The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is investing $640,000 in eight new projects through its Centre for Analytics (CfA). The projects create tools to accelerate research, detect brain disorders earlier, improve diagnoses, and develop more effective treatments and care by using artificial intelligence (AI), secure data analytics, and AI tools such as OBI’s NeuroFL federated learning platform.
“By leveraging our vast network and the data assets on the Brain-CODE platform — built through the long-standing support of the Ontario government — OBI is creating a secure way for researchers across the country to learn from data without moving or exposing sensitive information,” said Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, CEO and Scientific Director, Ontario Brain Institute. “This approach positions Ontario as a global leader in trusted data collaboration, protecting patient privacy and intellectual property while speeding up the development of life-changing brain health solutions.”
The eight new projects focus on neurodevelopmental conditions, concussion, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and mental health. Together, they use the CfA’s advanced computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities to address pressing challenges in brain health research and care.
Leading the charge in federated learning is the ‘Multi-modal Federated Learning for Precision Care in Neurodevelopmental Conditions,’ headed by Dr. Azadeh Kushki of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Toronto. Her team is developing a privacy-preserving federated learning pipeline on OBI’s NeuroFL platform to study complex data from children with brain-based differences and disabilities. The outcome of this project will help move from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model of care toward more personalized support for children and youth.