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2026 Team Development Support: Advancing Access to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and Scaling Up Multi-Centre Human Movement Research

Application Deadline: December 23, 2026

Start Date = Notice of Decision: January 29, 2027

On behalf of the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network’s Executive Committee, we are pleased to launch the 2026 Team Development Support Applications.

Description

It is a priority of the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network to encourage new, externally funded, transdisciplinary research initiatives. Accordingly, a portion of our annual CIHR funding is allocated to enable Network members to work in teams to initiate and advance innovative, high-impact projects. Support will be targeted specifically to teams/projects that meet the Network objectives, have the potential to leverage future external funds, and address priority research themes in MSK rehabilitation.

This round of Team Development Support will focus on two strategic research priorities:

1. Advancing Access to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Proposals must focus on the Network’s cross-cutting theme of accessibility and equity of access to musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Building on previous funding opportunities, this priority emphasizes innovative and scalable approaches that have the potential to improve access to rehabilitation services for large and diverse patient populations.

2. Scaling Up Multi-Centre Human Movement Research in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Proposals must focus on strengthening capacity for multi-centre human movement research in MSK rehabilitation. This includes fostering collaboration across institutions, harmonizing research protocols and outcome measures, standardizing approaches to human movement data collection and analysis, and integrating innovative technologies such as motion capture and wearable sensors.

The support is not intended to fund the conduct of a pilot research study but should be used to plan the creation of a new pan-Canadian research team or advance new initiatives within an existing team. Activities could include, but are not limited to, planning the creation of new innovations and/or co-designing relevant study protocols.

Funds Available

Up to $100,000 in total funding is available across both research priority streams.

The Network anticipates supporting two teams and may support up to three teams, depending on the number and quality of applications received, the funding requested, and the overall allocation of available funds.

A maximum of $50,000 per team may be awarded, based on provincial/territorial representation, including patient partners:

  • Up to $30,000: Teams with members from two provinces/territories.
  • Up to $40,000: Teams with members from three provinces/territories.
  • Up to $50,000: Teams with members from four or more provinces/territories.

Funding is not necessarily reserved equally between the two research priority streams.

Objectives

To form new teams or advance new initiatives within existing teams with a common interest in either improving access to MSK rehabilitation or scaling up multi-centre human movement research, leading to new pan-Canadian projects.

The proposed work is anticipated to be of relatively short duration (e.g., 12 months), with plans outlined in the application to leverage new, larger external support. Applications should provide a clear rationale for the proposed research, demonstrate innovation, and include a budget that justifies the planned expenditures.

Purpose

Advancing Access to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Research and our patient representatives have identified access to care as a major barrier in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Major barriers can include distance, costs, waiting times, scheduling conflicts, cultural appropriateness, mobility challenges, reliance on inaccessible technologies, language, and systemic issues such as ableism and racism.

Projects may address some or all of these gaps in service. Teams should focus on innovative solutions to resolve current access challenges, with particular emphasis on approaches that demonstrate broad and meaningful impact, scalability, and the potential to improve access for large and diverse patient populations.

Scaling Up Multi-Centre Human Movement Research in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

There is a need to strengthen capacity for multi-centre human movement research in MSK rehabilitation to enable larger, more representative, and generalizable research studies and accelerate the translation of findings into clinical practice.

Multi-centre research can be strengthened through collaboration across institutions, harmonization of research protocols and outcome measures, standardized approaches to human movement data collection and analysis, and strategic integration of technologies such as motion capture, wearable sensors, and other human movement assessment tools.

For both research priorities, proposals should outline a clear pathway for leveraging the Team Development Support into larger-scale external funding.

Application Guidelines

Please review the corresponding application guidelines for full details on eligibility, funding conditions, and application requirements:

1. Team Development Support Application 2026 – Advancing Access to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Team_development_Advancing Access to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

2. Team Development Support Application 2026 – Scaling Up Multi-Centre Human Movement Research in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Team_Development_Scaling Up Multi-Centre Human Movement Research in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Submission

Application Deadline: December 23, 2026

Please ensure all sections are completed and the application is signed.

Compile the entire application as a single PDF and send it to rehabnet@uwo.ca.

The nominated applicant will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application.

If you have any questions, please email rehabnet@uwo.ca.

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MHRC Seminar Series – Dr. Emanuela Pannia – October 30, 2026

🔬 MHRC Seminar Series – Dr. Emanuela Pannia

The Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Emanuela Pannia from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) for an upcoming seminar on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM (ET).

Dr. Pannia will present “Extrinsic and Intrinsic Modifiers of Muscle Disease Progression and Therapy Response: Lessons Learned from a Rare Myopathy,” exploring how genetic and environmental factors influence neuromuscular disease progression and responses to emerging gene therapies.

