Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

The Arthritis Society is Canada's largest non-governmental funder of arthritis research, investing more than $200 million in research since its inception in 1948. The Society is committed to investing in cutting-edge research, proactive advocacy and innovative solutions for people affected by arthritis. The Society's research program is grounded in the goals of finding the causes of arthritis, discovering a cure, and promoting the best possible treatment and care for those living with arthritis. Most importantly, transparency, fairness and accountability remain priorities in the Society's research strategy and programs. According to the existing research strategy (2015-2020), the Society funds arthritis research focused on (i) alleviating the pain of arthritis and its consequences, and (ii) discovering causes and cures for arthritis. Over the last two years, the Society has been undergoing a strategic review of its mission priorities to ensure that its activities are designed to reach and impact the most people in the arthritis community. To align with this broader mission review, the Society will now re-evaluate and redefine its research strategy for the next 5 years to ensure that it fosters research with the most potential for impact, informed by patient priorities. With support from CIHR, the Society proposes to convene a Research Strategy Workshop in May 2018 to bring together a diverse group of representatives from the arthritis research, clinical care, health charity, and patient communities to guide the development of a revitalized strategic direction. Overall, the workshop will help the Society identify specific areas of focus and emerging opportunities, and prioritize innovative new ways of funding the most promising arthritis research across the country.