Advancing Celiac Research in Canada: Key Takeaways from the Research Canada Stakeholder Action Roundtable

By Melissa Secord
February 2025

As a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with celiac disease, Celiac Canada actively participates in discussions that shape the future of health research and innovation in Canada. In February, we attended the Research Canada Stakeholder Action Roundtable in Ottawa, where leaders from across the health research ecosystem gathered to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for improving Canada’s research and innovation landscape.

Here are some key takeaways that impact the celiac community and our path forward:

The Need for Stronger Research Investment in Canada

Dr. Frederic Bouchard’s report highlighted Canada’s declining investment in research and development compared to other leading nations. While countries like Korea, Germany, and the U.S. have significantly increased their R&D spending, Canada’s investment has dropped to just 1.71% of GDP. This decline affects all areas of medical research, including celiac disease.

What This Means for Celiac Disease Research:

We need to frame celiac research as a national interest and a critical investment in public health.
A coordinated, long-term research strategy for celiac disease in Canada is essential.
We must collaborate with universities, research hospitals, and industry partners to attract funding and talent.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Patients

One major theme of the conference was the importance of patient engagement in health research. Organizations like INVOLVE CANADA emphasize that research must be designed with patient outcomes in mind.

Celiac Canada’s Role:

We will continue to push for patient-focused research that addresses the real-world challenges of those living with celiac disease.
We aim to explore new ways to involve patients in clinical trials and research efforts, ensuring their voices shape the studies being conducted.

Leveraging AI and Data for Better Healthcare

AI and data-sharing initiatives were a hot topic at the conference. Canada lags behind other countries in utilizing patient data to drive research and improve health outcomes.

Potential Impact for Celiac Research:

Encouraging patients to participate in a national biobank or registry could accelerate celiac research.

AI-powered diagnostics and predictive models could help detect celiac disease earlier and improve treatment outcomes.

Partnerships with organizations like Mitacs could help integrate AI-driven health solutions into routine care.

Collaboration is Key: Building a National Strategy for Celiac Disease

The roundtable emphasized that research should not be approached in silos. A unified national strategy is necessary for meaningful progress. As Canada moves toward a more integrated approach to research funding and collaboration, we need to ensure celiac disease is included in national health priorities.

Next Steps for Celiac Canada:

Work with the U15 Group of Research Universities to develop a strategy for attracting top talent to celiac research.

Collaborate with organisations such as the Health Charities Coalition and Brain Research Network to expand areas of cross-sectoral research.

Advocate for a national celiac disease strategy that prioritizes research funding and patient care.

Explore potential partnerships with Dietitians of Canada to advance training and education on celiac disease management.

A Call to Action: Investing in Celiac Research for a Healthier Future

The Research Canada Stakeholder Action Roundtable made it clear that research investment is a choice. If we want Canada to lead in health research and innovation, we must advocate for increased funding, policy changes, and strategic partnerships. Celiac Canada is committed to ensuring that celiac disease research is part of this national conversation.

We invite our community to join us in this effort. Whether by participating in patient advocacy, sharing your story, or supporting research initiatives, your voice is essential in shaping the future of celiac disease care in Canada.

Together, we can make Canada a leader in celiac research and improve the lives of those affected by this disease. Stay tuned for updates on our advocacy efforts and ways you can get involved!