At first, it was just a quiet nod across the room. Two researchers - strangers then - acknowledging one another at conferences and meetings where chiropractic science was still trying to find its global footing. One was an epidemiologist from Denmark. The other, a chiropractor from Canada. That silent greeting, exchanged more than 25 years ago, would eventually ignite a movement that helped reshape the chiropractic research landscape. It would also lead to one of the most inspiring collaborations in the profession’s history.

That simple beginning grew into a lasting friendship and professional partnership between Professors Jan Hartvigsen and Greg Kawchuk, one rooted in curiosity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to building something that hadn’t existed in chiropractic before - a global leadership program for emerging researchers.

That program became CARL - the Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership. In 2025, CARL lost one of its founders and brightest lights, Dr. Greg Kawchuk.

But to understand CARL’s significance, and to truly grasp the depth of the loss felt by the global chiropractic community, you have to start at the beginning.

A Meeting of Minds

It began gradually. Two respected professors, Hartvigsen and Kawchuk, had worked together on smaller research projects and Dr. Kawchuk had visited the University of Southern Denmark a few times. In 2015, they formalized their collaboration when Dr. Kawchuk became an adjunct professor, where he would spend two months every year teaching, mentoring, and learning.

One theme kept resurfacing in their conversations - talent. Where to find it, how to cultivate it, and how to support those early in their research careers. Chiropractic is a young profession from an academic perspective, and it had no organized system for mentoring and elevating new leaders. The field needed something more.

Then came a serendipitous encounter - over beer, no less - with Professor Jon Adams, a like-minded scholar from Sydney, Australia. Adams spoke about the importance of early career research networks and how his own experience in such a program at Oxford University had shaped his career trajectory. That conversation sparked something electric.

The three realized what chiropractic was missing. Within months, they had created CARL.

A Vision for the Future

CARL was never intended to be just another academic program. It was designed as a community where emerging researchers could connect, collaborate, and develop the skills needed to advance both their own careers and the profession as a whole.

Through annual residentials, mentorship, and collaboration, CARL fellows are exposed to world-class guidance and given tools to accelerate their careers. Many have gone on to lead influential research programs, secure academic appointments, and contribute to policy and practice around the world.

At the center of it all was Dr. Greg Kawchuk.

The Heart and Soul of CARL

“Greg Kawchuk was the glue in all of this,” says Hartvigsen. “He was charismatic and uniquely talented. When he came into a room, you immediately noticed him.”

Persuasive, passionate, and infectiously enthusiastic, Dr. Kawchuk had the rare ability to inspire people. He wasn’t just a researcher, but also a gifted mentor who encouraged others to think differently and aim higher.

After 15 years in practice, Dr. Kawchuk transitioned fully into research and eventually became the first Canada Research Chair in Spinal Function at the University of Alberta. His career included over 150 peer-reviewed publications and leadership positions such as Chair of the World Federation of Chiropractic Research Council.

His research interests ranged from spine stiffness and non-invasive diagnostics to national mental health surveys and global back care pathways. Whether developing new technology like VibeDX or championing the GLA:DBack and SelfBACK programs in Canada, Dr. Kawchuk was always at the forefront.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dr. Kawchuk brought people together. Students, colleagues, and collaborators all recall his generosity, energy, and ability to make meaningful connections. Those qualities made him an exceptional mentor and a driving force behind CARL’s success.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Since its launch in 2016, CARL has helped cultivate a global network of emerging chiropractic research leaders. Across its first two cohorts, 27 fellows from seven countries provided more than 100 collaborative peer-reviewed publications, completed 15 PhDs, secured numerous leadership appointments, and earned numerous awards.

The program’s impact extends beyond academic achievements. CARL II fellows secured more than €21.2 million in competitive research funding through 63 grants, demonstrating the program's role in strengthening research capacity and advancing innovation in chiropractic and musculoskeletal health.

Fellows consistently describe CARL as a career-defining experience, citing the mentorship, leadership development, and international collaborations that continue long after the program ends.

Investing in the Future

CARL III welcomed a new cohort of 16 fellows in 2025. Following the passing of Dr. Kawchuk, CARL I fellow Dr. Diana De Carvalho joined the mentorship team, highlighting how the program is now producing its own leaders.

To ensure that vision continued, the Chiropractic Association of Alberta established the Dr. Greg Kawchuk CARL Endowment Funding in honour of Professor Kawchuk’s legacy. Together with contributions from the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, the fund has already generated more than $150,000 CAD to support future CARL programming.

The mentors have chosen to dedicate these funds to launching CARL IV, ensuring future generations of researchers benefit from the mentorship, leadership development, and international collaboration that have become hallmarks of the program. Moving forward, the Dr. Greg Kawchuk CARL Endowment Fund will be recognized as sponsors of CARL, helping sustain its mission of building global research and leadership capacity within the chiropractic profession.

A Legacy That Lives On

The passing of Dr. Greg Kawchuk has left an irreplaceable void in the chiropractic community. Yet his impact continues through CARL and the countless researchers, students, and colleagues he inspired.

Professors Jan Hartvigsen, Jon Adams, and Diana De Carvalho are now leading the next chapter of CARL, ensuring the program continues to evolve while remaining true to its foundation.

 “Greg built something that mattered,” says Hartvigsen. “CARL will change now that Greg is no longer with us. He is still the spirit of CARL, now it’s up to us to carry it forward.”

Few individuals have shaped chiropractic research as profoundly as Dr. Kawchuk. His influence endures - echoing in the work, the passion, and the leadership of the next generation. The Dr. Greg Kawchuk CARL Endowment Fund  will provide lasting support for the CARL program, advancing international chiropractic research and leadership, while honouring Dr. Kawchuk’s legacy of innovation, collaboration and excellence.