The Canadian Stroke Trainee Association in Research
We are excited to announce a new name and logo for our trainee association CanSTAR, the Canadian Stroke Trainee Association in Research, the go-to association for trainees in the field of stroke care. CanSTAR is the trainee association of the CanStroke Recovery Clinical Trials Platform (CanStroke), the StrokeCog Clinical Trials Training Platform (StrokeCog), and the the Canadian Platform for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (CanStim) and this initiative aims to foster collaboration, mentorship, and professional development opportunities within the vibrant community of stroke researchers and clinicians across Canada and beyond.
CanSTAR is dedicated to creating an environment where trainees can connect, learn, and thrive in the dynamic landscape of stroke research and care. Whether you are a masters/doctoral student, medical student, resident, or fellow, CanSTAR provides a supportive network to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and advance your career in stroke-related disciplines.
Here’s what you can expect from CanSTAR:
Interdisciplinary Training Opportunities in Stroke Research
- Experiential Translational Workshops – e.g., Stroke Program in Neurorecovery (SPiN) Workshop (November 25-26, 2024 in Calgary)
- Advanced Training Workshops
Networking & Collaborations
- Social events
- Peer-to-peer networking (DONUT be a Stranger)
- Scientific and career development events
Mentorship
- Peer mentorship program
- Governance observership program (NEW)
Whether you are a masters/doctoral student, medical student, resident, or fellow CanSTAR provides a supportive network to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and advance your career in stroke-related disciplines.HOW TO SIGN UP: Follow the brief survey below to join CanSTAR (there is no cost to join!): Mailing List Sign Up
This experiential translational workshop, which has been successfully running since 2003, provides trainees will have hands-on interactive exposure to ongoing clinical research in active trial settings at partnering academic institutions. During this multi-day workshops trainees will visit labs at institution(s) near the conference location and have hands-on exposure to trial protocols, and interact with the clinical trials team and patient participants.
The next SPiN Workshop will occur in Nov 25-26, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta. To apply to attend the 2024 SPiN Workshop, click here.
There is limited funding for trainees to attend – to apply, click here.
A new initiative this year for CanSTAR members is the Governance Observership Program which offers trainees a unique chance to participate in meetings and observe the decision-making processes of our three partnering platforms and the Canadian Stroke Consortium.
Trainees will receive mentorship and support from experienced members of the stroke research community on:
- Navigating committee dynamics
- Understanding governance principles
- Developing leadership skills
Selected trainees will be paired and rotated monthly on the different executive committees. Trainees will be required to commit to a minimum term of one year. No previous experience sitting on governance committees is necessary. The program will include online education modules to familiarize members with governance structures, EDI in governance, effective communication and decision-making in committees, and how to chair an executive committee meeting.
Applications for the Governance Observership are ongoing. The application process will include submission of a resume/CV and a statement of interest outlining your motivation for participating in the program. Please email your applications to Holly at info@canadianstroke.ca.
Each month, you will be paired with another CanSTAR member to have a brief virtual or in-person meeting to expand your network and meet fellow stroke research trainees.
If you are not already signed up for the DONUT be a Stranger networking program and would like to join, please email Holly at info@canadianstroke.ca!
Applications are open now to join the CanSTAR Executive Committee. The Committee is made up of representatives from each of the three partnering platforms (CanStroke, StrokeCog, and CanStim), with a mix of experience in clinical trials and basic science research.
Benefits of becoming a CanSTAR Executive Committee Chair:
- Exposure within CanStroke, StrokeCog, CanStim and the broader stroke research community.
- Developing connections with a large network of stroke research trainees, who are your future colleagues and collaborators.
- Experience as the Chair of a national association that you can highlight on your CV and within award/funding and job applications.
The EC meets bi-weekly for one (1) hour to plan and coordinate CanSTAR activities.
Successful applicants will serve a one year term of committee membership, with the possibility of a second year renewal. Open to all research trainees (e.g., graduate student, post-doctoral research fellow, clinical fellow involved in research, etc.) working in the area of stroke research.If you are interested in joining, please submit your resume/CV along with a brief statement of interest, including your institutional affiliation and supervisor. Applications are open now until June 15th, 2024. Please email your applications to Holly at info@canadianstroke.ca.
