New Course ‘Skills for Patient Oriented Research’ Added to ImPORTND Training Platform
The third and final module of our patient-oriented research training platform, ImPORTND, is now available! ‘Skills for Patient-Oriented Research’ teaches specific skills to help with patient-oriented research (POR), including how to develop an effective patient engagement plan, share and listen to patient stories, and evaluate project engagement.
Register for 'Skills for Patient-Oriented Research' here!
ImPORTND Platform
The ImPORTND platform offers online, self-directed, free neuromuscular-specific training on how to conduct research that is informed by, and most meaningful to individuals living with neuromuscular diseases and are designed for all members of the study team: including researchers, lab staff, and patient- and family partners. ImPORTND consists of three modules: Readiness for Patient-Oriented Reseach, Inclusion/Diversity/Equity/Accessibility (IDEA), and Skills for Patient-Oriented Research. All are available in English (imPORTND) and French (inFORMERMN). Learn more about the development of these training modules on the NMD4C website.
Free Training and Support Services
Taking the first steps towards establishing a patient-oriented research strategy can be the most challenging, which is why we are partnering with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) to offer free training and support services for both research teams and patients to empower all members of the research team to conduct research that is informed by, and most meaningful to individuals living with neuromuscular diseases.
We are working with MDC to connect research teams with trained patient partners whose experiences and research interests align with the proposed area of research, and support to compensate patient-partners for their involvement.
Take the Training
Begin the training here!
If you have any questions about the training, please contact network manager Erin Beattie at .
Read next...
Call for Applications: 2026 NMD4C Collaborative Research Training Awards
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026.
We are excited to share that the second cycle of our Collaborative Research Training Award program is now open for applications!
Congratulations to our NMD4C Investigators on Receiving a 2025 Defeat Duchenne Canada Research Grant!
NMD4C is proud to celebrate two of our esteemed Investigators, Dr. James Dowling and Dr. Laura McAdam, who have been awarded research grants through the 2026 Defeat Duchenne Canada funding program!
2026 NMD4C Application & Nomination Deadlines
As we start the new year, three important NMD4C opportunities are approaching their deadlines. Members are invited to nominate a researcher or publication for the Annual NMD4C Awards, apply to join the Basic Science Trainee Committee (BSTC), and apply to attend the 2026 NMD4C Basic Research Summer School, taking place June 8–10 under the leadership of Dr. Mireille Khacho. Registration for the summer school is free, with travel and accommodations covered for non‑local trainees.