7:30 am
Registration, Breakfast & Exhibition Hall
Join us in the morning to pick up your badge, enjoy some breakfast and explore the Exhibition Hall before the plenary sessions begin.
8:55 am
Welcome Remarks
- Raphael Hofstein, Chair, Clinical Trials Ontario Board of Directors
- Susan Marlin, President and CEO, Clinical Trials Ontario
9:00 am
Opening Remarks
- The Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
9:10 am
KEYNOTE | Gaps & Gains: A Global Look at Clinical Trials
Tufts Centre for the Study of Drug Development presents an analysis of the evolution of Canada’s clinical research landscape from 2015 to 2024, examining patterns of growth and gaps, within the broader context of global clinical development.
- Kenneth Getz, Executive Director & Professor, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development; Founder & Board Chair, CISCRP – Tufts University School of Medicine and Center For Info & Study on Clinical Research Participation
- Maria Florez, Senior Consultant, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine
10:00 am
Deep Dive: Research Ethics and Clinical Trials in the UK
This session explores the evolution of research ethics and clinical trial regulation in the UK, highlighting the trans-national, multi-regulator partnership behind a single national research ethics service and unified approvals pathway. It will examine the current strengths and challenges of clinical trial delivery, and look ahead to future developments including a single digital approvals system and new clinical trial regulations coming into force in April 2026.
- Matt Westmore, Chief Executive of the UK’s Health Research Authority
10:30 am
Break, Networking & Exhibition Hall
11:00 am
Clinical Trials at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Attendees of this presentation will learn about recent and upcoming activities and initiatives at CIHR to advance and strengthen Canada’s clinical trials ecosystem.
- Megan Bettle, Executive Director for Clinical Trials at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
11:15 am
ACT Update: Impact and Horizons
Attendees of this presentation will learn about activities undertaken by the Accelerating Clinical Trials (ACT) Consortium in the last year to improve the ecosystem for conducting clinical trials in Canada; and, understand the need to invest more in supporting trials evaluating Canadian biotechnologies.
- Dr. PJ Devereaux, Director, Division of Perioperative Care at McMaster University; Senior Scientist and the Scientific Leader, Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Surgical Research Group at the Population Health Research Institute; Professor, Departments of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) and Medicine, McMaster University
11:40 pm
PANEL: Seizing the Canadian Opportunity
Canada is at a pivotal moment to redefine its global standing in clinical trials. With historic investments, growing momentum toward pan-Canadian collaboration, and efforts to break down interprovincial barriers, the country is poised to become a more competitive and attractive research destination. As geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change reshape the global landscape, Canada has a unique opportunity to lead—if it can move decisively. This panel will explore what it takes to turn momentum into long-term advantage, benefiting patients and families and our life sciences economy.
- Moderator: Dr. Ryan Wiley, President, Shift Health
- Megan Bettle, Executive Director for Clinical Trials, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Dr. PJ Devereaux, Director, Division of Perioperative Care at McMaster University; Senior Scientist and the Scientific Leader, Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Surgical Research Group at the Population Health Research Institute; Professor, Departments of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) and Medicine, McMaster University
- Dr. Andy Smith, President & CEO, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Barry Stein, President & CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada
- Matt Westmore, Chief Executive of the UK’s Health Research Authority
12:30 pm
Lunch, Networking & Exhibition Hall
1:45 pm
How to Make Change Happen (*Using Behavioural Science)
This session will focus on how to understand human behaviour and use this information to be able to impact people’s behaviour. Examples of how this can be done on an individual, systems, and population level will be provided. In addition, the session will briefly touch upon how this can target behaviours related to trial participation and misinformation.
- Simon Bacon, NPA, Canadian Behavioural Interventions and Trials Network; Co-Lead, International Behavioural Trials Network; Co-Director, Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, joint research centre of CIUSSS-NIM, UQAM & Concordia University
2:25pm
CanReview: Collaborating Across Canada for a Single Research Ethics Review System
As the global clinical trials landscape becomes increasingly volatile and competitive, Canada is taking steps to strengthen and protect its life sciences economy by establishing CanReview, a pan-Canadian single research ethics review system for multi-site clinical trials. This session will provide an overview of how the CanReview collaboration works, how partners across Canada are helping to move it forward, and how delegates can get involved.
