Category: News

CNTN annual research symposium highlights progress and future directions

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As kidney researchers, clinicians, trainees, and patient partners gathered in Québec City for the 2026 Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) AGM, the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium created an opportunity to reflect on the progress of kidney clinical trials in Canada while exploring priorities for the future. 

Held on May 6 as part of the CSN pre-course program, the hybrid symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees, early-career investigators including KRESCENT trainees, and patient partners from across Canada to share updates on emerging research, discuss evolving national trial infrastructure, and strengthen collaboration across the kidney research community. 

The symposium was co-hosted by patient partner Arlene Desjarlais and Dr. David Collister, reflecting CNTN’s ongoing commitment to patient partnership and collaborative leadership in kidney research. Wendat-Huron Elder Édith Picard opened the session by welcoming attendees to the territory of her ancestors. 

Symposium co-hosts Arlene Desjarlais and Dr. David Collister with Wendat-Huron Elder Édith Picard.

If you missed the symposium or would like to revisit the discussions, a recording of the session is available at the end of this article. 

Advancing Canada’s clinical trial landscape 

Throughout the symposium, discussions focused on Canada’s evolving clinical trial ecosystem and the infrastructure needed to support future research collaborations. 

Dr. David Collister, Scientific Operations Committee Co-Chair with CNTN, provided an overview of accomplishments from the first phase of the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) consortium. Highlights included progress toward harmonizing contracts and research ethics board review processes, supporting national and international clinical trials, and launching studies in Indigenous communities. Dr. Collister also reflected on how ACT has supported the implementation of major international kidney studies in Canada, including ACHIEVE and EnAKT. 

Looking ahead, he outlined priorities being explored through “ACT 2.0”, including opportunities to improve trial efficiency and equity through national coordination, streamlined processes, and enhanced trial site identification across Canada. While CNTN was not selected for ACT 2.0 funding due to overlap with existing Can-SOLVE CKD support, the network will continue to participate in the consortium as an affiliate network. 

Expanding opportunities in kidney clinical trials 

Presentations throughout the symposium highlighted ongoing efforts to expand access, innovation, and patient-centred approaches within kidney clinical trials. 

Dr. Cal Robinson shared updates on the development of KIDBP-Trials, a new pediatric nephrology clinical trial network associated with CNTN. The initiative aims to address longstanding gaps in pediatric kidney research, where therapies approved for adults often take years to become available for children. The network will bring together children’s hospitals across Canada and focus on advancing patient priorities, trial methods, and outcomes in rare kidney diseases. 

Additional presentations explored emerging evidence and ongoing studies in kidney care. Dr. Rachel Holden shared findings from a pilot study examining reduced dialysis frequency in older adults receiving hemodialysis, while Dr. Kevin Yau presented results from the GUARD-1 pilot trial evaluating GLP-1 agonists in people with kidney failure receiving long-term dialysis. Sarah Melville, RN, also shared findings related to hemodialysis prescribing patterns across hospitals and satellite centres in New Brunswick. 

Presentations throughout the symposium highlighted innovation, collaboration, and emerging research in kidney care.

In a final presentation, Dr. Adeera Levin provided an overview of the EASi-KIDNEY trial investigating vicadrostat in combination with standard care and SGLT2 inhibitors in chronic kidney disease. She emphasized the importance of continued recruitment and Canadian participation in what is currently the largest chronic kidney disease trial to date. 

Looking ahead 

The symposium concluded with an interactive discussion focused on the long-term sustainability of CNTN and the future of collaborative kidney trials in Canada. Participants reflected on opportunities to strengthen network infrastructure, member engagement, and sustainable funding approaches through strategies ranging from industry partnerships to dedicated research support mechanisms. 

Together, the discussions throughout the symposium reinforced the importance of national collaboration, shared learning, and patient-oriented research in advancing kidney clinical trials and improving care for people living with kidney disease across Canada. 

Download the symposium summary report

For a more detailed overview of the presentations, discussion highlights, and future priorities explored during the symposium, download the CNTN Research Symposium Summary Report.

CNTN Research Symposium Report 2026 (PDF)

For more information about the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN), please contact CNTN Research Coordinator Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca. 

Watch the recording

International Clinical Trials Day 2026

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Every year on May 20, we acknowledge International Clinical Trials Day! Raising clinical trial awareness and honouring clinical research professionals across the globe. The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network would like to recognize the work of our network members in advancing medical knowledge through research.
Hear what it means to be part of this work from those leading the way.

CNTN Quarterly Newsletter | March 2026

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Our quarterly newsletter keeps you informed on CNTN projects and initiatives.
Below are a few highlights—be sure to check out the full issue below!