The seminar will be held in a hybrid format, with attendance available in person or via Zoom.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM (ET)
Location: Room 106, Calumet College, York University, or online via Zoom

Zoom Link: ⁠Join the Seminar via Zoom

Meeting ID: 960 1380 7474
Passcode: 814434

We encourage researchers, clinicians, trainees, and members of the community with an interest in muscle health and rehabilitation research to attend. We look forward to welcoming you to this seminar.

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PhD Opportunity: Low Back Pain and Lumbar Spine Osteoarthritis Research – Université Laval

A research-based PhD opportunity is available at Université Laval in Quebec City, Canada, for a candidate interested in low back pain, osteoarthritis, pain mechanisms, and rehabilitation research.

The project aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms explaining the presence or absence of pain in individuals with lumbar spine osteoarthritis. The research will involve the collection of comprehensive measures assessing brain and spinal function, pain sensitivity, spinal mobility, inflammatory biomarkers, and other factors associated with the pain experience.

The successful candidate will join the Neurodos Research Laboratory at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris). The laboratory is directed by Professor Hugo Masse-Alarie, whose research focuses on trunk motor control, the effects of pain on motor control, and the management of chronic low back pain using non-invasive and non-pharmacological approaches.

Location: Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
Program: Research-based PhD
Research areas: Low back pain, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, pain mechanisms, motor control, and rehabilitation

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Hugo Masse-Alarie at hugo.masse-alarie@fmed.ulaval.ca for further information.

Please refer to the opportunity poster for additional details.

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MHRC Seminar Series – Dr. Fabio Rossi – September 18, 2026

🔬 MHRC Seminar Series – Dr. Fabio Rossi

The Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Fabio Rossi from the University of British Columbia for an upcoming seminar on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM (ET).

Dr. Rossi will present “Stromal Cells and Muscle Regeneration: From Basic Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targeting,” exploring the interactions between stromal and inflammatory cells and their roles in muscle regeneration.

The seminar will be held online via Zoom.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Meeting ID: 922 2513 0162
Passcode: 228933

We encourage researchers, clinicians, trainees, and members of the community with an interest in muscle health and rehabilitation research to attend. We look forward to welcoming you to this seminar.

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Share Your Perspectives on Biomechanics in Osteoarthritis Research and Clinical Care

The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Human Movement Biomechanics Discussion Group is conducting a global survey to understand how researchers and healthcare professionals perceive and use biomechanics in osteoarthritis research and clinical care.

The findings will help identify priorities for future research, training, and resource development, while informing strategies to translate biomechanical knowledge more effectively into osteoarthritis research and care.

The survey explores:

  • What researchers and clinicians consider to be biomechanics
  • How biomechanical approaches are currently used or not used
  • Perceptions of the role and need for biomechanics
  • Factors that influence the use or non-use of biomechanics

Who can participate?

Researchers conducting osteoarthritis research and healthcare professionals involved in osteoarthritis care are invited to participate.

You do not need to be a biomechanist or currently use biomechanics to participate. Perspectives from those who currently use biomechanics and those who do not are equally important to understanding experiences across different professions and settings.

🌍 Survey: Global
⏱️ Time commitment: Approximately 10–20 minutes

Learn more: Poster

Questions? Contact: Jade at jadehe@stanford.edu and Karl at kdm40@bath.ac.uk

Take the survey: Survey Link

Please consider participating and sharing the survey with relevant colleagues and professional networks.

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Current Research Seeking Participants Newsletter Opportunities Research

Help Shape the Future of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) Research

Researchers at the University of British Columbia, in collaboration with La Trobe University and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) Discussion Group, are conducting an international study to identify research priorities for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

The study aims to identify the most important unanswered research questions related to PTOA, osteoarthritis that develops after a joint injury. The findings will help guide future research and care to better reflect the needs and perspectives of people affected by or involved in PTOA.

The research team is seeking perspectives from:

  • People who have experienced a joint injury and may be at risk of PTOA or are living with PTOA
  • Caregivers
  • Healthcare providers
  • Researchers
  • Policy-makers
  • Representatives of funding agencies, charities, organizations, and universities

Participation involves two online surveys (approximately one hour in total), completed 2–3 months apart.

Interested in Participating?

Learn more and check your eligibility: Poster

If you are interested in participating, please access the survey here: Survey Link

For questions about the study, please contact Jenna Schulz at jenna.schulz@ubc.ca.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jackie Whittaker, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia.

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17th Annual Muscle Health Awareness Day (MHAD17)

The Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC) at York University will host the 17th Annual Muscle Health Awareness Day (MHAD17) on Friday, May 1, 2026.

📅 May 1, 2026

📍 York University

This in-person event will bring together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community partners to share the latest research and advances in muscle health and neuromuscular disease.

The program will feature invited presentations from leading researchers including Dr. Jenna Gibbs (McGill University), Dr. Arthur Cheng (York University), Dr. Val Fajardo (Brock University), Dr. Stephen Brown (University of Guelph), Dr. Penny Gilbert (University of Toronto), and Dr. Robin Duncan (University of Waterloo). 

