Category: News

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.

READ NEWSLETTER

CNTN hosts annual research symposium

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The 7th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium took place on May 7, 2025, at the Canadian Society of Nephrology’s (CSN) Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, BC. This hybrid event brought together patients, clinicians, and researchers—including many early career investigators—for a day of knowledge sharing, reflection, and collaboration. It served as both a recognition of CNTN’s achievements and a platform to explore the network’s future direction and opportunities for broader engagement. 

Co-hosted by Dr. David Collister and patient partner Hans Vorster—co-leads of CNTN’s Scientific Operations Committee—the event reflected CNTN’s commitment to meaningful patient engagement and collaborative research. 

The day began with a Land Acknowledgement and Welcome to Territory by Knowledge Keeper Dehlia Nahanee and her daughter Marissa (Nisga’a and Squamish Nation). Their presence grounded the gathering in respect and intention. Chronic kidney disease plays a significant role in both of their lives—Dehlia was Marissa’s first living kidney donor. Marissa shared heartfelt words that resonated deeply: 

“Thank you for dedicating your lives to something extremely important. Kidney disease not only affects me, but my community…when you are doing the hard work you are doing, you are not only saving a person—you are saving a community.” 

Dr. Karthik Tennankore, co-chair of CNTN’s Executive Committee, provided updates on leadership succession planning for CNTN and encouraged members to watch for upcoming call for participation. He also shared insights on the network’s role in the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Consortium: “CNTN was one of the first 28 networks invited to join the Consortium, which has since grown to include six more. I am excited to see where the Consortium will go in the future and CNTN’s involvement.” 

The symposium featured the following presentations from leading kidney researchers who are advancing the understanding and treatment of chronic kidney disease: 

  • Dr. Adeera Levin – EASI-Kidney trial 
  • Vikas Sridhar  – SUGARNSALT study 
  • Dr. Thomas Mavrakanas – CARe-MRI clinical trial 
  • Dr. John Gill – PART study: Prevention of Allosensitization 
  • Dr. Istvan Mucsi – PROMs feasibility pilot study 

Each talk included a Q&A session, encouraging dynamic discussion and deeper insight into the research. 

A full recording of the symposium is available below with timestamps for each presentation. A summary report which includes presenter slides is available CNTN Research Symposium Report 2025.

CNTN looks forward to its next Research Symposium at the 2026 CSN AGM in Quebec City, QC. 

To learn more or get involved, visit cntn.ca or contact Omo Enilama at oenilama@cansolveckd.ca. Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and follow us on X/Twitter @CNTN_RCEN. 

 

 

 

 

Proudly supporting CanReview, Canada’s single research ethics review system

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CNTN is proud to support CanReview, a pan-Canadian collaboration supported by the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Consortium to build a broadly accessible, Canada-wide single research ethics review system that will enable all research sites participating in a multi-site clinical trial to undergo one ethics review, while ensuring the highest ethical standards.

Collaborating with Research Ethics Boards, research teams, Indigenous community members, institutions and sponsors, patients and family partners, and many others, CanReview aims to enhance clinical trials efficiencies, increase Canada’s competitiveness, expand clinical trials to underserved, rural and remote locations, and promote equitable access to trial participation.

Learn more and become a CanReview Partner.

Meet CNTN’s new research coordinator

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From a young age, Omo Enilama had a strong interest in health care but was unsure of the specific path she would take. Her post-secondary education led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science at the University of Calgary. In her fourth year, Omo took a year-long physiology and anatomy course that introduced her to the renal system. “When we got to the renal unit, I was fascinated by kidneys, transplantation, and research,” she recalls. This moment was a turning point, solidifying her interest in kidney research. 

Through her education journey, Omo met Dr. Adeera Levin, who became her supervisor when Omo pursued a Master of Science in Experimental Medicine at UBC and introduced her to the Can-SOLVE CKD Network and the BC Kidney Research Unit. Through these organizations, Omo gained experience in patient-oriented research, working as a research assistant while completing her degree.  

Since May 2024, Omo has worked on various projects within Can-SOLVE CKD, and last fall she became the research coordinator for the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN). 