- Susan Marlin, President & CEO, Clinical Trials Ontario & Nominated PA, CanReview
2:45 pm
Break, Networking & Exhibition Hall
3:15 pm
Canadian Health Data at a Crossroad: Navigating Health Data Sovereignty & Opportunity
Canada stands at a crossroads. Our population health data is one of the country’s most valuable resources, offering the potential to transform our health system and fuel a thriving health artificial intelligence (AI) economy. But unless Canada strengthens data sovereignty, develops policies that safeguard our data from foreign surveillance and economic exploitation, and identifies mechanisms to make our data safely available to domestic entrepreneurs this opportunity could be lost. This presentation will explore strategies to secure Canadian data—through legal protections, technological safeguards, and investments in domestic infrastructure—while simultaneously enabling Canadian innovators to harness these data responsibly. By doing so, Canada can position itself as a global leader in health AI, and privacy.
- Dr. Kumanan Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Bruyère Health Research Institute; Clinical Research Chair, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa
3:45 pm
Breaking Silos, Building Science: Integrating Health Data Across Ontario Health Care
This session offers a cross-sector exploration of Ontario’s health data ecosystem, highlighting current activities and opportunities to integrate data across institutions and systems to fuel research, enhance collaboration, and advance patient care outcomes.
- Moderator: Chris Hannay, Business of Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail
- Fahad Razak, Provincial Clinical Lead, Ontario Health; Co-Lead GEMINI; Canada Research Chair in Data-Informed Healthcare Improvement, University of Toronto
- Charles Victor, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Digital Services, ICES
- Andrew Costa, Co-Lead, OnSPARK Data Platform
- Kimberley McFadden, POPLAR Program Manager, Assistant Professor (Adjunct), Queen’s University
4:30 pm
CTO 2025 Reception | Sponsored by Innovative Medicines Canada
Join us in celebrating the achievements of our clinical trials community over the past year. Thank you to our sponsor, Innovative Medicines Canada.
Day 2 – November 6th
7:30 am
Registration, Breakfast & Exhibition Hall
Join us in the morning to pick up your badge, enjoy some breakfast and explore the Innovation Showcase before the plenary sessions begin.
9:00 am
Welcome Remarks
- Susan Marlin, President and CEO, Clinical Trials Ontario
9:05 am
KEYNOTE | AI Now, Next, Never
In this presentation, Ramy tells a story about how AI has shaped the technology landscape of today and what the next 5-10 years might look like as it continues to mature. The world is at the cusp of a global transformation that reframes how organizations leverage emerging technology. “AI Now” introduces how Deep learning, advanced analytics, and Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are driving the disruption in clinical trials today. The organizations that embrace these tools will be better positioned to outpace and outperform their competitors. “AI Next” helps leaders think strategically about the ROI & business impacts that this technology will drive and how to scale research and innovations through to commercialization. As powerful as AI is, it’s vital that leaders also consider the risks of working with this technology. Ethical and responsible use of AI is critical for the long-term success of organizations. “AI Never” introduces lines that should never be crossed to ensure the long-term sustainable use of technology.
- Ramy Nassar, AI & Emerging Technology Expert | Helping The World’s Leading Organizations Navigate What’s Next
10:00 am
Break, Networking & Exhibition Hall
10:30 am
PANEL: The Use of AI in the Drug Discovery and Clinical Research Continuum
This session will begin with a brief overview of how the life sciences industry is approaching the use of artificial intelligence, including real-world examples and emerging applications. Building on Canada’s reputation as a global leader in AI, a moderated discussion will examine how this leadership can translate into meaningful advances in clinical research and trials—and what steps are needed to make that potential a reality.
