Baycrest

26 Rotman Research Institute Annual Report 2015-2016 Rotman Research Institute External Review 2015 According to a report produced by a five-member external review committee, the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) is a world-leading research centre whose discoveries are shaping research within cognitive neuroscience. The 2015 external review committee, comprised of healthcare and research professionals from across North America, evaluated the RRI's research activities to provide an objective assessment of our current global status, our future aspirations, and the structure that supports our efforts. The external review found that the RRI's highly collaborative and collegial environment among faculty and trainees was a differentiating and critical factor among research institutions. "The high degree of interaction and engagement between groups has resulted in important and exciting new research projects and programs," stated the report. To further develop RRI's esteemed programs in cognitive neuroscience, cognitive rehabilitation, and neuroinformatics, reviewers encouraged increasing organic interactions between RRI researchers and Baycrest clinicians. The five-member external review team included: • Chair Dr. Michael Salter, Chief of Research and Senior Scientist, Hospital for Sick Children • Michelle Floh, Executive Vice-President, IntelliCentrics Canada • Dr. Vivek Goel, Vice-President of Research and Innovation, University of Toronto • Dr. Art Kramer, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Illinois, and Director, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology • Dr. Robert Zatorre, Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute The review's findings will inform the RRI's efforts to advance cognitive neuroscience through theory-driven research and increase our capacity to translate discoveries into new prevention and treatment strategies. The review team had specific recommendations to strengthen the link between basic research and application, develop strategies for increased funding, and implement critical reforms to enhance communication. To enhance communication, we have implemented Research Town Halls, whereby members of the institute can engage in a dialogue with research administration on issues such as research finances and social engagement among all staff. The review team's recommendations will be particularly important for identifying new opportunities to enhance our impact, as we develop our next five-year strategic plan. RRI External Review Committee (l to r): Dr. Michael Salter (Committee Chair, Hospital for Sick Children), Dr. Randy McIntosh (VP Research, Baycrest), Dr. Vivek Goel (University of Toronto), Dr. Robert Zatorre (Montreal Neurological Institute), Michelle Floh (IntelliCentrics Canada), Dr. Art Kramer (University of Illinois)

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