positive difference in the lives of people with neurodevelopmental conditions. 

What are neurodevelopmental conditions?

Examples of neurodevelopmental conditions include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), tourette syndrome, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, rare chromosomal conditions, and cerebral palsy. These are conditions that affect the brain's development of neurological pathways that influence performance or functioning such as intellectual functioning, reading ability, social skills, memory, attention or focus skills.

 

Across the lifespan

Priority Research Programs

The Azrieli Accelerator is open to advancing research related to all neurodevelopmental conditions. In studying neurodevelopmental conditions, we also have identified three priority programmatic areas that will engage a cross section of transdisciplinary researchers.

Brain Circuitry

The Azrieli Accelerator is expanding our understanding of programs guiding brain development. In this Keystone Program, we welcome approaches that bring new perspectives to further our understanding of the mechanisms that guide neurodevelopmental conditions.  

Microbiome Influences

How the microbiome influences the brain in neurodevelopment and in neurodevelopmental conditions is not yet fully understood. Through this program, we seek to better understand the mechanisms by which the microbiome modulates brain development, and how it impacts other symptoms that often co-occur with neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Supports, Services & Systems

Advancing research that will make positive contributions to the lives of people living with neurodevelopmental conditions is at the heart of the Azrieli Accelerator. This theme seeks to make change in community, care, education and healthcare settings for neurodivergent people of all ages. 

Fueling transdisciplinary connections

Transdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the Azrieli Accelerator. It drives breakthrough research, improves the quality, scale and impact of research outcomes, and inspires innovation. By building relationships across UCalgary and beyond, the Azrieli Accelerator connects researchers and community with like-minded organizations and groups.

In addition to research sponsored by the Azrieli Accelerator, these UCalgary faculties, institutes and centres are advancing important research related to neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Want to connect with us? Email us at azrieli.accelerator@ucalgary.ca

UCalgary's approach to research impact

The Azrieli Accelerator is within the portfolio of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) at the University of Calgary. Dr. William Ghali, Vice-president (Research), shares more about UCalgary’s commitment to research impact and the importance of engaging with the community for research. 

Read more about research impact at UCalgary.

Azrieli Accelerator

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