With $318.4 million in combined support, Connected Minds unites researchers from York and Queen’s to shape technology that serves equity, health, and society.

Advances in technology are rapidly transforming everyday life. At Queen’s, researchers are working to ensure that innovation goes hand in hand with inclusion, equity, and community engagement. This commitment is embodied in Connected Minds, a national research initiative led by York University in collaboration with Queen’s that supports interdisciplinary teams exploring the social dimensions of technological change.

Supported by more than $100 million from the  and additional contributions from York and Queen’s, Connected Minds is one of the largest initiatives of its kind in Canada. Now in its third year, the program is supported by more than 50 industry, hospital, and community partners. In its first round of Team Grants, the program invested a total of $7.5 million across five interdisciplinary projects. Each team received up to $1.5 million to investigate how technology can support a more inclusive, equitable society.

“Connected Minds reflects the kind of collaborative, human-centred research Queen’s is proud to be part of,” says Gunnar Blohm, Connected Minds’ Vice-Director, and a computational neuroscientist with Queen’s Centre for Neuroscience Studies. “These projects show how we can work across disciplines and institutions to shape technologies that respect people’s needs and support real change in society.”

The first round of Connected Minds Team Grants features five ambitious projects, each with Queen’s researchers helping to discover new ways of aligning innovation with community needs:

When People Talk, Listen Completely 

 (Smith Engineering) and York’s Shital Desai are co-leading a national effort to improve employment outcomes for people with speech impairments. The project, When People Talk, Listen Completely, brings together experts in workplace accessibility, communication technologies, and clinical care to reduce stigma and enhance inclusion. The team is working closely with individuals with lived experience, employers, and community organizations to develop practical tools, policies, and education materials that support workplace success and foster greater acceptance.

Creative Collectivities: Rehearsing Equitable Futures through Participatory Technologies 

 (DAN School of Drama and Music) is collaborating with York’s Laura Levin to study how participatory technologies, from immersive theatre to artificial intelligence, can foster more inclusive ways of coming together. Their project, Creative Collectivities, involves artists, engineers, neuroscientists, and community partners from 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, racialized, and disabled communities. By combining live performance with digital tools such as AI, the team is reimagining how technology can support collective expression and challenge systemic barriers.

The goal is to create shared spaces, both physical and virtual, where diverse voices shape not only the stories being told but also the tools used to tell them. Through collaboration and experimentation, Creative Collectivities is exploring how performance and emerging technologies can reflect the needs and imaginations of marginalized communities.

Development and Validation of a Technologically Advanced, Clinically-Effective, Socio-ethically-Responsible Wearable EEG System for Personalized Epilepsy Management

 (Medicine), in partnership with York’s Hossein Kassiri, is developing a wearable electroencephalogram system to help people with epilepsy monitor and manage their condition in real time. The team is combining medical, engineering, and ethical expertise to create a device that is accurate, comfortable, and socially responsible. With input from people living with epilepsy and support from organizations like Epilepsy Toronto, the project aims to bring personalized care into people’s homes while addressing important questions around brain data and privacy.

The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse

 (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences) is contributing to a project that brings together Indigenous knowledge systems, community leadership, and immersive technology to create a new kind of virtual learning environment. The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse, led by York University’s Rebecca Caines and Maya Chacaby, is designed to support cultural connection and language revitalization through interactive, story-based experiences.

Developed in partnership with organizations such as the Nokiiwin Tribal Council and UniVirtual, the platform aims to uphold Indigenous governance and values while advancing digital inclusion. Through research in neuroscience, psychology, and community-informed design, the team is examining how virtual spaces can reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and offer personalized, ethical approaches to in-game learning and engagement.

Co-creating Intelligent Neuro-Technologies for Healthy Aging (CINTHeA) 

 (Rehabilitation Therapy) is working with York’s James Elder to create socially assistive technologies that support healthy aging. The project, CINTHeA, focuses on mobility, cognitive health, and social connection for older adults. In collaboration with caregivers, community organizations, and clinical experts, the team is developing tools such as personalized robots and mobile assessments designed to promote independence and quality of life. Neuroscience research and AI-powered monitoring systems also help enable early intervention and support.

These inaugural Team Grants reflect Queen’s research community’s growing involvement in Connected Minds and its commitment to socially responsible innovation. As the program continues to grow, researchers across disciplines will have new opportunities to lead initiatives that connect technological advancement with ethical and real-world impact.

Originally posted in the Queen’s Gazette July 14, 2025 – /gazette/stories/driving-ethical-innovation

We are beginning to see the transformative potential of the : to re-envision the relationship between humanity and technology in ways that are innovative, inclusive, and impactful.

