Clear, informed, and collaborative research—powered by shared knowledge.
At N2, we know that high-quality clinical research is built not only on regulatory compliance, but also on shared learning and strategic alignment. This section highlights key reports, white papers, publications, and strategic plans that reflect the evolving landscape of health research in Canada.
These resources showcase cross-sector collaboration, spotlight emerging trends, and support continuous improvement across clinical trial operations, ethics, data management, and public engagement.
This collection includes:
- Strategic Plans that guide long-term priorities
- Annual Reports capturing milestones, membership growth, and national impact
- White Papers, offering deep dives on current challenges and forward-looking solutions
Whether you’re aligning internal strategy, presenting to leadership, or building national momentum, these resources are designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
Strategic Plans
The N2 Strategic Plan 2023–2027 outlines a bold and collaborative vision: to make Canada a global leader in clinical research, where every discovery helps improve health outcomes. The plan focuses on four main priorities — strengthening the clinical research workforce, improving access to practical tools and resources, increasing coordination across the system, and raising awareness about the importance of clinical research. Over the next five years, N2 will work to create sustainable research careers, simplify research processes, reduce duplication, and build public trust. By 2027, the goal is a stronger, more efficient research environment with better connections between research and care, and more inclusive participation — all built on equity, trust, and national collaboration.
Mission
To enable and enhance clinical research capability and capacity in Canada.
Vision
Canada’s alliance for excellence in clinical research.
N2’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan is anchored by four key initiatives that reflect our mission and guide our efforts across the Canadian clinical research landscape.
Key Initiatives
- National Voice: Position N2 as a national voice for clinical research by raising awareness, strengthening presence, and cultivating relationships with key leaders.
- Alliance: Expand the breadth and depth of N2 member expertise and foster the next generation of professionals through collaborative capacity-building.
- Advocate: Support quality outcomes in clinical research by responding to regulatory changes, identifying member needs, and maintaining SOPs in both English and French.
- Sustainability: Strengthen N2’s internal capacity through people, technology, and sound financial stewardship to ensure long-term impact and service delivery.
Guiding Principles
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These principles reflect what matters most to us and anchor our work as we carry out N2’s strategic plan.
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- Serve Members: Deliver valuable services and benefits efficiently and sustainably.
- Advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Embed fairness and respect for all in everything we do.
- Collaboration Over Competition: Build strong, reciprocal relationships for shared success.
- Integrity: Act with transparency and accountability.
- Results-Oriented Goals: Focus on excellence and meaningful outcomes.
Annual Reports
N2’s Annual Reports offer a transparent and engaging snapshot of our collective progress each year. These reports celebrate key milestones, spotlight member achievements, and reflect on the initiatives that shape Canada’s clinical research landscape. From growing our national alliance to advancing equity, streamlining operations, and strengthening public trust, each report highlights how N2’s work translates into real-world impact. Whether you’re a long-time member or learning about N2 for the first time, our annual reports offer a window into the momentum, collaboration, and shared purpose driving us forward.
2024 Annual Report Highlights
- Significant Membership Growth: N2 grew to 195 member organizations in 2024, reaching a wider cross-section of research institutions, hospitals, and universities nationwide.
- French SOP Expansion: N2 added four new SOPs in French, supporting broader access and inclusion across Canada’s bilingual research environments.
- ICH E6(R3) GCP Course Development: In anticipation of global regulatory changes, N2 began updating its flagship Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course to reflect ICH E6(R3), with input from over 50 stakeholders.
- CCTAM Growth and Visibility: The Canadian Clinical Trials Asset Map (CCTAM) saw increased usage and visibility through outreach and engagement with sponsors and networks.
- Leadership & Collaboration: N2 co-hosted regional meetings and continued to represent Canada’s clinical research voice in national and international dialogues.
- Strategic Plan Implementation: 2024 marked the first full year of implementing the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, aligning N2’s work under four pillars: national voice, alliance, advocacy, and sustainability.
2023 Annual Report Highlights
- Strategic Plan Launch: Introduced the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan to guide N2’s future work.
- Member Engagement: Record annual meeting attendance and strong committee participation.
- French Accessibility: Expanded translation of SOPs and member resources.
- ICH E6(R3) Prep: Continued updates to the GCP course aligned with upcoming regulatory changes.
- CCTAM Renewal: Assumed leadership of the Canadian Clinical Trials Asset Map.
- Communications Growth: Boosted reach and visibility through LinkedIn and member spotlights.
- Partnerships: Sustained national collaborations.
Bridging the Gaps – Advancing New Immigrant Participation in Clinical Trials
By N2 Public Engagement Committee
Creating Inclusive Trials
Creating inclusive research environments means more than diverse recruitment—it means engaging communities early, equitably, and with care. These resources are designed to help research teams connect meaningfully with underrepresented populations, reduce barriers to participation, and foster stronger relationships rooted in respect and shared understanding.
Why It Matters
Clinical trials play a pivotal role in advancing medical research and shaping the future of health care. But to fully understand how new treatments work across populations, trials must include diverse participants.
This white paper explores the importance of engaging new immigrant communities in clinical trials. It outlines why representation matters—and how researchers, institutions, and sponsors can take actionable steps to ensure equity in participation.
By including individuals from varied racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds, we can generate more accurate insights, build public trust, and ultimately improve health outcomes for all.
The Hidden Crisis in Clinical Research
By Munaza Jamil and Alison Orth
Creating Inclusive Trials
This white paper, authored by Munaza Jamil and Alison Orth, explores the current state and future of the Clinical Research Professional (CRP) workforce in Canada. Drawing on national consultations, survey data, and international comparisons, the paper highlights a critical gap: Canada lacks a cohesive strategy to recognize and support the professionals who make clinical research possible. The authors outline key barriers to recruitment and retention, propose a pan-Canadian competency framework, and recommend practical steps to strengthen CRP career pathways, recognition, and support systems.
Why It Matters
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) are the engine behind high-quality, ethical, and efficient health research. Yet their roles are often undervalued, inconsistently defined, and under-supported across Canada. Without a stable and skilled CRP workforce, research faces increased delays, protocol deviations, and systemic inefficiencies — ultimately impacting patient care and innovation. Recognizing, professionalizing, and investing in this workforce is essential to advancing clinical research that is equitable, timely, and trusted.