Who We Are

Dedicated to understanding, advancing and sharing knowledge about arthritis research

Arthritis Research Canada was created in 1999 in recognition of the tremendous potential that research can bring to arthritis treatment in Canada, and indeed, the world.

Arthritis Research Canada has earned international attention as a leading arthritis research environment. We have built a strong multi-disciplinary research team of outstanding medical doctors and research scientists, and we willingly collaborate with medical professionals around the world.

With centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, we are dedicated to understanding, advancing and sharing knowledge about the causes of arthritis, and addressing issues that are impacting people with arthritis right now.

We are proud to have scientists in British Columbia affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) and to be affiliated with the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI). We established partnerships with SFU with the Maureen and Milan Ilich/Merck Chair in Statistics for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases and with UBC with the John Esdaile Professorship in Rheumatology Research. Additionally, in Alberta, our scientists are affiliated with the University of Calgary and the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health; in Quebec, with Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke, McGill University, and Université de Montréal; and in Nova Scotia, with Dalhousie University.

Arthritis in its more than 100 forms is the most costly, chronic disease in Canada affecting over 6 million Canadians and is the number one reason for work disability. Our scientific team is currently engaged in over 100 studies covering the breadth of arthritis. We are determined to reduce the burden of arthritis and give those with this disease more timely and cost-effective solutions to address their healthcare needs.

What We Do

Practical research for everyday living

Arthritis Research Canada conducts clinical research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating earlier diagnosis, and finding new and better treatments to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with arthritis and autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

We are a patient-oriented research centre, and we approach our work from a wide range of disciplines including: rheumatology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, kinesiology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, rehabilitation science, public health, epidemiology, health psychology and behavioural change, health economics, health systems assessment, biostatistics, education, pediatrics, and knowledge translation. Our team is steadfast in their determination to reduce the burden of this disease.

Arthritis Research Canada’s important work is supported through working relationships and partnerships with universities, hospitals, funding agencies, arthritis treatment centres, both the British Columbia and Yukon Division and the National Office of The Arthritis Society, and the Government of British Columbia. As well, Arthritis Research Canada is incredibly proud to have the generous support of many individuals, corporations and foundations from across Canada, who are all committed to the advancement of arthritis research.

We are committed to practical research for everyday living, which means finding the answers NOW to reduce the burden of arthritis, and give people with arthritis better, more timely, and cost-effective solutions for living with their disease.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement.

Vision Statement

Our Vision is a world where people living with arthritis can thrive.