Building a Shared Vision for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

One of the most rewarding developments this year has been the clear alignment among our investigators and trainees with the core values and interdisciplinary mission of Connected Minds. What began as a broad, ambitious framework is now taking shape as a dynamic, collaborative research environment. Across the Queen’s community, there is a growing sense of cohesion and purpose. Investigators and trainees alike are engaging deeply with the program’s goals – including engagement with Indigenous communities and their research priorities, advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and exploration of promising intersections between neural and technological research areas.

At this year’s retreat, this collective energy was evident. Collaborative projects, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and the emergence of new research partnerships are now a regular feature of the Queen’s Connected Minds network. This development marks an exciting turning point from building foundations to establishing momentum.

Enhancing Training and Mentorship

At Queen’s, Connected Minds has significantly expanded research training opportunities. Currently, the program supports 8 MSc students, 11 PhD candidates, and 7 postdoctoral researchers. Their projects span a wide array of topics, including spiking neural networks for prosthetic control, human-robot interaction, responsible neurotechnology innovation, and the use of AI in healthcare and Indigenous knowledge preservation.

Trainees had the opportunity to present their work at the annual retreat, and the level of sophistication and ambition on display was truly impressive. We look forward to following their research journeys in the years to come.

To support community-building and professional development among trainees, we have launched a series of monthly coffee hours. These events go beyond informal discussion to include lab visits and hands-on, workshop-style learning – fostering both intellectual exchange and a sense of shared purpose.We continue to develop our flagship . This year, Connected Minds is supporting the development of three new courses: Understanding Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of BCIs, and Neuromodulation in Psychiatry and Neurology.

A highlight of the past year has been our continued support for the , providing exceptional Indigenous students with research opportunities and mentorship. The program reflects our commitment to inclusiveness, research excellence and community engagement, and we are proud of its success. I encourage everyone to engage with the program. Being part of it is a wonderful experience and learning opportunity.

Advancing Research and Innovation

Queen’s is playing an active leadership role within Connected Minds, with numerous research initiatives aimed at transforming healthcare and advancing our understanding of brain-machine interfaces. Our research community is tackling some of the most pressing challenges at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and digital health – from predictive analytics and remote patient monitoring to accessible health systems and personalized care.

This work is supported by a robust network of funding mechanisms, including Seed Grants, Prototyping Grants, Knowledge Mobilization Grants, and dedicated support for trainees. Larger Team Grants are also on the horizon. Complementing these mechanisms, we continue to host collaborative events such as retreats, symposia, and co-creation workshops to foster new ideas and catalyze innovation.

Programmatic Leadership and Outreach

The Queen’s Connected Minds team has also taken a leading role in developing program-wide initiatives that help bring the vision of Connected Minds to life. This includes launching the first community-wide newsletter, hosting a regular Connected Minds seminar series, and establishing a new Connected Minds Blog. We have also formed a partnership with the to produce episodes focused on Connected Minds themes.

Beyond the university, we are proud to support public-facing initiatives such as the and – an elementary school outreach program. These efforts are essential to our broader mission: ensuring that the insights and innovations generated within the program reach diverse audiences and help shape a more equitable, connected, and inclusive technological future.

As we move into the third year of Connected Minds, the Queen’s community is energized by the progress we’ve made and excited about what lies ahead. We are proud to contribute to a program that is not only advancing science and technology but also reimagining the ways these fields can serve society.

The idea that technology may be able to directly capture and control our thoughts is both fascinating and scary. But this type of technology has been around and is continues to be developed for a variety of applications. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Susan Boehnke about brain computer interfaces and neuromarketing. We dive into the ethical implications of brain-computer interface (BCI) applications—are these technologies enhancing human potential or invading our privacy? We also unpack how the media’s portrayal of BCIs often exaggerates their capabilities, contrasting it with their real-world use. Plus, we explore neuromarketing: the fascinating history of how companies use brain data to influence your choices and shape marketing strategies. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! Susan Boehnke completed a PhD in Neuroscience (2002) at Dalhousie University as a Killam Scholar using psychophysical and neurophysiological approaches to examine spatial processing in the auditory system. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in primate visual and oculomotor neurophysiology with Prof. Doug Munoz at Queen’s Univ. In collaboration with Profs. Munoz and De Felice (Brazil), she took a lead role in the creation and validation of one of the first non-human primate (NHP) models of Alzheimer’s disease using behavioural, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and molecular approaches. She led development of the first NHP biobank in Canada, and the establishment of normative values of fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration in macaques. During COVID, her team used the NHP facility at Queen’s to explore the effect of social enrichment and isolation on the brain.

