May 29, 2025

The 7th annual Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN) Research Symposium took place on May 7, 2025, at the Canadian Society of Nephrology’s (CSN) Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, BC. This hybrid event brought together patients, clinicians, and researchers—including many early career investigators—for a day of knowledge sharing, reflection, and collaboration. It served as both a recognition of CNTN’s achievements and a platform to explore the network’s future direction and opportunities for broader engagement. 

Co-hosted by Dr. David Collister and patient partner Hans Vorster—co-leads of CNTN’s Scientific Operations Committee—the event reflected CNTN’s commitment to meaningful patient engagement and collaborative research. 

The day began with a Land Acknowledgement and Welcome to Territory by Knowledge Keeper Dehlia Nahanee and her daughter Marissa (Nisga’a and Squamish Nation). Their presence grounded the gathering in respect and intention. Chronic kidney disease plays a significant role in both of their lives—Dehlia was Marissa’s first living kidney donor. Marissa shared heartfelt words that resonated deeply: 

“Thank you for dedicating your lives to something extremely important. Kidney disease not only affects me, but my community…when you are doing the hard work you are doing, you are not only saving a person—you are saving a community.” 

Dr. Karthik Tennankore, co-chair of CNTN’s Executive Committee, provided updates on leadership succession planning for CNTN and encouraged members to watch for upcoming call for participation. He also shared insights on the network’s role in the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Consortium: “CNTN was one of the first 28 networks invited to join the Consortium, which has since grown to include six more. I am excited to see where the Consortium will go in the future and CNTN’s involvement.” 

The symposium featured the following presentations from leading kidney researchers who are advancing the understanding and treatment of chronic kidney disease: 

• Dr. Adeera Levin – EASI-Kidney trial
• Vikas Sridhar  – SUGARNSALT study 
• Dr. Thomas Mavrakanas – CARe-MRI clinical trial 
• Dr. John Gill – PART study: Prevention of Allosensitization 
• Dr. Istvan Mucsi – PROMs feasibility pilot study 

Each talk included a Q&A session, encouraging dynamic discussion and deeper insight into the research. 

A full recording of the symposium is available with timestamps for each presentation. 

CNTN looks forward to its next Research Symposium at the 2026 CSN AGM in Quebec City, QC. 

To learn more or get involved, visit cntn.ca or contact Omo Enilama at oenilama@cansolveckd.ca. Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and follow us on X/Twitter @CNTN_RCEN.