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Support the Arthritis Future Fund

Help invest in the next generations of scientists, starting today.

The Problem

Over 6 million Canadians live with arthritis and rheumatic diseases, conditions that cause pain, disability, and in some cases, premature death. Arthritis affects every part of a person’s life: their ability to work, move, connect, and participate fully in daily life.

Despite this, arthritis receives only 2% of research funding in Canada. For a condition that costs the Canadian economy $45B every year, that gap is significant.

The Solution

Arthritis Research Canada, headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is the only national organization dedicated to clinical arthritis research. To ensure this work continues, we need to invest in the next generation of scientists and researchers.

The Arthritis Future Fund helps ensure the future of clinical arthritis research in Vancouver by supporting a dedicated, permanent faculty position at UBC.

Endowed positions like this provide long-term stability, helping to attract and retain leading scientists in Canada.

Arthritis Research Canada offers the training, mentorship, and research environments critical to attracting and retaining world-class researchers who will improve health outcomes and support people living with arthritis to become more physically active. The Arthritis Future Fund helps ensure that this work will continue for years to come.

The Investment

$4.5 million. 

This is the funding required to establish a permanent faculty position dedicated to clinical arthritis research, one that will continue in perpetuity, not just for a funding cycle.

And right now, every dollar you invest is doubled. Through a generous contribution from the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) President’s Academic Excellence Initiative, your gift will be matched, doubling the impact of your gift. 

This is an opportunity to support research in a lasting and meaningful way. 

Your Impact

Your support of the Arthritis Future Fund will:

  • Establish a permanent faculty position in clinical arthritis research
  • Attract and retain world-class scientific talent in Canada
  • Keeps Arthritis Research Canada at the leading edge of arthritis and related rheumatic disease research
  • Supports better outcomes for people living with arthritis across Canada and North America
  • Enhances collaboration between UBC and Arthritis Research Canada

The Legacy

Over four decades, Dr. John Esdaile helped build Arthritis Research Canada into a leading research institute. From his medical training at McGill University to his leadership of UBC’s Rheumatology Division and his more than 20 years as Scientific Director of Arthritis Research Canada, his work has shaped Arthritis Research Canada into the organization it is today.

Dr. Esdaile believed that strong research depends on investing in people. Through mentorship and collaboration, he helped train and support researchers across disciplines, all working to improve the lives of people living with arthritis.

That commitment continues today. Current Scientific Director Dr. Diane Lacaille carries this legacy forward, and the fund helps ensure it continues into the future.

Supporting this fund contributes to research that:

  • Improves how arthritis care is delivered so everyone gets the right care at the right time
  • Uses digital health solutions to tailor care to each person's needs
  • Improves health outcomes and reduces health inequities
  • Supports people in staying active and managing their condition
  • Addresses the mental health impact of arthritis
  • Partners with Indigenous communities to support culturally relevant care

Invest in the Future of Arthritis Research

Your contribution to the Arthritis Future Fund supports long-term, sustainable arthritis research in Canada.
All gifts to this fund will be matched, making your gift go further.

Donate Today

To make a gift or learn more, contact our team at 604-207-0400 or info@arthritisresearch.ca