As a result of diminishing funds for anesthesia-related research from provincial and national agencies through the 1970's and 1980's, the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society identified that new funding for focused laboratory and clinically-based research would be essential in advancing the knowledge base of the specialty. Only in this manner would continuous improvements in clinical anesthesia,perioperative medicine,and acute and chronic pain management be ensured. As a result, The Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation (CARF)was founded in 1979 to administer research funds, and provide support to researchers in anesthesia who are members of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society. The funding framework allowed the CAS to launch the Society's Research Grants Program in 1985, with the first annual CAS Research Award being presented to Dr. Howard Nathan for his work on "Anesthetics and Myocardial Ischemia". Today,the Program administers over $300,000 annually in the following target areas:

  • Operating Grants (New Investigator, Open Awards, and Subspecialty Awards)
  • Fellowship Awards (Research training Award)
  • Career Scientist Awards (Two Salary Awards to support the investigator's non-clinical research time)
  • Resident Research Award

The Awards are administered annually, based upon the peer-review process and recommendations of the CAS Research Committee.

The Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation is a registered charitable organization. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes a Chair, Vice-Chair, Executive Director, an accountant, and representatives from the Canadian Anesthesiologist's Society, as well as three industry representatives. A formal set of by-laws governs the composition, directions, and investment policy of the Foundation. An Investment Committee meets on a quarterly basis with an independent financial consultant to review and update investment strategies. The Foundation meets at least yearly at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society, where it also reports
to the Executive and the membershp of the Society.