About
At CANTRAIN (The CANadian Consortium of Clinical Trial TRAINing Platform), we believe the future of clinical trials in Canada depends on how we train, connect and prepare people to engage in clinical trials research—across disciplines, across sectors, and across communities.
Born from a national wake-up call during the COVID-19 pandemic, CANTRAIN is Canada’s most expansive and innovative response to the urgent need for a stronger, more coordinated clinical trials system.
Our purpose
Improve health and wellbeing through clinical trial research for the Canadian population and beyond.
Our Vision
A Canada where everyone —patients, researchers, professionals and communities — is better prepared to develop, conduct, engage in and benefit from clinical trials.
Our Mission
Develop clinical research competency through an efficient training environment delivering cutting-edge, inclusive educational curricula.
Raising the bar on what clinical trials training looks like:
Engaging, Personalized Learning
Using cognitive adult learning principles and evidence-informed strategies, our online programs are designed to meet learners where they are—whether they’re just starting out or advancing their skills. We don’t just teach information; we help people apply it meaningfully, in real-world clinical research settings.
Collaboration at the Core
CANTRAIN bridges traditional silos. We work across academia, public health, non-profits and the private sector to ensure clinical trials are more efficient, effective, and—crucially—more inclusive. We are proud to collaborate with fellow CTTPs like StrokeCog, CAN-TAP-TALENT and CBITN.
Elevating Patient and Community Voices
We believe patients are not just participants—they are leaders, advocates and partners. Our programs and events embed diverse voices, including Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups, into the design and delivery of clinical trials training, helping to shape research that reflects the people it’s meant to serve.
Training the Next Generation
Through studentships, fellowships and mentorship, we’re investing in the clinical trial leaders of tomorrow. Our awardees are pushing boundaries in areas like health equity, community-engaged research and inclusive trial design, creating ripple effects across the country and beyond.
Better Prepared.
Transforming how all Canadians are prepared to develop, conduct, engage in and benefit from clinical trials.
Better Care.
With access to training, you can contribute to research excellence leading to improved patient outcomes.
Together.
Join our national and international network of people who, like you, are committed to fostering an inclusive and sustainable clinical trials ecosystem.
Our strategy
Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we are proudly housed at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). Our 2025-2026 strategy is focused on bringing to life our slogan: Better prepared. Better care. Together.
At CANTRAIN, we’re not just preparing individuals—we’re strengthening a system. Our work is built on partnership, driven by purpose and designed for lasting impact. Together, we are transforming Canada’s clinical trial landscape—one learner, one study, one breakthrough at a time.
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