The event will also include:

  • Poster presentation sessions
  • A lived experience presentation from a community partner in collaboration with MitoCanada
  • Networking opportunities including a student–faculty roundtable discussion
  • Awards recognizing outstanding poster presentations

Researchers and trainees are encouraged to submit abstracts for poster presentations. Abstracts submitted by April 15, 2026 (midnight) will be eligible for six poster prizes and inclusion in the official MHAD17 program.

📌 Registration deadline: April 15, 2026

💲 Registration fee: $30 (to support catering for breakfast and lunch)

To view the full program and agenda, please review the file:

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Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity

Professors Anne Hudon, Matthew Hunt, and Eric Racine are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Laboratoire d’Éthique Vivante en Réadaptation (LEViER), based at the Gingras-Lindsay Rehabilitation Institute of Montreal. This fellowship focuses on advancing research in rehabilitation ethics and living lab approaches. 

The selected fellow will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, students, and patient partners working to promote ethical practices in rehabilitation research and care.

As part of this fellowship, the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to:

• Participatory rehabilitation ethics research projects, including qualitative data collection and analysis

• Arts-based and living lab ethics initiatives

• Mentorship of graduate students

• Empirical and theoretical research on ethical considerations in living laboratory environments 

Eligibility requirements include:

• A PhD in a related field (e.g., rehabilitation sciences, health sciences, sociology, bioethics, anthropology, or philosophy)

• Experience or strong interest in ethics research

• Expertise in qualitative research, particularly participatory or arts-based methods

• Excellent writing skills and fluency in English and French

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

Funding is available to support the selected postdoctoral fellow, who will also be encouraged to apply for provincial and federal fellowship funding opportunities. 

For more information or to apply, please send your CV and cover letter to: camilledesforgeslevier@outlook.com

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2026 Trainee Summer School

The Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network, in collaboration with the Western Bone and Joint Institute and the MSK Innovation Factory, is pleased to announce the Building Impactful MSK Health Research: Knowledge Mobilization Summer School.

When: July 6-10, 2026

Where: Western University, London, Ontario

This week-long summer school is designed to build capacity in knowledge mobilization and implementation among trainees, researchers, clinicians, and professionals working in MSK health.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn foundational principles of knowledge mobilization and implementation
  • Develop hands-on research dissemination and impact skills
  • Gain experience in planning and evaluating knowledge mobilization strategies
  • Learn directly from leading academics, patient partners, and professionals across healthcare, community, and policy settings

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be graduate students or postdoctoral fellows registered and attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • Applicants must be a member of the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network (If you are not already a Network member, apply for free here: https://mskrehabnet.com/about/current-members/) or through the summer school application form.

Important Details:

  • There is no registration fee for any attendee.
  • We will arrange and pay for your accommodation at Western if you are travelling from out of province or another city.
  • Funding support will be provided to trainees who need to travel from out of province or another city in order to attend the summer school. Local students may attend without funding as they will not need accommodation or travel support. Funding support will include:
    • up to $200 for travel from a city within the province (e.g., Toronto).
    • up to $500 for travel from a neighbouring province (e.g., Quebec).
    • up to $1000 for travel from elsewhere in Canada (e.g., British Columbia, Nova Scotia, etc.).
  • Supervisors are expected to provide additional funding to help cover travel costs for their students. Trainees located outside of Ontario who will be reimbursed between $500-$1000 from the MSK Network, must provide written confirmation that their supervisor will provide an additional $200 in financial support toward their travel expenses.
  • We will be accepting trainees from across Canada. However, due to limited funds and capacity we cannot accept all applications. A review process will be used to determine the successful candidates.
  • If you have any questions about the summer schools or applications, please email the Network Coordinator at rehabnet@uwo.ca
  • Application deadline: April 7, 2026

This is an excellent opportunity for trainees and early-career researchers interested in enhancing the reach, impact, and real-world application of their MSK health research.

Apply here:  https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgA62b2NB9U1DZs

Please read the application instructions carefully before submitting your application.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with trainees and colleagues who may be interested.

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Prospective Student Seeking Post-Doctoral Fellowship – Sahar Johari

Sahar Johari recently completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Science (physical therapy) at Western University under the supervision of Dr. Joy MacDermid. With a background in Occupational Therapy, her research focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention, and bone health in older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and fear of falling.

Sahar’s doctoral work combined systematic and scoping reviews, qualitative research, and tool development/validation to create a balance-focused clinical decision support tool for therapists. Sahar also collaborates at the Hand and Upper Limb Centre (St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, ON), contributing to projects on upper-limb recovery and functional outcomes. Sahar brings expertise in mixed-methods research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and knowledge translation.

Sahar is seeking postdoctoral opportunities in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, aging, and women’s health, particularly those involving clinical and implementation research, digital or remote rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Sahar_Resume_2025

Interested colleagues or potential collaborators can reach Sahar at: sjohari@uwo.ca