Research Programs
Since its inception in 1998, the Arthritis & Autoimmunity Research Centre at the University Health Network has combined clinical and applied studies with basic science research to become one of the most comprehensive centres of its kind. Its research team includes leaders in genomic medicine, immunology, health services research, medical imaging, rheumatology, and orthopaedics. AARC scientists are the principals associated with a number of centres and programs including:
Arthritis Centre of Excellence (ACE)
ACE, founded in 1998, is a state-of-the art facility that performs investigative research into autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Experts in rheumatology, immunology, and orthopaedic surgery collaborate under the direction of Dr.Robert Inman.

Arthritis Community Research and Evaluation Unit (ACREU)
ACREU was established in 1992 to study the impact and management of arthritis. Under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Badley, the multidisciplinary research team seeks to identify deficiencies in existing treatment and support services, and to assist in the development of new policies and programs. ACREU plays a key role in providing critical information to the provincial and federal governments so as to enhance arthritis care via the health care system.

Canadian Network for Improved Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (CaNIOS)
Founded in 1995, CaNIOS was initially created to direct a randomized controlled multi-centre study of Methotrexate Lupus Erythematosus (SMILE). Chaired by Dr. Paul Fortin, CaNIOS links together lupus experts from across the country to conduct additional studies related to the disease. The organization has now received a number of peer-reviewed grants, and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and abstracts.

Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis & Autoimmune Disease
The Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis & Autoimmune Disease (RMCAD) at Mount Sinai Hospital integrates clinical patient care with innovative, genetics-based research for rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Under the direction of Dr. Edward Keystone, RMCAD is home to the Division of Advanced Therapeutics, the largest and most successful clinical trial program in Canada. The Division is devoted to the study of new and innovative therapies for rheumatic diseases with an emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

The Centre for Prognosis Studies in Rheumatic Diseases
Since its founding in 1996, the Centre for Prognosis Studies in Rheumatic Diseases has been a unique resource for clinical research in rheumatic diseases. It follows large patient bases with defined rheumatic diseases, including lupus and psoriatic arthritis, in long-term prospective studies. Under the direction of Drs. Murray Urowitz, Dafna Gladman, and Paul Fortin, the Centre's Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic has become the largest of its kind in the world, with 878 patient visits in 2004. The Lupus Clinic has been following a patient group according to standard protocol since 1970, and currently has 1240 patients enrolled in its registry.