Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize awarded for research into brain-computer interfaces

Drs. Adam Kirton and Alicia Hilderley are the 2024 recipients of the $1-million Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize to advance their work in brain-computer interface (BCI) solutions. 

Dr. Kirton, MD, is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine; Dr. Hilderley is a postdoctoral fellow in the Kirton lab. Their research project was selected by an international panel of experts, including representatives from the Brazilian Research Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Oslo University Hospital, Simons Center for the Social Brain at MIT,  Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland.

The judges evaluated the top three finalists on the potential impact of their proposed research projects. The successful project will implement and assess the impact of community-based, personalized BCI solutions for children living with severe disabilities, establishing this as the standard of care provincially, and create a model for national and global expansion.

“This injection of funding from the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and (philanthropist) Sanders Lee is a critical support in driving this project forward,” says Dr. Kirton, “The M.I.N.D. Prize is a driving force behind pivotal research in translational care and treatment in this field.”

The Hopewell M.I.N.D. (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize was created in 2021 through a $10-million commitment from Calgary philanthropist Sanders Lee, the founder of the Hopewell Group of Companies. The prize aims to spark innovation through supporting cutting-edge research at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) at the Cumming School of Medicine.

"An entrepreneurial mindset, whether applied in research or within the community, is defined by the courage to take risks and aim for significant outcomes," says Lee. "The M.I.N.D. Prize brings these impactful ideas to Calgary, opening doors for breakthroughs with the potential to improve and save lives."

"Choosing among the three finalist projects was no easy task, as each team is at the forefront of their field," said Dr. David Park, director of HBI. "We are grateful for the Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize as it plays an essential role in elevating these initiatives to achieve even greater impact.”

Two other finalists competed for the prize. Drs. Grant Gordon and Tim Ziebarth proposed to explore how gut-brain communication helps coordinate bodily energy status and brain blood flow by responding to the availability of nutrients. Drs Derya Sargin and Shaista Jabeen proposed to test low doses of the psychedelic psilocybin as a promising early treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.

"The Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize exemplifies the University of Calgary's and the Cumming School of Medicine's dedication to fostering and celebrating innovation," said Dr. Todd Anderson, dean of the Cumming School of Medicine. "Our commitment to innovation empowers our researchers and trainees, inspiring them to explore new methods, and strengthening our connections with community partners who are willing to invest in bold ideas and contribute to discovery-driven research.”

The Hopewell M.I.N.D Prize competition for the 2024-25 year is currently open. The 2025 M.I.N.D. Prize competition will accept applications from a team comprised of HBI members and post-doctoral fellows, whether from UCalgary or around the world. These teams will propose impactful and innovative projects in their pursuit of the $1-million prize. Visit the web page to apply and for more information.