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April 23, 2026, Ottawa, Ont. – The CHEO Research Institute has launched its new Clinical Trial Access Core and Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU) — a significant investment designed to expand pediatric clinical trial capacity in the region and strengthen Canada’s clinical trials ecosystem.
Located within the CHEO Research Institute, one of Canada’s top 40 research hospitals, the new Clinical Trial Access Core brings together the infrastructure, expertise and operational support needed to lead and host more pediatric clinical trials in the nation's capital.
Clinical trials are an essential part of pediatric care, particularly in rare and complex conditions where approved treatments may be limited or unavailable. By strengthening its ability to conduct high-quality pediatric trials, the CHEO Research Institute is enabling greater access to innovative, and potentially life-sustaining therapies closer to home.
“This investment strengthens Canada’s clinical trials infrastructure, supports government priorities to grow a competitive research ecosystem, and most importantly, ensures children and families have access to innovative care where, and when, they need it most,” said Dr. Jason Berman, CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute, and Vice-President of Research, CHEO.
The launch of the Clinical Trial Access Core supports national efforts to strengthen Canada’s clinical trials capacity, enhance research competitiveness, and attract investment in life sciences and health innovation. By expanding pediatric trial infrastructure and operational readiness, the CHEO RI is helping Canada remain a destination for high-quality clinical research and place known for its with collaboration and opportunity – locally and globally.
“The CHEO Research Institute is the right size to move with agility, while still having access to a large, diverse patient population to accelerate clinical trials. We are proud to have research deeply integrated with clinical care, and we are ready to collaborate with industry and government partners to advance new therapies that will improve the lives of kids and youth today and into the future,” added Dr. Berman.
The Clinical Trial Access Core is the sixth core facility at the CHEO Research Institute dedicated to improving access to clinical trials for families and supporting CHEO researchers as a centralized gateway for sponsors, investigators, and research partners; streamlining the initiation and delivery of pediatric clinical trials.
The Clinical Trial Access Core will provide centralized study start-up support and coordinated navigation of pediatric research services. It will facilitate efficient access to institutional resources, including pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging services, and support streamlined ethics and regulatory submissions. The Core will also support transparent budget development and help in matching studies with experienced pediatric investigators across relevant subspecialties.
Integral to the Clinical Trial Access Core is the CIU. Equipped to support cutting-edge trials across all areas of pediatric health, the CIU was built with the patient and family experience at its very heart. Located outside of the busy clinical setting of the hospital, the CIU provides a calm, welcoming space that reduces stress and provides a “one-stop-shop” for all tests and procedures related to the clinical trial administered by a dedicated pediatric clinical trial nurse.
To learn more about the Clinical Trial Access Core and the CIU visit www.cheoresearch.ca/clinicaltrials.
Media contact:
Jennifer Ruff
Director of Communications
CHEO Research Institute
About the CHEO Research Institute
The CHEO Research Institute coordinates the research activities of CHEO and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. Its three programs of research are molecular biomedicine, health information technology, and evidence to practice research. Key themes include cancer, diabetes, obesity, mental health, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal health, electronic health information and privacy, and genetics of rare disease. The CHEO Research Institute makes discoveries today for healthier kids tomorrow. The CHEO Research Institute’s work in genetics has been supported by Genome Canada, CIHR and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.