Resources

The key functionof the NCCR is to provide infrastructure support to northern clinical and biomedical researchers either as a point of triage to its partners or directly. This will primarily take the form of research administration including support and guidance for:

• Grant proposal development
• Budget development and management
• Norther Health Operational approval
• Biosafety
• Phlebotomy and sample processing
• Regulatory and Research Ethics Board applications
• Clinical trial administration
• Research contracts
• Clinical research training
• Hiring and Supervision of clinical research staff

The NCCR provides computer equipment, software, VC facilities, data management/storage systems and freezers/refrigeration. depending on need and availability. The NCCR is on the process of developing and implementing the three-year strategic plan which will help to build capacity and infrastructure for clinical research.

For clinical trials, we envision that the NCCR will function as a clinical trials unit in the north that can coordinate with units in the lower mainland to enable northern people to participate in multicentre trials. It will provide a resource and space for medical staff and other health care professionals in the north to receive advice and direct support to develop and conduct research projects with a knowledge translation intent. It will also support a learning health system approach that will visualize how data can inform policy and practice in fulfilment of the Rural Framework. These resources are not available to clinical and biomedical researchers in the north at present.

The NCCR will provide research training opportunities and mentorship for medical staff and other health care professionals interested in research across northern BC as well as graduate students, MD and undergraduate students at UBC and UNBC, and UBC Residents.

The Centre will host a seminar series and research days to connect clinical faculty and trainees. There will be opportunities for internal competitive research funding and initiatives to encourage co-supervision of research trainees.