In this issue:

  • Celebrating Kidney Health Month and World Kidney Day
  • CNTN launches new LinkedIn page
  • CNTN network member profiles: Arlene Desjarlais and Dwight Sparkes
  • Register today for the 2026 CNTN Research Symposium
  • New resource highlights workforce strategy
  • Decentralized trials guidance released
  • Network tools & resources
  • Recent publications

Celebrating Kidney Health Month and World Kidney Day

March is Kidney Health Month, and World Kidney Day is on March 12! This year’s theme—“Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”—highlights prevention, early detection, and sustainable kidney care. Hear from researchers and patient partners about patient-centered kidney research and its impact.

Read more about the campaign HERE.

Connect with CNTN on LinkedIn!

The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) is now on LinkedIn. As part of this shift, we will be sunsetting our X (formerly Twitter) account and focusing our social media efforts on LinkedIn.

Follow CNTN on LinkedIn to stay connected to network updates, clinical trial initiatives, and opportunities across the kidney research community in Canada.

Through the page, we’ll highlight multi-centre collaboration and patient partnership in research, share initiatives and opportunities that support trainees and strengthen clinical trials capacity across the network, and promote trial announcements. We’ll also feature network member achievements and create space for connection and collaboration.

If you have updates or materials you’d like shared, please contact CNTN Research Coordinator Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca.

FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN

Shaping research with lived experience: Arlene and Dwight’s story

Through training, peer review, and collaboration with researchers, patient partners bring lived experience to studies—making research more relevant, accessible, and patient-centered across Canada.  Arlene Desjarlais and Dwight Sparkes are two patient partners helping to shape kidney research at the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN).

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How patient partners are shaping kidney research at CNTN

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Arlene Desjarlais knows first hand how deeply kidney disease can affect a family. For years, she cared for her late husband, Glen, as they navigated kidney disease and cardiovascular complications—attending medical appointments, taking him to dialysis treatments, and advocating hard for him to receive the best possible care. 

After Glen passed away, Arlene chose to continue advocating for patients like him—this time by helping strengthen kidney research across Canada as a patient partner.  

Patient partners are people with lived experience of a health condition who provide input on research projects. Their perspectives help ensure studies are relevant, feasible, and aligned with patient and community priorities. At the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN), a pan-Canadian initiative that brings together patients, researchers, clinicians, and decision-makers to advance nephrology clinical trials, patient partners play a central role in reviewing and shaping research proposals before studies move forward. 

Arlene Desjarlais and Dwight Sparkes (center) with patient partners and researchers at a the 2025 CNTN research symposium.

Arlene has been a patient partner with CNTN for almost a decade. When she first joined, patient perspectives were not always fully integrated into research processes. But as more patient partners stepped forward to share their lived experiences, perspectives, and expertise, the power of this approach caused a fundamental shift. 

“Now the peer reviews [of research projects] don’t really go forward unless there is a patient partner present,” she says. “The patient’s voice comes out more and more in these reviews.” 

Driving meaningful change 

As a Métis woman, Arlene also understands the importance of ensuring Indigenous voices guide research involving Indigenous communities. She recalls an early CNTN research project in an Indigenous community that initially lacked Indigenous partnership. Following feedback, the research team meaningfully engaged Indigenous partners to help align the work with community values and priorities.  

“It has been amazing to see the growth and the change of the acceptance level of everybody [at CNTN]. They all want to learn,” Arlene says. “I have never felt unsupported, and I have never felt like the token person.”   

Dwight Sparkes, another CNTN patient partner, brings his own lived experience to the table. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2014 following complications from a rare autoimmune condition, he has spent more than a decade actively managing his kidney health through proactive care, treatment, and monitoring. That experience now informs his contributions to research. 

Sparkes acknowledges that joining research discussions can feel intimidating at first. 

“As human beings, we all have this fear of the unknown,” he says, adding that some people may not feel “qualified” to work alongside researchers. “But your lived experience is essential to the kidney research process, and it really adds value.” 

Support and training for new patient partners  

As Sparkes points out, CNTN offers training and resources to help new patient partners feel confident in their role. One example is the self-paced online module, Patient Partners in Peer Review, developed in partnership with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program. 

The 30-minute course explains what peer review is, why it matters, and how patient partners can contribute—no prior research experience required.  

Learn more and get involved 

CNTN welcomes patient partners from across Canada who want to help ensure kidney research reflects real patient priorities. Whether you are living with kidney disease or caring for someone who is, your voice can make a difference.  

Here are 3 steps you can take today to learn more: 

  • Register for CNTN’s annual research symposium on May 6, 2026—a free hybrid event where patients, researchers, and trainees come together to share updates on ongoing trials, learn about CNTN’s future plans, and explore opportunities to get involved. Learn more about the free hybrid event here.   

Both Sparkes and Desjarlais encourage others affected by kidney disease to consider becoming patient partners. “You just have to take a leap of faith and go for it,” says Desjarlais. “This is what I did.”   