Looking at patient-oriented research through a health equity lens 

A defining aspect of Omo’s work has been knowledge translation and patient education. She combines her passion for design with science to create patient-friendly materials. “I’ve worked on disseminating research findings in ways that are accessible and engaging,” she says. 

One of her most impactful experiences was at the International Society of Nephrology PARADIGM meeting in 2024. “For the first time, I truly felt like I was part of a team with patient partners,” she reflects. To support patient engagement and ensure that patient partners could participate confidently in the meeting, Omo developed a plain-language reference document explaining complex medical terms and summarizing key research. 

As a Black researcher, Omo is deeply invested in health equity. She highlights the historical disparities in kidney health, such as the outdated CKD-EPI equation that used a race-based coefficient until 2021. “This equation delayed referrals for Black patients, impacting their access to transplants and treatments,” she explains. 

She is particularly focused on increasing Black participation in research and ensuring studies account for cultural differences. “Some health interventions may show good results, but if they’re not culturally relevant, they won’t be widely adopted,” she notes. 

Omo is currently working on an educational webinar series, in collaboration with Black Health Alliance and The Kidney Foundation of Canada, which is creating kidney health resources tailored to the needs of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. This webinar series is set to be released in early summer 2025. 

Currently, Omo serves as a research coordinator at CNTN, focusing on improving patient engagement and network capacity. “I’m excited about increasing awareness, fostering collaboration, and expanding opportunities for patient partners,” she says. With her expertise in quality improvement, knowledge translation, and patient education, Omo continues to drive meaningful change in kidney research and health equity. She looks forward to meeting network members in-person at the CNTN Research Symposium at the Canadian Society of Nephrology AGM in May. 

Beyond research, Omo enjoys cooking diverse cuisines, from Nigerian dishes to Italian and Persian meals. “If I see a dish that interests me, I’ll learn how to make it,” she says. 

If you would like to connect with Omo, she can be reached at oenilama@cansolveckd.ca 

CNTN Research Symposium is now open!

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The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) is excited to be part of the upcoming Canadian Society of Nephrology AGM pre-course in Vancouver. Join us for the CNTN Research Symposium on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (7:30 – 11:30 a.m. PST) to hear research updates, learn what’s ahead for CNTN and how to get involved.

Don’t forget to stop by the Can-SOLVE CKD/CNTN booth and get some CNTN promotional material.

Virtual registrations is still open!

Click the links to view the AGENDA and LAY SUMMARIES

There will be presentations from:

  • Dr. Adeera Levin – EASI-Kidney: A multicenter international randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with chronic kidney disease.
  • Vikas Sridhar on behalf of Dr. David Cherney – Sugar & Salt: The Sodium Glucose Co-Transport-2 Inhibition Diabetes and Kidney Function Loss in Type 1 Diabetes (SUGARNSALT) research project.
  • Dr. Thomas Mavrakanas – CARe-MRI clinical trial: Canagliflozin in advanced renal disease with MRI endpoints.
  • Dr. Istvan Mucsi – PROMS: Feasibility pilot study to use Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for symptom assessment and management in patients on dialysis.
  • Dr. John Gill – PART: Prevention of Allosensitization in Renal Transplant Candidates

If you have questions please contact Omo Enilama at oenilama@cansolveckd.ca

Take a moment to REGISTER HERE

CIHR Fall 2024 Project Grant competition results

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Congratulations to CNTN members (bolded) who were part of a team that was recently awarded a CIHR Fall 2024 Project Grant!

Congratulations to the CNTN members who are part of teams that were recently awarded a CIHR Fall 2024 Project Grant!

We’ve highlighted some of the successful projects, including those where patient partners are identified as principal investigators:

Full list of RESULTS HERE

ACT Consortium Update

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Upcoming webinars

ACT Canada Support for Promoting Innovative Knowledge Mobilization (KM) of Clinical Trial Findings – Presented by the ACT KM Committee

Join this webinar on February 6 to explore knowledge mobilization for clinical trials in Canada, discover innovative strategies, and learn about the ACT Canada KM Committee’s initiatives and funding opportunities.

REGISTER HERE

CanReview: Advancing Clinical Trials Through a Pan-Canadian Single Research Ethics Review System with Susan Marlin, Donna Lillie & Matthew D’Ascanio

Join this webinar to learn about CanReview, a pan-Canadian initiative streamlining ethics reviews for multi-site clinical trials, enhancing collaboration, expanding access to underserved areas, and increasing Canada’s competitiveness.

