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...
Applications are now open for the 2026 NMD4C Basic Research Summer School!!!
Application Deadline: January 27, 2026 | We are excited to announce that applications are now open for our third Basic Research Summer School for neuromuscular research trainees! Led by Dr. Mireille Khacho, the 2026 NMD4C Basic Research Summer School will be held from June 8th to 10th at the University of Ottawa.
Call for Applications: Join the NMD4C Basic Science Trainee Committee (BSTC)
We are now accepting applications from graduate students, research trainees, and postdoctoral fellows working in neuromuscular labs in Canada.
Basic Science Trainee Committee Launches Pre-Clinical Science Standard Operating Procedures
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the BSTC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), now available through the NMD4C Resource Hub. These SOPs provide standardized guidance for laboratories, clinics, and research programs across Canada, supporting consistent, high-quality neuromuscular care and research. Explore the full SOP Library and other open-access resources designed to advance collaboration and strengthen practices nationwide.