Summer 2026 (Volume 36, Number 2)

Reimagining CIORA: A Stronger, More Impactful Future for Rheumatology Research

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For nearly two decades, the CIORA program has played a vital role in advancing practice-relevant rheumatology research across Canada—supporting over 120 projects that improve care, access, and outcomes.

Today, CIORA is entering an exciting new chapter.

Guided by a comprehensive revitalization process, CIORA is evolving to better reflect the realities of today’s research and funding landscape where impact, speed, transparency, and collaboration matter more than ever.

The renewed CIORA program introduces a more flexible and responsive structure, including a four-track funding model. New Catalyst Grants will support small, rapid, practical projects that deliver immediate, real-world tools and outputs, while Ignite Awards will fund larger, implementation-focused research designed to influence practice and policy.  The Named Challenge Funds will target themed, multi-partner funding opportunities in priority areas such as access to care, equity, and real-world evidence. These initiatives will bring together public, private, and charitable partners while maintaining CIORA’s commitment to independent, peer-reviewed decision-making.

In addition, CIORA has created a Community Research Fund for community-based rheumatologists to lead research enhancing patient care.

Across all streams, there is a renewed emphasis on visible outcomes, open-access deliverables, and meaningful knowledge translation, thus ensuring that research funded through CIORA can be quickly applied in clinical settings and benefit patients sooner.

This revitalization is about more than program design. It is about strengthening CIORA’s role as a trusted, national platform that connects researchers, clinicians, and partners around a shared goal: improving the lives of people living with rheumatic diseases.

We invite you to explore the refreshed CIORA program and consider how you can be part of this next phase whether as a researcher, partner, or supporter.

Learn more:

Visit the CRAF website to learn more or connect directly with Virginia Hopkins to start the conversation at vhopkins@rheum.ca.