We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025–2026 Brain Tumour Research Fellowships, celebrating two outstanding researchers who are making meaningful contributions to brain tumour research in Canada.

Supporting fellowships like these is crucial, as they provide researchers with the resources and time needed to explore new ideas, deepen their investigations and advance progress in this complex field. By investing in talented scientists, we are helping to drive innovation and move closer to a future with better treatments and improved outcomes for those affected by brain tumours.

Congratulations to Dr. Emma Martell from the University of Manitoba and Dr. Lauren Westhaver from Dalhousie University!

Lauren Westhaver

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dalhousie University, Halifax

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer often monitored with MRI scans after treatment. However, scans can show pseudoprogression, causing delays in care.

To improve diagnostic accuracy, Lauren and a team of researchers are studying changes in the immune system over time in blood samples from patients. They hope to identify markers that distinguish true progression from pseudoprogression, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.

Emma Martell

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

This project explores how an aggressive childhood brain tumour, group 3 medulloblastoma, interacts with nearby blood vessels to support its growth.

By studying how tumour-released glutamate affects these blood vessels, Dr. Martell and her team hope to find new ways to block this communication and slow the tumour’s progression.

RESEARCH UPDATES

Dr. Lisa Porter from the University of Windsor, Ontario, was one of our Research Grant recipients in 2022. She has made significant progress in her research on understanding how the tumour environment drives glioblastoma and exploring new treatment options.

Elevation Research Grant

Second-year funding announcement

We’re proud to announce that all three of our inaugural Elevation Grant recipients have been approved for a second year of funding. After successfully meeting their first-year milestones, these research projects are showing significant promise in advancing brain tumour science. As their work continues, we look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of Dr. Bratman, Dr. Vanner and Dr. Weeks.

Dr. Scott Bratman

Focus on high-grade gliomas

Dr. Robert Vanner

Focus on glioblastoma

Dr. Adrienne Weeks

Focus on glioblastoma

RESEARCHERS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

We are proud to acknowledge the support of Dr. Angela Sekely, Dr. Thomas Klonisch, and Dr. Tommy Alain for taking the time to share a thoughtful message with the brain tumour community. Their willingness to engage beyond their research underscores a shared commitment to not only advancing scientific knowledge but also supporting patients, families, and survivors. 

ABSTRACT OPPORTUNTIES

Do you have a project we have funded and want to share your success with others? The Canadian Cancer Research Conference and Society for Neuro-Oncology provides an excellent opportunity to present your research to the community.