2026 CNTN Research Symposium is now open!

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The 2026 Canadian Nephrology Trials Network Research Symposium at the Canadian Society of Nephrology AGM pre-course on Wednesday, May 6, is open for registration.

In-person attendees are welcome to join us at 7:30 AM ET for complimentary breakfast. The symposium will begin at 8:30 AM ET (virtual and in-person).

Please note that in-person registration is now full. Virtual attendance remains open, and we welcome you to join us online.

This hybrid event is your opportunity to:

  • Hear updates from ongoing and upcoming clinical trials in Canada

  • Learn what’s ahead for CNTN, and find out how you can get involved

  • Foster collaboration among researchers, trainees, and patient partners

View the full agenda and plain language summaries:

There will be presentations from:

  • Kevin Yau – GUARD-1: Semaglutide in Dialysis Trial Insights: This study tests semaglutide in people on dialysis to see how safe and easy it is to use. Researchers will also look at Ontario health data to check for possible side effects of semaglutide and finerenone, such as low blood sugar, gallbladder issues, vision changes, or high potassium.
  • Cal Robinson – KIDBP-Trials: Canadian Childhood Kidney Disease and Blood Pressure Trials Network: This initiative focuses on building a national clinical trials network for children with kidney disease and hypertension. The goal is to support research that addresses real-world challenges and improves care for children and families across Canada.
  • Christine A. White/ Rachel Holden – DLITE: Hemodialysis Frequency and Living Well: Multicenter RCT to determine whether twice-weekly Hemodialysis (HD) compared to thrice-weekly HD, maintains Days Alive and Out of the Hospital (DAOH), which is an important patient-centered goal and outcome that approximates time spent at home.
  • Sarah Melville (presenting on behalf of Martin G. MacKinnon and Jacob Michaud) – Hemodialysis Prescribing Patterns in New Brunswick: This observational study looks at how hemodialysis is currently prescribed across hospital and satellite centres in New Brunswick, and whether shorter or less frequent treatments may be a safe option for some patients. Findings suggest that reduced treatment time may help improve quality of life, particularly for older adults or those with palliative care goals.

Please note the CNTN Research Symposium is open to all, with virtual attendance available.

Questions? Contact CNTN Research Coordinator Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca.


REGISTER HERE

CNTN Network Update | December 2025

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Our network update keeps you informed on CNTN projects and initiatives.
Below are a few highlights—be sure to check out the full issue below!

In this issue:

  • Holiday message
  • Call for presenters: CNTN research symposium
  • Remembering Arris Hans Vorster
  • Latest news from the ACT consortium
  • N2 clinical research SOP update coming soon

Holiday message

We would like to wish CNTN network members a safe and happy holiday season. We thank you for your support and look forward to connecting with you in the New Year.

CNTN research symposium seeking presenters

We are currently planning the 8th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium, scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the CSN Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, QC, and are actively seeking presenters for this event.

We welcome speakers leading investigator-initiated trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective observational studies, feasibility studies, or pediatric nephrology trials. Trainees, early career researchers, and individuals with early-stage project ideas are also encouraged to submit.

Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to present your project and receive valuable feedback from peers and experts in the field!

If you are interested in presenting or would like to share an idea, please contact Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca.

Remembering Arris Hans Vorster

The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network mourns the passing of Arris Hans Vorster, a deeply committed patient partner who served the kidney community in many capacities across the network. Hans was a valued member of the CNTN Executive Committee and the Scientific Operations Committee, and a passionate advocate for meaningful patient engagement in research. He co-developed the Patient Partners in Peer Review module, helping equip patient partners to participate confidently and effectively in the peer-review process. Over the years, he also co-hosted the annual CNTN Research Symposium, championing the patient voice and ensuring it was central to discussions.

Please visit his in memoriam page to share your thoughts and memories of Hans.

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CNTN Quarterly Newsletter | November 2025

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Our quarterly newsletter keeps you informed on CNTN projects and initiatives.
Below are a few highlights—be sure to check out the full issue below!

In this issue

  • Call for presenters: CNTN research symposium
  • CNTN network member profile: Dr. David Collister
  • Latest from ACT consortium
  • CNTN researcher recognized with investigator award
  • CNTN network members involved in Black health webinar
  • Network tools & resources
  • Recent Publications

CNTN research symposium seeking presenters

We are currently planning the 8th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium, scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the CSN Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, QC, and are actively seeking presenters for this event.

From trainee to leader: Dr. David Collister’s CNTN journey

Dr. David Collister’s journey with the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) began during his PhD, where feedback from investigators and patient partners helped shape his kidney research. Now a mentor and co-lead of CNTN’s Scientific Operations Committee, he highlights how the network supports early-career researchers, strengthens proposals, and fosters meaningful connections with patients and clinicians.

