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Thank you for making CDANXT 2025 incredible!

Thanking our 2025 CDANXT speakers

CDANXT 2025 brought together a remarkable group of leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across Canada and around the world. Each speaker brought unique insight and expertise, helping to shape the future of health research and innovation.

David Coletto

CEO and a founding partner of Abacus Data

Christine Lennon

General Manager for Incyte Biosciences Canada

Nadia Levin

CEO and Managing Director at Research Australia

Jenny Luray

Senior Vice President for Strategy and Public Engagement at Research!America

Susan Marlin

CEO of Clinical Trials Ontario

Cate Murray

President and CEO, Stem Cell Network

Linxi Mytkolli

Director of Patient Engagement at Diabetes Action Canada

Anna Nilsson

Vindefjärd, Secretary General at Research!Sweden

Tessie Sanci

Deputy Editor, The Hill Times

Ryan Wiley

President, Shift Health

Anne Woods

Managing Director of Life Sciences, RBCx

Brad Wouters

Executive Vice President, University Health Network

Chenny Xia

CEO, Gotcare

Eva Reddington

VP, MITACS

Constance LeBlanc

President & CEO, Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada

Jessica Diniz

President & CEO, Breakthrough T1D

Robin Shaban

Canadian economist, public policy expert and Partner at 2R

Dr. Paul Hebert

President, CIHR

Dr. Kumanan Wilson

CEO/CSO, Bruyère Research Institute

Blake Daly

Innovation Lead, Director of LTC Innovation at Bruyère Health

Robert Asselin

CEO U15

Patrick Odnokon

CEO Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation

Dr. Bettina Hamelin

President, Innovative Medicines Canada

André Picard

Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail

Bill Dempster

President, 3Sixty Public Affairs

Alison Evans

President & CEO, Research Canada

Step into the conversation

Join us next year as fellow leaders shape the future of health research and innovation.

CDANXT 2025 at a glance

Morning
The day opened with registration, networking, and sponsor programming before a series of keynote addresses and discussions set the tone for the event. Speakers explored how Canada’s health sector can evolve from a cost centre to a driver of economic growth, with insights from leaders across Canada and around the world.

Late Morning
Morning sessions examined the importance of a healthy and skilled workforce and the need to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem by moving research from discovery to delivery. Attendees connected over a networking lunch and special presentation.

Afternoon
Afternoon programming focused on mobilizing public support for transformative research, reimagining health care systems through innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration and change. Panel discussions and armchair conversations brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders for an engaging exchange of ideas.

Evening
The event concluded with a networking reception and awards celebration recognizing leadership and impact across Canada’s health research and innovation community.

Your travel hub

Travel Discounts

In 2025, we offered special discounted airfares through our airline partners including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines to help make your trip to the conference easier and more affordable. There are also VIA Rail discounts.

Accomodations

Guests enjoyed exclusive group rates at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, just a short walking distance from the venue.

Our sponsors

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations that champion health research and innovation in Canada.

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

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