Sustained Impact Platform Program
Strategic Research Initiatives | Strategic Research Initiative Development Grants
Discovery Advancement Program (DAP) | Strategic Research Resources
Industry Research Program | Partnership Planning Grant | KTE Grants
Rapid Impact Platform Program (RIPP)

Research Programs

Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI)

Strategic Research Initiatives (SRIs) drive integrated, trans-disciplinary (inter-thematic) research aimed at translating research. This broad 'matrix' research structure focuses on specific unmet needs in arthritis. SRIs are designed to produce more effective trans-disciplinary collaborations between investigators and provide direct opportunities for government and industry involvement in arthritis research. SRIs also have a specific focus in the development of highly qualified personnel.

Stemming from the National Osteoarthritis Initiative held in 2002, CAN developed its first SRI in Osteoarthritis (OA). Following a consensus building conference hosted by the Alliance for the Canadian Arthritis Program (ACAP) that was sponsored by CAN and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR/IMHA), a joint research partnership was created between CAN and IMHA using its strategic funds worth $4.4 million over five years. To view the research programs funded under the SRI in OA, click here.

CAN's second SRI is focused in Inflammatory Joint Diseases (IJD). In May 2004, a national consensus conference, Frontiers in Inflammatory Joint Disease, was held to identify critical research questions in this area. CAN formed a partnership with IMHA, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR/III) and The Arthritis Society (TAS) to launch the National Research Partnership in IJD (NRP in IJD). In 2006, CAN, TAS, IMHA and III awarded $1.1 million to fund research into Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. For more details, click here.

Additional funding will be directed over five years on projects studying Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and reactive arthritis. The NRP in IJD generated tremendous research partnership opportunities with industry and future initiatives are expected to be equally successful.

CAN's third SRI is in the area of Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function (BIO RJF), reflecting an area of significant unmet need and in which our membership has significant expertise. One successful workshop has already taken place in Vancouver, British Columbia (June 2006) and a position paper was produced that captures the findings from that event. To read the Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function position paper, click here. In 2008, CAN held an open competition to solicit applications to fund research in the area of Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function. Two Investigators were successful. With the funding of research in this field, CAN has achieved its goal of supporting vital research in these three areas. Please click here to read the abstracts.