The Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) is celebrating renewal of its funding by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), to the tune of $22.75 million over five years, marking 29 years of uninterrupted funding.
“This renewal reflects the collaboration of HIV researchers engaged with us coast to coast, as well as the impact of our research in the community of improving therapies and saving lives,” say Dr. Aslam Anis, National Co-Director and the principal investigator on the grant.
(l to r) Dr. Marina Klein (McGill University), and Dr. Aslam Anis (UBC) and Dr. Sharon Walmsley (University of Toronto) co-principal investigators for the Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN).
Joining Dr. Anis as co-principal investigators are Dr. Sharon Walmsley (University of Toronto) and Dr. Marina Klein (McGill University). Other co-applicants on the grant include leading HIV researchers across Canada and knowledge users from partners CATIE (Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange), the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) and community members.
External CIHR reviewers supported the CTN’s strategic direction and praised the Network’s infrastructure, leadership group, training through the CTN Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards Program, and the recent development of HIV-HCV co-infection treatment guidelines.
“UBC is extremely proud of CTN’s work and is privileged to host its National Centre. We will continue our strong support of CTN as it confronts the many challenges of HIV/AIDS in the coming years,” says Dr. Gavin Stuart, Vice Provost, Health, UBC and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
“This renewal confirms the CTN’s role as a central player in Canada’s HIV clinical research efforts by supporting a thriving network and strong research infrastructure to position Canada as a global leader in HIV clinical research,” says Dr. Anis, a professor in UBC’s School of Population and Public Health (SPPH).
Change in leadership
Dr. Anis, a professor in the UBC’s School of Population and Public Health (SPPH), takes over as National Director from Dr. Martin Schechter, one of CTN’s founding co-directors. Dr. Schechter, also a professor in UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, had held the role of National Director since 1993.
Dr. Martin Schechter
“We are grateful to Dr. Schechter for his work leading CTN through its inception. Also critical to our successful renewal application was the strong institutional support of Providence Health Care Research Institute and UBC,” says Dr. Anis.
“I want to congratulate the entire CTN team, comprised of leading HIV researchers across Canada, and specifically acknowledge Dr. Martin Schechter’s leadership over the years,” said Dianne Doyle, President and CEO of Providence Health Care. “This award is a testament to the exceptional research and collaborations accomplished by CTN. I look forward to the leadership of Dr. Aslam Anis and the co-principal investigators.”