Posted by Sandy Hutchens
The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) was created in October 1998 with funding from the federal government. Its formation was the result of an initiative The Arthritis Society called Arthritis 2000 where Canadians from the broad arthritis medical and scientific communities, together with consumers met to share ideas and begin developing an arthritis strategy for Canada.
CAN is made up of more than 100 of Canada’s best and brightest scientists and researchers working on everything from developing new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to providing new services in partnership with industry and government, all focused on enhancing the quality of life for people with arthritis.
The Arthritis Society has made a commitment to the Network to assist in the training of young investigators: Graduate Students, Research Fellows, and Research Scholars. The Network allows young arthritis researchers to access and acquire combined expertise in basic science, clinical research, product service and development, and industrial partnering. Trainees can collaborate with leading investigators in a networked environment, exposing them to the broad diversity of scientific disciplines involved in arthritis research. CAN’s training goal is to develop scientists with multiple disciplines who know the needs of industry and the arthritis community.
Each year, the top ranked Research Fellow is designated the Canadian Arthritis Network/Arthritis Society Fellow.