The same webinar is offered on two separate dates.

February 18 REGISTER HERE

February 20 REGISTER HERE

CanReview Tactical Teams

The CanReview Collaboration is inviting experienced, passionate people from across Canada’s clinical trials community to help shape the future of trials by volunteering on one of CanReview’s tactical teams and groups. This includes individuals who identify as patient partners/people with lived experience.

Click here for more information on the tactical teams and scope of work. 

Contact info@canreview.ca before February 5 to submit an expression of interest!

Training Award

Applications for the 2025-26 CANSTAT Clinical Trial Biostatistics Fellowship Program are now open!

Applications for this one-year, paid fellowship are welcomed from individuals with MSc. or PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or a relevant health sciences discipline (e.g., public health or epidemiology) with a strong statistical or quantitative background.

Deadline to apply: February 21, 2025 

Click here for more information and to apply!

Upcoming Events

On February 24-26, for the 2025 Clinical Trials Training Summit, four Clinical Trials Training Programs – CTTPs (CANTRAIN, CAN-TAP-TALENT, STROKECOG, CBITN) unite to address key challenges in the clinical trials ecosystem in Canada and beyond.

Join us virtually or in-person for three motivating days in the company of a unique assembly of participants, ensuring a diverse, cutting-edge dialogue on advancing quality and innovation in clinical trials in Canada and worldwide.

  • To attend in-person, register by January 26 at 11:59pm.  
  • To attend virtually, register anytime.

Save your spot now and visit our Summit website for further details and announcements: https://wecantrain.ca/home/clinical-trials-training-summit-2025/

ACT Consortium Update – Funding Announcement and Call for Proposals

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RFA 5 – Funding Announcement
As part of ACT’s goal to expand Canada’s participation in international trials, they recently hosted a fifth request for applications to bring high impact randomized controlled trials to Canada that are initiated and are led by a non-Canadian country.

We are pleased to announce that CNTN Scientific Operations Committee co-lead Dr. David Collister had a successfully RFA 5 application endorsed by CNTN. His teams application on the Better Evidence And Translation for Calciphylaxis (BEAT-Calci) global platform trial, with Dr. Meg Jardine from the University of Sydney, was ranked as one of the top ten applications awarded to receive ACT funding for this call for proposals .
RFA 6 – Canadian Biotech Call for Proposals
Another key objective of the ACT Consortium is to facilitate collaboration between Canadian biotechnology groups and clinical trialists. Since most biotechnologies require RCTs demonstrating efficacy and safety to obtain regulatory approvals in Canada, the objective of this RFA is to fund trials evaluating products from Canadian-controlled biotechnology companies in partnership with ACT Network clinical trialists.

Applicants can request up to $400,000 (CAN) in funding to facilitate phase 2, pilot, or Vanguard trials.  Trials that assess safety, recruitment potential, and feasibility are also welcome provided they are an RCT.

Eligibility:

For an application to be eligible, it must fulfill the following criteria.

  • Trial must evaluate a biotechnology from a Canadian-controlled biotechnology company.
  • The proposal must be an RCT and not a product validation observational study.
  • The proposed budget must be CIHR eligible.

 Deadline: The deadline to apply is Sunday January 5th, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET

Application Process:

The application portal can be found here: https://redc.phri.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=LDWA7RLTFJWLNNEM

If you have any questions about the applications process, please reach out to us at: ACT.Canada@PHRI.ca

Should you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out by December 20, 2024 to ensure a prompt response. Queries received after this date may not garner a response.

New podcast episode with Dani Renouf

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This episode of our podcast, CNTN Spotlight, features a conversation with Dani Renouf, a dietitian in Vancouver, British Columbia. During this interview, Dani how she got involved in research, the role that patient partners play in her research, how the support she received from research Dr. Michelle Wong was instrumental in progressing her research and her recent Kidney Foundation of Canada award to fund her study, Describing Gut Microbiota in People with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Click here to listen to the podcast or find the CNTN Spotlight podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast.

If you would like to share your latest research results, upcoming trial or research program with the nephrology community, email Alicia (amurdoch@cansolveckd.ca).