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
- 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, learn about cutting edge research, and network with fellow trainees!
Details about the 2027 SPiN Workshop will be available here once confirmed.
A new initiative this year for CanSTAR members is the 2025 Fall Institute for Clinical Trial Design and Biostatistics.
Topics include:
- Intention To Treat vs. Per Protocol Analyses
- Frequentist vs. Bayesian Analytic Strategies
- Common Pitfalls & Reporting
- Multivariate Regression
- Power vs. Sample Size
- AI Embedded Trials
Applications are now closed.
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 are accepted on an ongoing basis.
As an update to the previous DONUT Be a Stranger Program, we are launching a group networking program to meet fellow stroke research trainees. Every three months, you will be grouped with four CanSTAR members/stroke research trainees to have a brief virtual meeting and learn more about research going on at other institutions.
To join the next cohort, please email info@canadianstroke.ca with your name, degree stage and institution.
The CanSTAR Executive 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.
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.
We are looking to fill several Executive Committee positions.
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.
To apply, please send the following to info@Canadianstroke.ca
– Your CV
– A brief statement of interest outlining your motivation to join the Executive Committee (up to 500 words)
– A description of your academic or non-academic leadership experience (up to 500 words)
Applications Due: September 11, 2026
Positions start: October 1, 2026
