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Researcher Services

Initiating and conducting a research study doesn’t have to be difficult. With our help, you can get through the process as quickly as possible. We offer a wide range of services to help get your research study started and help it run smoothly. If you need assistance, please contact us for training.

Researchers

OnCore CTMS is the right tool for the job: it is designed for clinical trials, is preferred by leaders in the field, and was carefully evaluated and selected by our people.

Organize and manage your clinical trials from start to finish.

Learn more about CTMS

Investigator-Initiated Research

We offer a variety of services to support investigator-initiated, grant-funded research during both pre-award and post-award stages.

Pre-award

A protocol describes your study in detail. Download interventional and observational protocol templates from the Office of Quality Management in Clinical Research (QMCR) and consult staff, if needed.

Study design and biostatistical support can help identify important study details. Access support through services such as WCHRI, EPICORE, SPOR, QMCR, and the Biostatistics Consulting Group.

We can support grant development and connect you with resources at the University of Alberta such as the Grant Assist Program. To access this support, email the Director of Clinical Research in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

We can help you build a justifiable budget, assist in writing letters of in-kind support, and consult with you as you’re developing a grant application.

We provide training and disclosure services to ensure compliance with NIH regulations.

If you are an Alberta- or Northwest Territories–based researcher who has a project with a patient-oriented focus, the Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) can help you connect with a network of services, expertise, and resources to help accelerate your research.

Post-award

We support the following approvals.

  • Operational Approval: Studies that use AHS property, resources, facilities, patients, or staff require operational approval, which can be obtained through NACTRC. Log in to NACTRC and select the “Get Started” tab to begin, or contact us for more information.
  • Health Canada Regulatory Approval: Studies involving “off-label” uses of marketed drugs, natural health products, devices, biologics, or new products or devices require Health Canada approval in the form of a No Objection Letter (NOL) or Investigational Testing Authorization (ITA). Contact the QMCR Office for help.
  • Biosafety Approval: Studies that use biological pathogens on AHS property may need safety review and approval, which can be supported through NACTRC.
  • Administrative Approval: Final administrative approval is provided by NACTRC, is subsequent to other approvals, and is required for all research conducted by University of Alberta–affiliated investigators in the Edmonton zone.

REDCap is used to help build and manage research projects online. This complimentary electronic data capture system can be accessed through WCHRI.

We provide risk-based remote and on-site clinical monitoring for all Health Canada–regulated studies that are sponsored by the governors of the University of Alberta.

Subsequent to significant changes with the storage provider, NACTRC is revisiting the facilitation of archiving for the research community. In the interim researchers are encourage to contact Western Archives or Iron Mountain.

We can provide you with a DSMB charter template and support you with the logistics.

As a member of N2, a full suite of Health Canada and FDA-approved SOPs are available to all University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services staff. Contact QMCR.

QMCR can assist you with clinicaltrials.gov registration.

Sponsored Research

If you’re approached by a sponsor about running a study, we can support you through the process.

We can develop and negotiate budgets on your behalf or provide templates to assist you.

We can assist you with feasibility questionnaires and arrange qualification tours of our site facilities.

We support the following approvals.

  • Operational Approval: Studies that use AHS property, resources, facilities, patients, or staff require operational approval, which can be obtained through NACTRC. Log in to NACTRC and select the “Get Started” tab to begin, or contact us for more information.
  • Biosafety Approval: Studies that use biological pathogens on AHS property may need safety review and approval, which can be supported through NACTRC.
  • Administrative Approval: Final administrative approval is provided by NACTRC, is subsequent to other approvals, and is required for all research conducted by University of Alberta–affiliated investigators in the Edmonton zone.

We will negotiate confidentiality and clinical trial agreements. Log in to NACTRC and select the “Get Started” tab to begin, or contact us for more information.

We can assist you with your study setup, ethics submission, participant recruitment and enrollment, study conduct, and more.

Our team can provide you with consulting services, advice, and mentorship to help you independently run your study.

Research Education

Training + Education

We host regular Q+A sessions about issues that matter to investigators and can direct you to various training courses as needed.

See Training + Education

Researcher Job Board

Looking for a new opportunity? We’re happy to share our partners’ job postings and help researchers like you find their next project.

AHS Jobs

University Jobs

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Download forms and documents needed to obtain quotes for AHS research lab services and apply for AHS research lab operational approval, as well as AHS lab regulatory documents for FDA and Health Canada Audits.

Alberta Precision Labs

Let’s get started. Contact us about your research needs.