NMD4C: The Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada

Congratulations to the 2026 NMD4C Awards Recipients!!!

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 NMD4C Awards, recognizing excellence, leadership, and impact across Canada’s neuromuscular research community. In this fourth cycle, the program introduces two new award categories, and expand on our ability to celebrate the work of contributions of trainees and patient partners who strengthen our national network: 

• Trainee Publication of the Year: recognizing an outstanding publication led by a trainee 
• Patient‑Oriented Research (POR) Publication of the Year: recognizing excellence in patient‑partnered research 

Biomedical Research Awardees: 

• Trainee Publication of the Year: Jules Granet, PhD Candidate, McGill University 
• Early Career Researcher of the Year: Dr. Emanuela Pannia, Postdoctoral Researcher, The Hospital for Sick Children.
• Publication of the Year: Dr. Nicolas Dumont, Associate professor, Rehabilitation Department, University of Montréal & Principal Investigator, Musculoskeletal Health Research axis, Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center

Clinical Research Awardees: 

• Early Career Researcher of the Year: Dr. Vincent Picher-Martel, Neurologist, CHU de Quebec & Assistant Professor, Laval University 
• Publication of the Year: Dr. Kerri Schellenberg, NMD4C Investigator, Neuromuscular Neurologist, University of Saskatchewan & Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan.

Patient‑Oriented Research (POR) Publication of the Year: 

• Dr. Patricia Mortenson, Occupational Therapist (OT), BC Children’s Hospital & Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT) & Instructor with the Rehabilitation Sciences Online Programs (RSOP), University of British Columbia

In partnership with dedicated NMD4C Patient Partners Corinne Kagan, Claudia Maltais, Linda Niksic, and Margo Thompson.

We would also like to recognize the contributions of NMD4C leadership and staff co-authors, including Dr. Kathryn Selby, Dr. Homira Osman, Dr. Erin Beattie and Dr. Victoria Larocca (former NMD4C coordinator), whose expertise, collaboration, and ongoing commitment continue to strengthen the work and impact of our network. 

Through our annual awards, we are recognizing the outstanding achievements made by neuromuscular researchers and clinicians at all levels, on behalf of the Canadian neuromuscular community. This award program is an important part of our network’s broader strategy to support and elevate Canadian trainees and early career neuromuscular investigators. 

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. We look forward to presenting this award to our awardees at the NMD4C Annual Meeting in Calgary on September 25th, 2026 and hosting the competition again next year. Details on the 2027 application process will be made available on our Annual Awards page.  

Learn More About the Award Recipients