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The Canadian Cancer Trials Group Operations and Statistics Centre

CCTG MSI Education and Training
Education and Training

As a Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Major Science Initiative (MSI) the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) Operations and Statistics Centre (OSC) mandate extends beyond trial delivery—it also strengthens the national clinical trials workforce required to operate a research facility of pan-Canadian importance. Education and training provided through CCTG OSC ensures that the network has the highly qualified personnel needed to design, launch, manage, analyze, and report complex, multicentre clinical trials to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

These programs provide practical, trial-ready competencies that are not typically covered in standard degree programs. Last year nearly 1,000 network members accessed CCTG OSC education and training opportunities.

Building capacity for investigators and trial conduct across Canada

The CCTG OSC has structured learning pathways for investigators and trial teams:

  • Training physician trainees and clinician-scientists in trial methodology and delivery during MD oncology sub-specialty training through Kingston Health Sciences Centre;
  • Longer-term training opportunities (including fellowships) for postgraduate trainees in biostatistics, oncology specialties and other allied disciplines;
  • Targeted training for the teams embedded at participating centres working on trials day-to-day—clinical research associates, nurses, data managers, research administrators, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. Offerings include practical workshops and longitudinal learning designed to reinforce standardized processes, documentation, participant safety, protocol adherence, and high-quality data capture;
  • Leadership development and mentoring through structured programming such as the New Investigator Practicum and VISION leadership training program for mid-career investigators to prepare clinical trial leaders of tomorrow to initiate and lead complex national and international studies; and,
  • Ensuring operational excellence within the CCTG OSC through a staff training framework that supports consistent, compliant, and high-performing facility operations.