Arthritis Research Canada Welcomes Two Accomplished Leaders to its Board of Directors

April 15, 2025 (Vancouver) – Arthritis Research Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors: Dr. Norma Biln, a biotechnology leader and advocate for arthritis research, and Kris Dattani, a seasoned communications strategist with personal insight into the impact of arthritis.

Dr. Norma Biln is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Augurex Life Sciences Corp, a University of British Columbia (UBC) spinout biotechnology company dedicated to advancing arthritis biomarker research and recognized as a leader in clinical diagnostics for autoimmune diseases. Driven by a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly through earlier diagnosis, Dr. Biln earned her PhD in Population and Public Health from UBC. She has held numerous leadership and board roles in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. A visionary leader with extensive achievements, Dr. Biln offers invaluable expertise that will support Arthritis Research Canada’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by arthritis through patient-centred research.

Kris Dattani is a communications strategist with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications across the public and private sectors. Kris brings a wealth of experience in big-picture thinking and transformational change, including executive communications, brand development, and employee engagement. Kris has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is Prosci-certified. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kris’s connection to arthritis research is both personal and powerful, as she and her daughter live with forms of inflammatory arthritis. This experience drives her commitment to advancing research and supporting Arthritis Research Canada’s purpose and vision.

“We are honoured to welcome Dr. Norma Biln and Kris Dattani to our Board of Directors,” said Jordan Langlois, Board Chair and Partner at Kornfeld LLP in Vancouver, BC. “Both have built distinguished careers and bring a personal commitment that will strengthen our ability to accelerate innovative life-changing research for people living with arthritis.”

These appointments mark an exciting step forward as Arthritis Research Canada continues to grow its leadership and impact on arthritis research both in Canada and globally.

To learn more, click here.

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ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille, leads a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with ten major Canadian universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary,  University of Alberta, Western University, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatments, and improving quality of life.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Heather Caulder

Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
604-207-4010
hcaulder@arthritisresearch.ca