Be Part of Kidney Research in Canada
Patients are at the centre of everything we do at Can-SOLVE CKD.
People living with kidney disease—and their caregivers and families—work alongside researchers and policymakers to shape kidney research in Canada.
You don't need research experience to get involved.
Your lived experience is your expertise.
There are many ways to take part. Choose what feels right for you.
“This is where I am supposed to be.”
Cathy Woods, patient partner, IPERC member, Can-SOLVE CKD leadership team
Choose Your Level of Involvement
There are different ways to contribute to kidney research, depending on your interests and availability.
Participate in a Research Study
If you would like to take part in kidney research as a patient participant, KidneyLink is a great place to start.
KidneyLink is a national platform that connects people affected by kidney disease with researchers across Canada who are looking for study participants and collaborators.
You can use KidneyLink to:
- Find research studies that match your interests
- Choose opportunities that fit your schedule and level of involvement
- Learn about new kidney research happening across Canada
Whether you complete a survey, join a focus group, participate in a clinical trial, or share your perspective as a patient partner, your experience can help shape better research.
KidneyLink is a partnership of The Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Can-SOLVE CKD Network.
Join a Patient Council
If you are interested in ongoing involvement in kidney research, you may want to join one of Can-SOLVE CKD’s Patient Councils.
Our councils bring together patients, caregivers, and community members who use their lived experience to help guide kidney research across the network.
Patient Council members may:
- Help identify research priorities that matter to patients
- Provide feedback on research ideas and study materials
- Share patient and caregiver perspectives with researchers and network leaders
- Support meaningful patient engagement across the network
Our councils include:
- Patient Governance Council (PGC) – patients and caregivers who help guide research priorities and patient engagement across the network
- Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC) – patients, caregivers, and Knowledge Keepers who help ensure that research respectfully reflects the priorities and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities
You do not need research experience to express interest. Training and support are provided.
“Participating in the PGC has helped me, as a caregiver in the pediatric kidney disease space, find community. I am also happy to share my experiences to make valuable contributions to ongoing kidney research.”
Suzanne Deliscar, parent partner, Patient Governance Council member
Partner on Research Projects or Committees
Some patient partners work directly with research teams or serve on network committees that help guide and strengthen our work.
In these roles, patient partners share their lived experience to help ensure research reflects what matters most to people affected by kidney disease.
This may include:
- Providing feedback on research ideas and study design
- Reviewing study materials to make them clearer and more patient-friendly
- Advising on how research results should be shared with patients and communities
- Serving on committees that support research projects and clinical trials across the network
Time commitments vary depending on the opportunity. Compensation is provided for patient partner roles.
Tell us about your interests through our Expression of Interest Form. We will follow up if a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Refer a Patient Partner (For Clinicians & Researchers)
Are you a nephrologist, health care provider, or researcher?
If you know a patient or caregiver who may be interested in contributing to kidney research, we welcome referrals. Many patient partners first learn about opportunities through trusted clinicians or research teams.
You can:
- Share this page with them
- Encourage them to complete the Expression of Interest Form
- Contact us if you have questions about patient partnership opportunities
What to Expect
After you complete the Expression of Interest Form:
- A member of the Can-SOLVE CKD team will review your information
- We may contact you to learn more about your interests and availability
- We will keep your information on file and reach out when opportunities arise that may be a good fit
Some opportunities may involve one-time activities, while others may include ongoing participation.
We are committed to engaging people from diverse communities across Canada, including rural and remote communities and those groups that have been historically underrepresented in research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need research experience? +
No. Lived experience with kidney disease is what matters most.
Who can get involved? +
People living with kidney disease, caregivers, family members, living donors, and others affected by kidney disease are welcome.
Is this paid? +
Many patient partner roles include compensation. We will share details about compensation and expectations before you agree to participate.
How much time does it take? +
It depends on the opportunity. Some activities are one-time, while others may involve ongoing meetings or collaboration with research teams.
Can caregivers or family members participate? +
Yes. Caregivers and family members bring valuable perspectives and are encouraged to get involved.
Do I need to live near a major centre? +
No. Many opportunities are virtual, allowing people from across Canada to participate.
Connect with us!
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