FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mitacs and CPCoE Partnerto Build Capacity in Veteran Chronic Pain Research
Montreal, QC - September 15, 2026 – On the occasion of the CPCoE’s 6th annual workshop, the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) and Mitacs are highlighting the progress of their national partnership to build research capacity and advance solutions in Veteran health and chronic pain research across Canada.
Mitacs connects research talent with organizations to deliver a return on innovation, helping turn research expertise into solutions that address real-world challenges.
Through a coordinated two-year initiative, Building Capacity in Veteran Chronic Pain Research, CPCoE and Mitacs are supporting the development of the next generation of researchers and changemakers.
With 250 internship units approved, the partnership will provide undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, with research collaboration opportunities that enable vital work responding to the needs of Canadian Veterans living with chronic pain.
“The partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting research talent, expertise and investment to challenges that matter to Veterans,”said Dr. Abhimanyu Sud, Chief Scientific Officer at CPCoE. “Chronic pain and related health challenges require sustained, multidisciplinary research, while emerging researchers need opportunities to work on meaningful problems alongside organizations connected to the communities they serve.”
Since announcing the Mitacs partnership in June 2026, CPCoE has seen a remarkable increase in research capacity-building activity, with 11 initiatives and postdoctoral fellowships already underway, compared with 12 initiatives supported over the previous five years. These include four doctoral, three master’s, one François Dupéré Master’s, and three postdoctoral fellowship opportunities, involving six institutions across three provinces and representing $590,000 in committed funding. By helping mobilize this research activity across Canada, Mitacs is enabling CPCoE to support more emerging researchers, accelerate projects in areas such as chronic pain, mental health, digital health, peer support, and Veteran well-being, and grow the national network of expertise working to improve the lives of Veterans and their families.
For CPCoE, the partnership strengthens its ability to connect research priorities, expertise and relationships needed to advance Veteran health. It also creates stronger pathways for knowledge exchange and impact by connecting researchers, institutions, government, health organizations, policymakers and community partners across the country.
“Mitacs is committed to advancing research that delivers meaningful outcomes for Canadians, and our collaboration with CPCoE is an important part of that effort,” said Derek Newton, Senior Vice-President, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Mitacs. “By supporting emerging researchers and translating knowledge into action, we can help improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of Veterans.”
Together, Mitacs and CPCoE are building a national community of practice that connects investment, research talent and expertise to create meaningful impact for Veterans. The initiative is designed to expand Veteran health research opportunities, build new collaborations across sectors and disciplines, develop the next generation of research talent and connect expertise from coast to coast.
About CPCoE
The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans advances research, knowledge translation, and collaboration to improve the prevention and management of chronic pain among Canadian Veterans. Working with partners across the country, CPCoE supports evidence-informed solutions that enhance care, policy, and quality of life for Veterans and their families.
About Mitacs
Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Mitacs co-funds innovation partnerships that get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.
Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.
A not-for-profit organization founded in 2001, Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.
