National Concussion Awareness Day: Celebrating the Impact of TeachAids’ Institute for Brain Research and Innovation
On this National Concussion Awareness Day, we share the work of TeachAids’ Institute for Brain Research and Innovation, which has been focused on improving concussion education since its establishment in 2021. Through collaboration with leading researchers and the application of scientific findings, the Institute aims to enhance how concussions are understood, reported, and addressed. By advancing evidence-based approaches, the Institute is contributing to ongoing efforts to improve athlete safety and raise awareness around brain health.
A Mission Rooted in Collaboration and Innovation
The formation of the Institute for Brain Research and Innovation was sparked when Dr. Piya Sorcar, founder of TeachAids, and legendary Stanford tennis coach Dick Gould were invited by the US Olympic Committee (USOC) to present at their headquarters. During this conference, leaders from the USOC’s National Governing Bodies expressed an interest in TeachAids’ methodology, eager to learn how they could replicate these highly impactful, research-based health interventions in their own programs. This request for collaboration catalyzed the launch of the TeachAids Institute for Brain Research and Innovation, with a mission to disseminate knowledge and technical expertise to educators around the globe. It also provides a platform to test the efficacy of concussion education products, such as those of TeachAids’ “CrashCourse” program.
Under the direction of Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, Chief of Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Mass General Brigham and Faculty at Harvard University, combined with world-class experts in learning sciences, brain research, and neuropsychology, the Institute quickly positioned itself at the forefront of informing the development and testing of concussion education. Dr. Daneshvar, known for his groundbreaking research on the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), has been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s vision and research-driven approach. Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Daneshvar remarked, “Everyone at TeachAids is incredibly passionate about improving health around the world, and that enthusiasm is infectious! The TeachAids team is a great group of people to be around, and I really enjoy working with them.” Bringing together dozens of brilliant minds in the research community, the institute also welcomes passionate young people in college and graduate school who work to drive the mission forward.
CrashCourse: The Convergence of Programs and Partnerships
Central to the Institute’s impact is the “CrashCourse” program, an innovative educational tool that has redefined how we approach concussion education. Among similar programs, CrashCourse leads in effectively engaging youth and making complex medical information accessible. Dr. Gerald Grant, Chair of the Dept. of Neurosurgery at Duke University, who has witnessed the program’s efficacy firsthand, shared, “The players, coaches, and parents love the interactive and personalized nature of the CrashCourse productions, and their VR extensions are state-of-the-art. It makes learning fun, and the players are so engaged.”
The Institute’s success is also a testament to its stalwart collaborations. Working with faculty from prestigious institutions like Stanford, Harvard, Duke, University of Colorado and Boston University, among others, sports science leadership at the NCAA, and 24 partnerships with U.S. Olympic National Governing bodies (USA Football, USA Hockey, USA Gymnastics, US Soccer, etc.), and several international organizations, TeachAids has ensured that its educational content reaches a wide audience, from K-12 schools to national and even international sports organizations. The ongoing work with the U.S. Olympic Committee’s national governing bodies to enhance athlete safety perfectly showcases the Institute’s herculean commitment to making a tangible difference in the world of sports and beyond.
At the core of the Institute’s approach is a steadfast commitment to scientific research. As Professor Roy Pea, TeachAids advisor and David Jacks Professor of Education & Learning Sciences at Stanford, so aptly puts it, “It is essential; otherwise you are driving blind simply hoping that your design intuitions or clever ideas about new ways to learn will be effective without bothering to engage in the careful scientific inquiry to test hypotheses as to the effectiveness of the learning environments for sustained learning outcomes.” The institute’s emphasis on research helps to ensure that all innovations are grounded in evidence, making a tangible impact on the learners it reaches.
A Future of Continued Impact
The establishment of the Institute for Brain Research and Innovation has helped solidify TeachAids’ role in advancing public health education. Through initiatives like the CrashCourse concussion program, strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on research, the Institute is working toward a future where concussion education is more engaging, effective, and accessible. As we recognize National Concussion Awareness Day, we honor the efforts of the dedicated individuals contributing to innovation in brain injury education. Our hope is that today’s work will improve the safety and well-being of athletes and young people for years to come.
Explore the research behind our work through our Institute’s recent publications.
- Daneshvar, D.H., Yutsis, M., Baugh, C.M., Pea, R.D., Goldman, S., Grant, G.A., Ghajar, J., Sanders, L.M., Chen, C., Tenekedjieva, L.T., Gurrapu, S., Zafonte, R.D., & Sorcar, P. (2021). Evaluating the effect of concussion education programs on intent to report concussion in high school football. Journal of Athletic Training, 56(1), 6-16.
- Daneshvar, D.H., Baugh, C.M., Yutsis, M., Pea, R.D., Goldman, S., Grant, G.A., Cantu, R.C., Sanders, L.M., Chen, C.L., Lama, R.D., Zafonte, R.D., & Sorcar, P. (2021). Athlete enjoyment of prior education moderates change in concussion-reporting intention after interactive education. Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 58, 00469580211022641.
- Daneshvar, D.H., Baugh, C.M., Lama, R.D., Yutsis, M., Pea, R.D., Goldman, S., Grant, G.A., Cantu, R.C., Sanders, L.M., Zafonte, R.D., Hainline, B., & Sorcar, P. (2021). Participating in two video concussion education programs sequentially improves concussion-reporting intention. Neurotrauma Reports, 2(1), 581-591.
- Knowles, P., Schneider, K., Bugwadia, A.K., Sorcar, P., Pea, R.D., Daneshvar, D.H., Baugh, C.M. The importance of language in describing concussions: A qualitative analysis. PM&R. 2024; 1-7. 2024 Aug 27. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.13256
- Asgari, S., Knowles, P., Bugwadia, A.K., Baugh, C.M., Kazis, L.E., Grant, G.A., Zafonte, R.D., Cantu, R.C., Pea, R.D., Sorcar, P., & Daneshvar, D.H. (2024). Variability in youth coach concussion education requirements across states. PM&R. Manuscript accepted and in publication.