- Moderator: Dr. Ron Boch, Vice President, Biotechnology and Industry Affairs, BIOTECanada
- Kevin Richards, Senior Director, Clinical Quality, AstraZeneca Canada
- Donna Janzen, Director, Regulatory Affairs Strategy and Policy, Roche Canada
- Mina Tadrous, Associate Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Pharmaceutical Policy and Real-world Evidence; Co-Director, Pharmaceutical Policy and Pharmacy Practice, Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN); Adjunct Scientist, ICES
- Eleana Rodriguez, Director Research Legal – Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), University Health Network
11:15 pm
PANEL: Precision Meets Purpose: The Promise of Cell & Gene Therapy
This panel explores how advances in cell and gene therapy are transforming treatment for rare and complex diseases. Speakers will discuss new approaches in clinical development, manufacturing, and regulation, and how collaboration across sectors is accelerating access to these breakthrough therapies. With a focus on innovation and impact, the session will explore emerging opportunities for leadership in translating precision medicine into meaningful outcomes for patients.
- Moderator: Kenneth Getz, Executive Director & Professor, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development; Founder & Board Chair, CISCRP – Tufts University School of Medicine and Center For Info & Study on Clinical Research Participation
- Cate Murray, President & CEO, Stem Cell Network
- Dr. Allison Brown, Senior Vice-President, Academic Engagement & Philanthropy, CCRM
- Sowmya Viswanathan, Scientist, Osteoarthritis Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute & Krembil Research Institute (University Health Network); Associate Professor, Institute of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
- Jenna Shea, Member of CTO’s College of Lived Experience, Huntington’s disease advocate
12:00 pm
PANEL: Trials in Real Life: Not Black and White, But Grey All Over
Traditionally, we tend to think of research in black and white terms. But for people participating in (or excluded from) clinical trials, research is painted with many shades of grey. From complex illness, to the impacts of exclusion criteria, to motivations for participation, this session will dive into what trials look like in real life, from participant’s perspectives. Panelists will share examples, anecdotes, and informed opinions to expand our thinking about how research can fit into real people’s lives—and not the other way around.
- Moderator: Therese Lane, Member of CTO’s College of Lived Experience
- Jackie Manthorne, President & CEO, Cancer Care Survivor Network
- Margaret Loniewska, Rethink Breast Cancer Key Collaborator and MBC Advisors Group member
12:30 pm
Lunch, Networking & Exhibition Hall
1:30 pm
PANEL: Does Canada Have the People Power For More Trials?
As Canada ramps up investment in clinical trial infrastructure, a critical question emerges: do we have the workforce to match our ambition? This session explores national readiness, training pipelines, and the strategies needed to grow and support the skilled talent essential to expanding trial activity. Panelists will examine where gaps remain—and what it will take to close them.
- Moderator: Kristen Pitzul, Director of Strategic Policy and Hospital-Enabled Research
- Munaza Jamil, National Director, Canada’s Clinical Research Workforce Strategy
- Rob Henderson, President & CEO, BioTalent Canada
- Alison Orth, Director, Clinical Trials British Columbia
- Lisa Goos, Chief Operating Officer, CANTRAIN
2:00 pm
PANEL: Are We Becoming More Agreeable?
The trials community has seen a number of recent innovations in clinical trials agreements, such as the Governing Data and Samples Sharing Agreement Participating Site Agreement, CIHR agreement, Ontario UACT. This panel will discuss how these agreements present opportunities to reduce delays and increase predictability (e.g. standardizing start-up document package requirements), and strategies to overcome hurdles to collaboration at the institutional and industry level.
- Moderator: Susan Marlin, President & CEO, Clinical Trials Ontario
- Monisha Nundy, National Operations Strategist, Site Management, Bayer Inc.
- Saliha Boumaza, Executive Director, Clinical Research, Merck
- Jennifer Cox, Legal Counsel and Manager, Research Contracts, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Eleana Rodriguez, Director Research Legal- Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), University Health Network
- Dr. Bradly Wouters, Executive VP Science and Research, University Health Network
2:30 pm
Fireside Chat: Speaking Across Blurred Lines Between Research and Care
This fireside chat presents a friendly and challenging conversation about the complicated and often intertwined relationship between clinical trials and clinical care. The session explores perceptions of value on either side of the “blurred line” and considers whether, when or if we ought to ought to disentangle research and care.
- Maureen Smith, Member of CTO’s College of Lived Experience
- Dean A. Tripp, Professor in the Departments of Psychology, Anesthesiology, and Urology; Chair of Queen’s University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board (HSREB)