CNTN researcher named 2025 BC health professional-investigator award recipient

Congratulations to CNTN Communications & Engagement Committee member Dr. Michelle Wong, recipient of a 2025 Health Professional-Investigator (HP-I) award from Michael Smith Health Research BC! Her research investigates how gut bacteria and metabolites interact with nutritional status in people with chronic kidney disease, aiming to develop personalized strategies to improve nutrition and prevent progression to kidney failure.

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CNTN research symposium seeking presenters

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We are currently planning the 8th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium, scheduled for May 6, 2026, at the CSN Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, QC, and are actively seeking presenters for this event.

We welcome speakers leading investigator-initiated trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective observational studies, feasibility studies, or pediatric nephrology trials. Trainees, early career researchers, and individuals with early-stage project ideas are also encouraged to submit.

Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to present your project and receive valuable feedback from peers and experts in the field!

If you are interested in presenting or would like to share an idea, please contact Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca.

From trainee to leader: Dr. David Collister on growing with the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network

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Early beginnings in patient-oriented research 

Dr. David Collister’s journey with the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) began during his PhD program at McMaster University, where he was also a research fellow at the Population Health Research Institute. Under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Walsh, he was part of a Can-SOLVE CKD project that explored patient-important outcomes in chronic kidney disease and dialysis care. 

Dr. Collister’s first exposure to CNTN came at the network’s annual research symposium during the Canadian Society of Nephrology’s AGM. “I presented my first trial protocols around 2018 or 2019,” Dr. Collister recalls. “That experience was pivotal—getting feedback from investigators and patient partners helped shape the trial’s design, feasibility, and patient engagement.” 

This early involvement connected him with a community of leading nephrologists and researchers, including Drs. Rita Suri, Karthik Tennankore, and Ron Wald—relationships that would continue to influence his career. 

From mentee to mentor: Leadership within CNTN 

Now based at the University of Alberta, Dr. Collister has come full circle in his CNTN journey. Once a trainee seeking feedback, he now serves as co-lead of the Scientific Operations Committee and a member of the CNTN Executive Committee. 

“It’s a privilege to give back,” he says. “I benefited from CNTN’s guidance as a trainee, and now I get to review protocols, mentor others, and help early-career investigators strengthen their research.” 

For Dr. Collister, CNTN’s greatest strength lies in its community and collaboration. “It’s about the people and the shared vision. Whether at in-person meetings or through committee work, CNTN connects clinicians, scientists, and patient partners who are passionate about improving kidney care across Canada.” 

Supporting the next generation of researchers 

Dr. Collister emphasizes CNTN’s scientific review process as a cornerstone of support for early-career researchers. “Having experts and patient partners review your protocol in detail—and provide directed written feedback—really strengthens the science. It sets you up for success,” he explains. 

He also encourages newcomers not to let imposter syndrome stand in the way. “Everyone feels unsure at first. CNTN is a supportive and collaborative space—there’s a seat at the table for anyone interested in patient-oriented research.” 

CNTN is always looking to expand its community of researchers—especially those at the start and in the middle of their careers. By joining CNTN, investigators can contribute to national, patient-oriented research through involvement in committees focused on peer review, mentorship, capacity building, and knowledge mobilization. To learn how you can get involved, visit https://cntn.ca/ or contact CNTN Research Coordinator Omo Enilama at omo.enilama@phc.ca.
L-R: CNTN members Drs. Michelle Wong, David Collister, patient partners Hans Vorster, Arlene Desjarlais, Dwight Sparkes

CNTN Quarterly Newsletter | June 2025

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Our quarterly newsletter keeps you informed on CNTN projects and initiatives.
Below are a few highlights—be sure to check out the full issue below!

In this issue

  • CNTN Research Symposium recap
  • International Clinical Trials Day
  • CNTN supports CanReview
  • CNTN offers letters of support
  • Clinical trials study recruiting patient partners and trialists
  • Register for ACB webinar
  • Landmark WHO kidney resolution adopted
  • Recent Publications

CNTN hosts annual research symposium

The 7th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium was held on May 7, 2025, at the CSN Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, BC. Co-hosted by Dr. David Collister and patient partner Hans Vorster, the hybrid event brought together patients, clinicians, and researchers for a morning of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The symposium highlighted CNTN’s achievements and emphasized its commitment to patient engagement and future growth.

International Clinical Trials Day

Every year on May 20, we acknowledge International Clinical Trials Day! Raising clinical trial awareness and honouring clinical research professionals across the globe. The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network would like to recognize the work of our network members in advancing medical knowledge through research.

Request a letter of support from CNTN

Hear what it means to be part of this work from those leading the way.

Are you applying for a research grant or launching a project aligned with the goals of the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN)? We now offer letters of support to help strengthen your application. Requests will be reviewed by CNTN’s Scientific Operations Committee to ensure alignment with the network’s mission.

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