The purpose of the Canadian IBD Research Consortium (CIRC) is to promote research in inflammatory bowel diseases through collaboration of multiple Canadian centres; the result of this work will be materialized by scientific papers and publications.
CIRC may also design and organize vocational training and therapeutic education activities, both for health professionals and for patients. In addition, CIRC provides consultancy services.
The association consists of active members and benefactors:
(a) Active members are those who participate regularly in scientific activities. This may include scientific contribution through research study design, analysis, or contribution of patients and data for research studies. They are representatives of their own institutions within CIRC.
(b) The following persons shall be called benefactors: persons, societies or associations (including industry partners) liable to support the activities of CIRC through regular financial contributions or other assistance.
Scientific Committee: this committee is composed of clinicians and statisticians.
The Scientific Committee (SC) is comprised of members of CIRC and chaired by the Director of Research. The SC reviews research proposals submitted by CIRC members using an objective and structured format to decide on a proposal’s scientific merit and appropriateness for CIRC. The Director of Research presents the SC’s review to the Executive Committee for feedback and determination of funding. Successful proposals undergo revision through communication between the CIRC SC and the principal investigator and are presented by the PI at the annual CIRC meeting to seek approval and participation by the CIRC membership.