To help researchers and managers stay current, Nova Scotia Health offers and recommends professional development opportunities that can help professionals strengthen research capacity and enhance research excellence.
Research Education Program
Health research has increased in magnitude, diversity, and complexity over the years. This has required the development of new research standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern the conduct of research, ensure participants are protected, and ensure that high quality-data is collected. Given this evolution, specific training and education are required on an ongoing basis for research team members. Nova Scotia Health’s Research Methods Unit and IWK Health are committed to working together to address this need. The Research Education Program offers a number of educational opportunities open to all members of the research community at Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health.
Research placement for students
The Research Education Program also facilitates Dalhousie University’s Research In Medicine (RIM) student placements to ensure requirements are met. This includes an existing affiliation agreement between Nova Scotia Health, the academic institution, and a supervisor (Nova Scotia Health staff or affiliate scientist.)
Research Education streams
The Nova Scotia Health Research Education Program has organized its educational offerings into three main streams. Topics are based on needs and demand from the research community. These sessions are available remotely through Skype for Business. Pre-registration is not required. Please see below for a complete list of currently available sessions.
Nova Scotia Health Supports and Services for Research Stream
Nova Scotia Health Research employees and managers are the heart of many research projects, yet they often have minimal training or direction as they navigate the Nova Scotia Health research system. To overcome this inefficiency, key skill-building sessions are recommended for Nova Scotia Health research employees and Principal Investigators conducting Nova Scotia Health REB approved research. Participants can expect to become more confident professionals who develop a more thorough understanding of internal Nova Scotia Health research processes. New research skills should lead to timelier turn-around on project tasks, and ability to maximize efficiency of research funds.
Additional program opportunities
In addition to the Research Education Streams, the Research Education Program offers a number of other supports for health professionals and students ranging from regulatory consultations to international certification opportunities. These education opportunities are not available remotely or as post-session recordings—please contact the Research Education Program Manager to register or for more information.
Diving into clinical trials? Sink or Swim! Workshop
This two-day interactive workshop focuses on the practical application of Health Canada’s Regulations and Standards to the conduct of clinical trial research in Canada—emphasis is on research of unapproved interventions (drugs, devices, and or natural health products). The workshop was developed for new research employees or for those looking for a research refresher.
Supports for investigator-sponsored regulated clinical trials
Investigator-sponsored clinical trials represent an important component of the research conducted at Nova Scotia Health. When these trials involve a drug or natural health product, compliance with certain regulations and guidelines is mandatory, and the researcher assumes sponsor responsibilities. Supports offered can help you navigate the regulations and guidelines that apply.
Transportation of dangerous goods training
Please contact the Research Services Administrative Assistant if you require this training.
Professional Development Organizations
There are several organizations dedicated to professional development in research.
The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
A non-profit, charitable and educational membership organization committed to providing education, certification, and networking opportunities to all people involved in clinical research activities. Research staff who meet specific criteria are eligible to write SOCRA’s certification exam to be recognized as a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). This exam is offered periodically in Halifax. Eligible sessions in our Research Standards and Regulations stream qualify for SOCRA continuing education credits.
The Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
A diverse network of industry leaders, ACRP works in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries, as well as in hospitals, academic medical centres and physician office settings. We are doctors, nurses and scientists all sharing the same dedication to promoting and advancing the highest standards and practices in clinical research worldwide
Canadian Association of University Research Administrators (CAURA)
Founded in 1971, CAURA is a national association of individuals committed to advancing the profession; to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of research administration at Canadian universities and other post-secondary institutions; to maintaining a strong presence and coherent voice on key issues relevant to research; and to fostering cooperation and links with other organizations active in the management and administration of research.
Society of Research Administrators International (SRA)
Founded in 1967, the SRA is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the profession and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of research administration. Through innovative programs and a wide variety of outreach programs, SRA International continuously seeks to broaden and diversify its membership base. With over 3,000 members around the world, the Society is the premier international organization for research administrators in all settings, on all levels, and in all fields.
National Council on Ethics in Human Research (NCEHR)
The mission of the NCEHR is to advance the protection and promotion of the well being of human participants in research and to foster high ethical standards for the conduct of research involving humans.
Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS)
A tutorial for the TCPS can be found here. A certificate is issued upon completion of the tutorial.
Program Drug Information Association’s Clinical Investigator Certification Program (DIA CIC)
Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards (CAREB)
