REACH BC: A Provincial Platform for Clinical Trial Recruitment and Engagement
2026-01-13 00:00 (America/Toronto)
This presentation will introduce REACH BC, an initiative of Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Health Research BC. REACH BC is a provincial platform that connects British Columbians with opportunities to participate in clinical trials and health research. The team will share how the platform works, the types of studies researchers can recruit for, how REACH BC broadens and diversifies study recruitment, and how the platform reaches those in rural communities.
The session will also highlight how REACH BC enables researchers to share their study results, empowers the public to navigate research information, understand data use in studies, and contribute meaningfully to British Columbia’s research ecosystem.
As part of this session, we will also highlight the collaboration with Genome BC’s Health Metadata Commons (HMC). Through this partnership, both organizations are exploring ways to improve researcher access and streamline navigation between platforms, supporting a more connected and efficient research environment in British Columbia.
What you’ll learn in this session

Understand how REACH BC functions as a recruitment and engagement platform for clinical trials and health research.
Learn about REACH BC’s approach to privacy, data governance, and security for both volunteers and researchers, and how this ties into the collaboration with Health Metadata Commons.
Learn about considerations and approaches for supporting volunteers and diverse communities within provincial recruitment efforts.
Recognize how REACH BC supports researchers in finding participants and how volunteers engage with study information, patient partner opportunities, and results.

About Our Speakers
Michelle Chen
Platform Administrator, REACH BC
Michelle is the Platform Administrator for REACH BC, responsible for supporting researchers and volunteers using the platform. She oversees the optimization of the REACH BC site, including user experience and interface design, platform maintenance, and ongoing developments. Michelle’s work ensures the platform is user-friendly, accessible, and effective in connecting the public with health research opportunities across British Columbia.
Justine Clayton
Coordinator, REACH BC
Justine is the Coordinator for REACH BC, supporting the program’s operations and helping connect the public with health research opportunities across British Columbia. She assists with program initiatives, managing administrative tasks, project coordination, and contributes to educational resources and community events. Justine’s work helps ensure a smooth experience for both participants and researchers engaging with the REACH BC platform.

ASK US: ‘That was then, this is now’
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
The clinical trials landscape is undergoing its biggest surge of regulatory changes in the last two decades. As we enter the 17th year of ASK US, we return to a retro format with a dynamic and enthusiastic panel of local operations and quality specialists who will answer your most pressing compliance-related questions on the changes to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the Canadian interpretation of the new regulations as they are unfolding.
Don’t miss our first ASK US episode of 2026 – a focused look at how these regulatory changes will impact your trials and sites. Submit your questions to our panelists in advance for this special episode!

Learning objectives

Receive clarification and resource navigation on the application of new GCP and Canadian regulatory expectations for clinical trials across product lines
Learn about local compliance trends
Understand the importance of advance preparation for the impending changes to regulatory requirements

Host
Jean Smart
Regulatory Affairs & Quality Officer, Clinical Trials British Columbia (Michael Smith Health Research BC)

Speakers
Aleksandra Kuzmanovic
Quality Lead, Clinical Trials, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute

Siti Rahmaputri
Clinical Research Quality Assurance Specialist, Fraser Health

Tatiana Barcelos Pontes
Regional Research Manager, Northern Health

Webinar: Safeguarding Privacy in Research
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Protecting privacy is a cornerstone of ethical research. Researchers must navigate complex requirements to ensure participant information is handled responsibly and in compliance with legislation.
This session will cover:

PHIPA and its application in research

What a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is and when it’s needed

ConnectingOntario and its role in research privacy considerations

Join Neda Foroughian to strengthen your understanding of privacy requirements and safeguards in research.

Webinar: Introduction to REDCap
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
REDCap is a powerful tool for building and managing online surveys and databases in research. Whether you’re new to the platform or looking to expand your skills, this session will provide a practical introduction.
Topics will include:

Creating and designing projects

Using e-consent

Survey distribution

Exporting data and other key features

Join Christopher Battiston for a hands-on overview of REDCap to help you get started with confidence.
