Biosafety for Research & Clinical Trials | Clinical Research | National Institutes of Health | University of Calgary | Ethics and Quality Improvement | Students
Training and education are key elements to a researcher's work. Below are a few resources to aid in maintaining and increasing research knowledge.
Research and clinical activities involving biohazards occurring within an Alberta Health Services (AHS) site are supported by an Institutional Biosafety Program that follows requirements outlined in the federal Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and Regulations (HPTR), the Canadian Biosafety Standard and Guidelines, as well as other national and international best practices for biosafety.
AHS is committed to the safe handling, use, storage and containment of biohazardous materials to protect anyone working in an AHS setting, employees of principle investigators and post-secondary institutions, patients, the public, and the environment through adherence to an Institutional Biosafety Program, which includes training through freely available courses. AHS staff can access courses through MyLearningLink on Insite; Non-AHS staff are able to access these courses below, as directed by the Biosafety Program.
Courses available include:
High quality research is performed by highly qualified staff. AHS as a partner of the Alberta Clinical Research Consortium endorses the following training recommendations for researchers and research staff.
Training courses are open to AHS employees by registering online with the CITI Program. The CITI program has been developed and vetted by the organization N2 (Network of Networks). All courses available on CITI meet Canadian standards. The Good Clinical Practice course is recognized by 12 major pharmaceutical companies.
Courses available include:
AHS is a member of N2 and has made N2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) available to AHS-affiliated researchers and staff. Contact research.administration@ahs.ca for more information.
The NIH provides training opportunities internally, as well as at universities and other institutions across the country.
The Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development offers the following annual courses:
The Health Research Methods Online Course provides an introduction to methods for undertaking health research. The entire health research process is described, beginning with the identification of a research question and the selection of a study orientation, proceeding through the collection and analysis of data, and ending with communication and dissemination of the research.
Biostatistics Workshops (Levels 1 & 2) include an introductory course in basic statistical concepts and methods, as well as an advanced course of discussion and practical application of the presentation of statistical methods and results for publication.
A Project Ethics Community Consensus Initiative (ARECCI) helps practitioners, agencies and organizations identify and mitigate ethical risks in program evaluations, quality improvement projects, needs assessments, health innovations and knowledge translation.
People assume that research studies pose ethical risks, but may not make the same assumption about quality improvement, program evaluation, needs assessment, and knowledge translation projects. However, the risks in these projects can be the same as those in research. The ARECCI framework helps project leads and teams address and mitigate these risks.
Courses are available for AHS staff through MyLearningLink.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
The IHI offers online courses (audio and video) in quality improvement.
Panel of Research Ethics - Government of Canada
Training in the use and application of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS 2)
(CORE): CORE provides an applied approach to the guidance provided in TCPS 2. This self-paced course provides a media-rich learning experience that features interactive exercises and multi-disciplinary examples. CORE consists of eight modules ranging from Core Principles to Research Ethics Board review. It is designed primarily for the use of researchers and REB members - though anyone may take this course.
(CORE) the goal of the panel's education program is to increase awareness and understanding of TCPS 2. These webinars are designed to complement the online tutorial and regional workshops by exploring important TCPS 2 topics as identified by the research community. Participate in live broadcasts of panel presentations addressing specific aspects of TCPS 2.
Training opportunities for Students
Students bring energy, enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn about health research. AHS is committed to providing a rich learning environment for students seeking training in research and evaluation.
High school students, undergraduates and graduate students have all worked in our research areas. Our teams develop and deliver research-learning opportunities in partnership with our academic partners. Our goal is to support students to develop research and evaluation skills that improve the health and well-being of all Albertans. We advocate for scientific rigour, evidence-based best practice and advancement of research priorities within AHS.
Students working on research projects may be included in many important research steps, from study design and data collection, to data analysis and interpretation. Students work under the supervision of a member of AHS staff and/or a faculty member of a post-secondary institution.
Learn more about Students Placements within AHS for research. You can also explore the Capacity Development Platform as part of the Alberta's SPOR SUPPORT Unit.
