Research in emergency medicine (EM) affects all aspects of emergency patient care, including among many others, the development of clinical decision rules, critical evaluations of current practices, overcrowding, improved practice guidelines based on best evidence, and new applications for diagnostic tools. Fostering a rich research environment requires education, funding, and a rigorous peer-review process. The CAEP Research Committee is pleased to support the development of EM-related research skills across Canada by administering two programs: an annual CAEP Grant Competition and the CAEP Abstract Competition.

Abstracts are the core of the annual research competition. This year for CAEP 2015 in Edmonton, we received 257 abstracts from EM researchers from across Canada and internationally. The top ranking abstracts submitted by CAEP members were afforded the opportunity to present at the plenary session, and the best resident, pediatric, new investigator, education innovation (introduced at CAEP 2014), and medical student abstracts were awarded financially to subsidize conference travel expenses. The promotion and dissemination of high-quality research, like that submitted to the annual CAEP Conference, is integral to the enhancement of Canadian EM research.

As part of the Research Committee commitment to support EM researchers, five CAEP research grants were awarded for the best proposals submitted by residents, fellows, and junior investigators. CAEP grants are known to have successfully launched new projects and the careers of EM researchers by providing funding support at a pivotal career point. These funds come from generous members of our community, so remember to support research.

The hours of work of that our volunteer reviewers contribute is critically important to the success of the Research Committee activities during the busy abstract and grant competitions. Each submission is thoroughly read, reviewed, and scored by at least three experienced reviewers. Those submitting grant proposals are supplied with reviewer comments, providing valuable feedback for these junior investigators. The Research Committee would like to thank the reviewers for their contribution and recognize their commitment to support EM research.

Finally, CAEP is dedicated to supporting Canadian EM research and is looking forward to continuing these efforts to encourage new and established researchers. Although I am stepping down as Research Committee Chair this June, I am pleased to continue working on the committee supporting the new chair and helping to support our colleagues in improving emergency patient care through research.

Disclaimer: The large number of submitted abstracts and the deadlines associated with publication do not permit the author communication, abstract revisions, or CJEM editorial review. The abstracts are presented, as they were submitted to the Research Committee. Only the author affiliation supplied by the presenting author is specified.

Note: The CAEP 2015 Final Program contains the scheduled times for the abstract presentations.

Dr. Rob GreenCAEP/ACMU Research Committee Chair