The University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease (CNMD) is proud to announce that it is the 2016 recipient of the Dr. George Karpati Award from the Ontario Chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).
The award recognizes significant contributions to neuromuscular research, the advancement of care for people with neuromuscular disorders, public awareness, services and/or fundraising.
Over 50 uOttawa clinicians and scientists are members of the CNMD, working collaboratively to identify mechanisms underlying the development, diagnosis and treatments for neuromuscular disease (NMD). NMD encompasses a broad group of over 150 disorders, collectively affecting 10,000 Canadians.
“We’re focused on building an internationally recognized centre of excellence for neuromuscular research, training and patient care,” explains neurologist Dr. Jodi Warman Chardon, assistant professor at uOttawa and co-director of CNMD. "Our goal is to enhance clinical care and outcomes for patients affected by these devastating diseases.”
Many of the Centre’s researchers are leading experts in their fields, says Dr. Robin Parks, CNMD co-director and senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
“Our research covers the spectrum from rare disease gene discovery and fundamental NMD molecular and stem cell research, to rare disease clinical trials,” he says. “CNMD researchers have published over 600 manuscripts in high-impact journals in recent years.”
Formed in 1999, CNMD and its researchers have secured more than $60 million in external research funding since 2010. The Centre is a proud member of the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa’s largest collection of basic researchers and clinician scientists focused on brain and mind-related health.
“Without a doubt it’s an exciting time for research in Ottawa,” say Dr. Warman Chardon. “This award helps validate the Centre’s accelerating efforts to contribute to novel therapies and treat these devastating disorders.”