In response to recent explosion of interest in neurotechnology, such as brain computer interfaces, she has now turned her attention to creating a micro-credential program in neurotechnology () and exploring ethical issues related to neurotech. She is also the lead of the Training Committee for Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society, a large Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) program between York and Queen’s Universities.

This episode is sponsored by the Connected Minds program. Connected Minds, funded by the Canadian First Research Excellence Fund, is a 7-year collaborative program between York University and Queen’s University that focuses on interdisciplinary, ethical, and socially responsible research and technology development. The program offers funding for trainees, researchers, and artists. To learn more and get involved, visit the Connected Minds website.

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Connected Minds is living up to its name: bringing researchers together to explore the advantages and disadvantages of technology for humanity. 

A year ago, the Government of Canada pledged $105.7 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) for Connected Minds, an innovative interdisciplinary research initiative. This collaborative effort between Queen’s and York Universities aims to explore the impact of technology on society. 

The project draws from faculty across Queen’s, including Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS) researchers and research institutes, and aims to leverage the power of neurotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build a healthier, more just society for tomorrow.   

“Our expertise in robotics, AI, health sciences, and policy complement York’s strengths in the neurosciences, arts, and humanities,” says Dr.  Gunnar Blohm, Connected Minds’ Vice-Director, and a computational neuroscientist with the university’s Centre for Neuroscience Studies (CNS). “This project is creating exciting new synergies of cross-institutional research and innovation.” 

Connected Minds has already launched scholarships, fellowships, and grants, organized forward-thinking workshops, and identified key research projects.   

The project’s vision is captured in the work of its first cohort of Queen’s PhD scholarship awardees. Each recipient receives a $10,000 annually towards work on topics as varied as rehabilitative brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), musculoskeletal modelling for prosthesis development, bias in medical image classification, spiking neural networks for optimal control, and BCIs as augmentative and alternative communication systems.  

Connected Minds has also recently awarded four fellowships to newly recruited Postdoctoral Fellows to Queen’s and Queen’s faculty are co-supervisors and partners for four additional postdoctoral projects at York. These research proposals span Indigenous AI for healthcare and knowledge preservation, understanding the social networks of older adults, generative AI policy, hybrid exoskeleton therapy, regulating AI for healthcare, Explainable Large Language Models for healthcare, neural network models of visually-guided reaching, and Canadian implementation on responsible innovation and neurotechnology.   

The projects’ first round of seed grants from the CFREF funding has also just been awarded. Grants with Queen’s researchers spearhead topics such as: robotics and smart textiles for physical interactions in virtual reality; exo-sensory augmentation for injury risk reduction; culturally appropriate AI-powered mobility tools; and socially-responsible knowledge mobilization between artists, engineers, and neuroscientists. Many of these projects involve external partnerships with industry, government, and Indigenous communities.  

With support from Connected Minds funding, Queen’s  has committed to a nine new faculty recruits, three of which have been filled: Dr. Susan Boehnke (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences), an electrophysiologist who  developed a ground-breaking new  in neurotechnology housed within QHS’s brand new ; Dr. Pouya Amiri (Kinesiology) a biomechanics and prosthetics researcher; and Dr. Effie Pereira (Psychology) who studies social interactions and attention. Their research is supported through the four main Queen’s research centres and institutes receiving $195,000 annually in Connected Minds funding: CNS, Ingenuity Labs Research Institute, Centre for Health Innovation (CHI) and the Health Services and Policy Research Institute (HSPRI).  

“We are thrilled to strengthen this Connected Minds research environment by welcoming these outstanding new colleagues,” Dr. Blohm says.  

Connected Minds thrives to create a more just world through supporting equity-deserving groups. At least 20 per cent of the project’s competitive funding is reserved for research involving Black and Indigenous Peoples. The project’s Indigenous research is guided by an Indigenous Advisory Circle which also manages any unspent funds that have been earmarked for Indigenous research. These funds can then be used for building new relationships with Indigenous communities, co-creating Indigenous research priorities, and directly supporting Indigenous scholars and initiatives. For example, at Queen’s, Connected Minds is currently funding the STEMInA academic support program to promote academic careers to Indigenous students.  

“Connected Minds believes in active allyship and support, and we hope to further deepen our relationship with equity-deserving groups,” Dr. Blohm adds.   

Connected Minds advocates for socially-responsible research and innovation through education and outreach. Neurotechnology is an emerging growth industry that applies brain sensing, imaging, or modulating technologies to solve real world problems, such as diagnosing and treating brain disorders, understanding and modifying brain states, and even interfacing the brain with machines. To address ethical issues in this field, Connected Minds is working on recommendations for Canada’s implementation of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines on responsible neurotechnology. Other related initiatives include partnering with Neuromatch, an organization that facilitates equitable participation in scientific research and education, and supporting outreach events for public education around the technological, ethical, and legal implications of neurotechnology and AI.  

