The Policy and Research Intern will work in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Institute and CCSA’s research and policy teams. The intern will help establish a national network for Canada’s brain economy and will work with the network to identify opportunities for policy action, partnerships, and innovation in this emerging sector. This six-month internship is designed not only to contribute to research, analysis, and policy development but also to give the successful candidate meaningful exposure to research management, product development, governance, and administration. The position is well-suited for someone who wants to bridge advanced academic training with real-world policy, strategy, and innovation experience.
The internship offers direct experience in policy development, strategy, and innovation, exposure to governance, research management, and partnerships, opportunities to present work to leaders and partners in the brain economy space, and mentorship and career development in applied policy and innovation.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Research and Evidence Gathering
- Conduct literature reviews and jurisdictional scans on policies and practices shaping the brain economy.
- Identify and assess Canadian and international models of community action and innovation.
- Identify and gather indicators and data / statistics to support the Canadian brain story including productivity, workplace, health, economic and social impacts.
- Identify, gather and analyze relevant data and evidence relating to scientific (neurological and brain health), economic (lost productivity, workplace losses), social (health, substance use) narratives to support the Canadian brain story.
- Prepare evidence review of brain economy trends, opportunities, and best practices.
Policy and Framework Development
- Draft evidence-based policy options and strategic recommendations in line with Government of Canada priorities.
- Contribute to the design of a practical Community Action Framework that supports collaboration with Canadian partners.
- Prepare a set of actionable, evidence-based options to guide decision-makers in advancing the Brain Economy.
- Develop briefing materials to support discussions between the CCSA and partners towards developing a Draft Community Action Framework on the Brain Economy.
Mapping and Engagement of Key Collaborators and Partners
- Identify and profile Canadian partners and collaborators across government, academia, private sector, non-profit, Indigenous, and community-based organizations.
- Support engagement strategies and prepare briefing materials.
Writing and Knowledge Translation
- Develop reports, briefing notes, and presentations tailored to decision-makers, funders, and community audiences.
Innovation and Professional Exposure
- Participate in activities that provide insight into product development, business development, governance, finance, and research management.
