Message from our Chair

As Chair of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CAPRI), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our organization's new, and inaugural, website.

It is such an honour and privilege to be leading this incredible group of researchers in pursuing what is so near and dear to our hearts - pursuing knowledge for the benefit of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases. Through our research, we aim to improve the lives of children, adolescents, and families by exploring all facets of inquiry related to rheumatic diseases.  This includes studying genetic and immunologic mechanisms of disease, optimizing care and outcomes, understanding the impact of disease and treatments on quality of life, and making sure our research findings are used in the care of the patients we treat.

Like the rest of the world, CAPRI and its members faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The pandemic greatly impacted ongoing research studies and important new research questions related to COVID-19 came to the forefront.  The pandemic also impacted our ability to meet face-to-face, something we’ve done almost yearly since CAPRI’s inception.  I am very excited that we will have our first in-person scientific meeting in 2024 - in Winnipeg prior to the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting (which takes place February 27 and 28, 2024). This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, engage our new members, and plan for CAPRI’s future.

We welcome new members to join us in our mission and contribute their unique perspectives, skills, and ideas. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, just starting out in the field, or a trainee, there are many opportunities for you to get involved and make a meaningful impact. 

We are proud of the work that we have accomplished, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I invite you to explore our website and learn more about our research initiatives, our partnerships, and the impact that we are making in the field of pediatric rheumatology.

Thank you for your interest in CAPRI.