The growth of Alberta’s clinical trial environment is dependent on the development of a sustainable and highly qualified workforce. Building this workforce is a strategic priority for the Alberta Clinical Research Consortium (ACRC), a collaborative initiative managed by Alberta Innovates that works to build clinical research capacity and capabilities in the province.

To support this strategy in talent development, Alberta Innovates invested $286,250 to fund 17 clinical trial trainees at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. These trainees were co-funded by awards under the 2023-2024 Clinical Trial Training Platforms (CTTP)CANTRAIN, CAN-TAP-TALENT, CBITN, StrokeCog, and CANSTAT. In addition to salary support, trainees have access to a community of experts and mentors across the country, bringing knowledge and skills to Alberta. 

Alberta Innovates is pleased to announce our commitment to ongoing clinical trials talent development for the upcoming 2024-2025 awards competition. Supporting clinical trials talent allows Alberta to continue growing our capacity to evaluate new therapies, promote the integration of research into care for Albertans, and sustain our growing clinical trials economy.

QUOTES

“Opportunities to advance your career in the life sciences and clinical trials are growing in Alberta. The commitment to training that Alberta Innovates has made, while leveraging the national effort, is critical to ensure that the talent and expertise needed in Alberta is available in Alberta.”

– Dr. Lawrence Richer, Associate Dean, Health Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta.

 

“We have a growing research and innovation ecosystem here in Alberta.  Alberta Innovates’ investment in talent development, through partnership with the Canadian Network for Statistical Training in Trials and other national programs, ensure that a new generation of Alberta-based methodologists and trialists are equipped with the much-needed expertise in modern trial designs  and analytical expertise to evaluate promising therapies and interventions for healthcare innovation.”

– Dr. Tolu Sajobi, Professor, Departments of Community Health Sciences and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. 

 

“Alberta is a premier destination for clinical trials, supported by a highly skilled clinical research workforce. Our partnership with the Clinical Trial Training Platforms will expand the necessary talent for Alberta to continue executing on high-quality, efficient and integrated clinical trials.” 

— Tim Murphy, Vice President, Health, Alberta Innovates, and Chair, Alberta Clinical Research Consortium.  

Alberta trainees can still apply to several CTTPs for the 2024-2025 competition by May 31, 2024.