Behind every successful clinical trial is a team of clinical research professionals who work directly with study participants, coordinate research activities, manage data, and help ensure studies meet ethical and regulatory requirements.
Yet despite their crucial role, they face many challenges including unclear career paths, inconsistent job titles, limited recognition and unstable employment. For a workforce that helps make life-changing research possible, that needs to change.
The Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) is a funder and partner in Canada’s Clinical Research Workforce Strategy, a national initiative convened by N2 Canada that brings together research institutions, health-care organizations and industry partners from across the country. Its goal is to strengthen recruitment, training, retention, and career development, thus creating a more stable and sustainable clinical research workforce.
Jessica Vincent
“PHRI’s participation in this initiative aligns with our vision of transforming health outcomes through pioneering research, operational excellence, and collaborative partnerships,” said Jessica Vincent, head of operations at PHRI and a member of the strategy’s leadership committee.
The strategy focuses on creating consistency and stability for clinical research professionals at every stage of their careers. Key priorities include:
- harmonizing job titles, role descriptions and qualifications
- defining career entry and advancement pathways
- establishing salary benchmarks and promoting equitable compensation
- strengthening professional recognition
- supporting internationally trained health professionals and newcomers to Canada.
Supporting clinical research professionals not only benefits research institutes, but also patients and the health system. A stronger, more supported workforce can help reduce delays in clinical trials, improve the quality of research data, support safer study conduct, and speed up access to new treatments and therapies. It can also help organizations retain experienced professionals and open doors for the next generation entering the field.
For nearly three decades, clinical research professionals have been central to PHRI’s success. Their expertise has enabled the institute to conduct large-scale national and international studies that generate evidence to inform health-care decisions and improve patient outcomes in Canada and around the world.
“Clinical research professionals are the backbone of every study we run at PHRI. We have seen first-hand how skilled and dedicated this workforce is,” said Vincent.
“This strategy is our chance to give back.”
By working together, organizations across the country are helping build a stronger foundation for clinical research professionals and for the future of health research in Canada. “Empowering clinical research professionals means empowering the research itself. When this workforce thrives, so does our ability to generate evidence that improves health and saves lives.”
