Clinical trials are how today’s discoveries become tomorrow’s medicines. They play a crucial role in evaluating new treatments and ensuring British Columbians can access better medical care. A strong clinical trials ecosystem also drives economic growth, supporting jobs and investment.

 

British Columbia is home to more than 100 clinical research sites and an expansive network of more than 600 clinical investigators. Our clinical trials ecosystem is driven by substantial investment, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to innovation. Looking ahead, there is a significant opportunity to build on these strengths and enhance BC’s global competitiveness.

 

Health Research BC plays a key role in advancing British Columbia’s shared vision for clinical trials. We invest in talent and partner on system-change initiatives with the common goal of strengthening the clinical trials ecosystem. Through these actions, we increase clinical trials activity and investments across BC. 

 

Key activities: 

• Health Research BC commissioned a situational analysis of BC’s clinical trials ecosystem. The report evaluated the current state of the province’s clinical trials ecosystem, compared it with other provinces, and assessed BC’s overall competitiveness in clinical trials.  

• Health Research BC is supporting Clinical Trials British Columbia to take the lead role in coordinating a provincial approach to clinical trials. This responds to a key recommendation from the situational analysis report calling for a single organization to fill the role of clinical trials ecosystem convener. 

• Health Research BC has convened the Advancing Clinical Trials in BC Working Group, a time-bound provincial working group representing academia, the health system, health research-related organizations, government, and life sciences. The group is tasked with advancing insights from the situational analysis report.  

 

Visit clinicaltrialsbc.ca to learn about Clinical Trials British Columbia programs and activities.