Connected Minds places a strong emphasis on community building and cross-disciplinary collaboration, creating numerous opportunities for members at Queen’s and York to engage, share insights, and foster a cooperative research environment. This includes grant brainstorming and research strategy sessions. The project will also soon launch a flagship seminar series and trainee-supporting events such as career development and mentorship programs. The initiative also provides funding for its core research centres and institutes to support their communities with collaborative activities.  

Upcoming milestones for Connected Minds at Queen’s include: large flagship team grants, on-boarding more trainees, and hiring additional faculty in QHS and Engineering. 

“Moving forward, we will further develop our partnerships with industry, government, and academia across the world,” Dr. Blohm says. “This should also lead to new research and innovation dynamics allowing us to attract new funding to complement the CFREF investments for Connected Minds.”

Photo Credit (left to right): Dr.  Gunnar Blohm, Dr. Doug Crawford (outgoing Connected Minds director, York University), Dr. Pina D’Agostino (new Connected Minds director at York), Sean Hillier (associate director of Connected Minds at York).

Queen’s computational neuroscientist discusses major, new research into the human-technology relationship and its potential benefits and risks.

The Government of Canada announced new funding recently in support of a major, new multidisciplinary research initiative being led by York University and supported by Queen’s. The seven-year project – called Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society – received over $105 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) to assess the potential risks and benefits of technology for humanity. Queen’s is set to receive $22.8 million of the federal funds.

Leading the Queen’s portion of the project is Connected Minds’ Vice-Director, Gunnar Blohm, a computational neuroscientist with the university’s . He’s set to contribute administrative, teaching, and research expertise to the venture, which seeks to explore the ever-deepening relationship between humans and disruptive technologies.

“In my field of study, we create mathematical models, use artificial intelligence, and design computer simulations to gain insights into the mechanics of brain function and motor control,” says Dr. Blohm. “Within this project, I’m particularly excited to look at the emerging behaviours of networks, whether these are networks of neurons within the human brain, networks of people, or networks between people and technological devices. Insights we gain here could help us understand how to improve technology for the benefit of society while limiting its potential for harm.”

To illustrate one way Connected Minds could inform more thoughtful technological development, Dr. Blohm points to Canada’s signing of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) .

“While Canada is a signatory of this agreement, we currently have no guidelines to instruct how we would achieve its goals,” he says. “The Queen’s Connected Minds team will work toward establishing such guidelines, as they will be crucial in ensuring technological development is done in service of a diverse and equitable global society. It makes good economic sense as well, given that socially responsible technologies are more and more commercially attractive.”

Building the project from the ground up

In addition to his research responsibilities, Dr. Blohm is set to coordinate and administer Queen’s-based activities – which span the governance, outreach, and commercialization aspects of the project.

“Queen’s will be fully integrated into Connected Minds at all levels, and our participating faculty researchers complement York’s team with expertise in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotics, and neurotechnology, particularly that with a health focus,” he says. “As part of phase one, we’ve created co-leadership roles at all levels of the project, convened a joint York-Queen’s Indigenous advisory circle, and now we are working to establish the administrative structure, which includes striking committees, drafting terms of reference, and recruiting new faculty and staff.”

In addition to the CFREF investment the project will engage more than 50 community partners and research collaborators, that will see institutional and multi-sector contributions that bring the overall investment in the project to $318.4 million.

Multidisciplinary collaboration and learning

Once underway, Dr. Blohm sees the multidisciplinary nature of the project as pivotal.

“No breakthrough today is achieved by single people. It’s always teams – always fields of research working together,” he says. “Connected Minds will be a tremendous way for investigators and students to take research to the next level.”

CFREF funding has allowed Queen’s to commit to hiring nine tenure-track faculty positions and support for 50 graduate trainees and 27 postdoctoral fellows.

“There will be a range of opportunities for the wider Queen’s community to get involved,” says Dr. Blohm. “These include trainee funding, large group grants, commercialization funds, and educational initiatives. It’s truly an exciting time for Queen’s, for York, and for Canada.”

As a passionate educator, he sees Connected Minds changing the way we innovate, teach, and live, and is determined that these changes help not only Canadians, but everyone around the world.

“One of my goals is to democratize access to knowledge and education,” says Dr. Blohm, who co-created Neuromatch Academy – a worldwide training program that provides equitable access to computational neuroscience training to students regardless of geography, nationality, socioeconomic status, or other factors. “Connected Minds has partnered with Neuromatch on elements of this project, which I believe will accelerate our initiatives to expand access to learning.”