A Statement From Connected Minds
The UN鈥檚 2026 report, Human rights in the administration of justice, was received with worldwide interest as new and rapidly advancing neurotechnologies are touching all aspects of human life. Grounded in a commitment to human rights and responsible innovation, Canada continues to foreground and promote governance pathways where safeguards are in place in brain health innovation spaces that are increasingly AI-driven. Canada鈥檚 $106 million investment in 鈥淐onnected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society鈥 led by 91亚色 in partnership with Queen鈥檚 University, and supported through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, is a significant example of its commitment to this approach. The focus at Connected Minds is on the need for an adaptable yet structured innovation environment to nurture AI for good. The Connected Minds program supports transdisciplinary collaboration through expansive programmatic efforts focused on advancing the potential for emerging neurotechnologies to improve peoples鈥 lives. Connected Minds is committed to co-creation and continuous engagement with innovators and researchers, healthcare providers, policy makers, and people with lived experience who are directly affected by neurological conditions and related technologies. Human-centered approaches will help enable Canadian policies to respond meaningfully to both individual and collective needs, as well as to societal risks, particularly for equity-deserving groups
Working with partners that include the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), we continue to engage broadly across geographies, abilities, and perspectives in our efforts to contribute to Canada鈥檚 progress in the areas of neurotechnology, neuroprivacy, and responsible governance. Together with its domestic and international partners, Canada is poised to shape a future in which emerging technologies advance human flourishing, rooted in fundamental rights and freedoms.
Dr. Shayna Rosenbaum
Scientific Director, Connected Minds
Dr. Judy Illes
Chair, Connected Minds External Advisory Board
Dr. Ian Stedman
Director, Connected Minds Policy Impact Network Accelerator