The federal government is investing up to $100 million in brain research.

Federal health minister Leona Aglukkaq announced in Toronto Thursday plans to create the Canadian Brain Research Fund. It will support neuroscience research looking into commonalities of a wide range of disorders, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, brain tumours, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, schizophrenia, addictions, post-traumatic stress, Parkinson and epilepsy.

“One in three Canadians will face a neurological disorder, injury, or psychiatric disease, at some point in their lives,” Aglukkaq said in a statement. “This investment will strengthen Canada’s position as a world leader in research in the identification and treatment of brain disorders.”

The new fund will provide up to $100 million to the Brain Canada Foundation, which will then work to find donors and partners to match this amount, effectively doubling the investment. The foundation plans to look for financial support from private donations and charitable contributions.

“The Canada Brain Research Fund will raise awareness and understanding of the brain and brain disease, and increase support for Canada’s excellent and innovative brain research,” said Inez Jabalpurwala, president and CEO of Brain Canada. “Every Canadian will benefit from the Government of Canada’s leadership and vision in this important area.”

Brain Canada plans to create three types of grants to encourage collaboration and accelerate the pace of discovery. Specifically the grants will support:

• Teams of scientists that have the best proposals for producing rapid progress in understanding and treating brain diseases;

• Investments in technologies that will allow the sharing of research knowledge and innovative ideas, and encourage collaboration between disciplines;