The Department of Surgery is delighted to share highlights from the 29th Canadian Connective Tissue Conference (CCTC) 2025, hosted this year at McGill University.
CCTC is an annual gathering organized by the Canadian Connective Tissue Society (CCTS), drawing together researchers, engineers, clinicians, and trainees dedicated to advancing connective tissue science. Since its modest beginnings in Montreal, the conference has grown into a nationally recognized event, rotating among top academic institutions each year. This year’s conference was co-chaired by Dr. Rahul Gawri, a faculty member from the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, and welcomed 123 participants.
A hallmark of CCTC is its strong focus on trainee involvement, offering young scientists hands-on experience in conference organization and leadership development. This year’s program featured a unique preconference workshop on Bullying, Harassment, and Team Building, which received outstanding feedback from attendees. The conference also showcased eight keynote presentations by renowned experts and included 86 high-impact abstract submissions, with 32 selected for podium presentations and 54 for poster sessions.
Recognition of excellence was a central theme, with 13 travel awards, 8 Best Podium Awards, and 7 Best Poster Awards presented. Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Robin Poole Investigator Award were presented with Dr. Lisbet Haglund from the Department of Surgery honored as this year’s Robin Poole Investigator.
The Department of Surgery is proud to have partnered with the CCTC 2025 organizing committee, supporting both the event and its fundraising efforts. We remain committed to fostering scientific excellence, empowering the next generation of leaders, and advancing the field of connective tissue research. Congratulations to all participants and award recipients for making this year’s conference a remarkable success!
