CRIR 2021 Scientific Conference | A great success!
CRIR’s 20th anniversary Congress was held in virtual mode, from June 7 to 9, under the theme of “Catalysts of Innovation for Tomorrow’s Rehabilitation”. A total of 118 people presented their research results during this large-scale congress, in various formats: oral presentations that brought together researchers, clinicians, students and partners for the same project; student presentations under the theme “My research in 180 seconds”. Also, researchers, clinicians and students demonstrated their creativity during short “Pecha Kucha” or chats. In addition, 70 students, clinicians and researchers presented a poster during the virtual poster session of the “Carrefour des connaissances en déficience motrice, sensorielle et du langage“, held in collaboration with the Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and the CRIR’s Student Committee, during the first day of the congress. These presentations illustrated the richness of rehabilitation research at CRIR.
Distinguished speakers also punctuated the days of the congress. Joëlle Pineau, from McGill University, shared with us the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Michel Giroux explained how institutional feasibility (or “convenance”) has taken shape in Quebec, thanks to the work of CRIR’s REB. Robert Teasell, Western University, discussed the use of evidence for post-stroke interventions. Mahadeo Sukhai, from Queens University, described the work of the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) IDEA team on accessibility. We were also pleased to have Bean Gill speak at a public lecture. Bean shared her experiences following a spinal cord injury and how, through her resilience and determination, she founded the ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre.
Also in virtual mode, participants were able to attend a panel discussion on recognizing the value of professional skills and a networking event. The Lunchtime Gala featured a performance by the Théâtre Aphasique, followed by the presentation of the FRQS and CRIR awards for the best student oral and poster presentations, as well as two audience “Coup de cœur ” awards for the Pecha Kucha and “My research in 180 seconds” presentations. The Carrefour des connaissances also awarded “Coup de cœur” prizes to the three best posters of the virtual poster session. The gala also included the presentation of the new Eva Kehayia for a early career researcher Award (Stefano Rezzonico) and the Bonnie Swaine Clinician-Intervenor Award (Frédéric Loiselle). Congratulations to all the recipients!
CRIR’s 20th anniversary Congress was a great opportunity to get together and showcase rehabilitation research. We would like to thank all the presenters, participants, evaluation committee members, organizing committee members and financial partners who made this event a success.
The organizing committee
