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Azrieli Accelerator

Transforming neurodevelopment research across the lifespan

Powering collaborative research in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental conditions

With generous support from the Azrieli Foundation, the Azrieli Accelerator brings together transdisciplinary research teams across UCalgary to accelerate research and create impact in our priority areas. 

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Apply for the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course

Sponsored by the Azrieli Accelerator and One Child Every Child, the FER Course strengthens capacity for both researchers and community members with lived experience in the theory and practice of family-partnered research. 

Building connections across campus and beyond

The Azrieli Accelerator fosters a culture of collaboration. We connect researchers from different disciplines to help them share their expertise and creativity. We build capacity for researchers to work with community, and for community members with lived experience to become partners in research.

Researchers

The Azrieli Accelerator offers funding, learning opportunities, and new collaborative networks to advance research with impact in the fields of neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental conditions with a lifespan approach.

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Community members

Engaging individuals with lived experience of neurodevelopmental conditions is pivotal to our research and leads to ideas and innovations that will directly impact the community.

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Message from the Director

“We welcome the opportunity to work with groups across UCalgary and strengthen transdisciplinary collaborations across campus in the fields of neurodevelopment, neurodiversity, and neurodevelopmental conditions. The Azrieli Accelerator is designed to be a launching pad for new research, and a catalyst for change."

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Dr. Susan Graham, PhD

Scientific Director, Azrieli Accelerator


Exploring neurodevelopment across the lifespan

Neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, FASD, rare chromosomal conditions and cerebral palsy, affect the brain’s development of neurological pathways that influence performance or functioning. It's important to note that these conditions are not just childhood disabilities. They persist throughout the life course and require different strategies for supports and interventions at different stages to ensure people living with these conditions can thrive.


In the news

Family involvement in research leads to powerful outcomes

The Family Engagement in Research Course invites researchers and people with lived experience to help shape the future of neurodevelopmental research

This is a day to amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities and allies working towards an inclusive future

Dec. 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities; meet some of the UCalgary faculty, staff, students and administrators examining disability and accessibility from diverse perspectives

Initiative supports literacy learning of formerly incarcerated students

Christina White Prosser’s Bring-A-Pen Home project furnishes Scanning Pens to individuals who have finished serving their sentence, promoting literacy and easing reintegration into society

Class of 2024: Emma Pharis wants you to teach children that neurodivergent people exist

Drawing from heartfelt personal experience, Faculty of Social Work grad develops resources to reassure neurodivergent individuals and instill courage

UCalgary researcher hopes to make video game experiences better for neurodiverse kids

Dr. Eli Kinney-Lang named Azrieli Accelerator Assistant Professor in Inclusive Biomedical Engineering Technologies for Neurodevelopment

How one UCalgary student navigated neurodiversity and masking across the globe

Faith Wegoye shares their experiences at the intersection of race and neurodiversity

Featured events


Azrieli Family

The Azrieli Foundation Gives from the Heart

A transformative gift from the Azrieli Foundation aims to improve the lives of children and adults living with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Read more about this groundbreaking gift

Azrieli Accelerator

Stay Informed!

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