Training
Cultivating Biotherapeutics Expertise
Translating cancer immunotherapies to the clinic is a complex, interdisciplinary process. BioCanRx develops highly qualified personnel (HQP) with the expertise to navigate this path successfully, from discovery to delivery.
Future Innovators
Hands-On Training for HQP
- Virology
- Immunology
- Health policy
- Biomanufacturing
This positions them at the forefront of biotherapeutics innovation.
“BioCanRx has played an instrumental role in broadening my scientific network and collaborations amongst the amazing talent we have in Canada. The annual Summit4CI and generous travel support for trainees has made it possible for numerous HQP to attend large scientific meetings and interact with this amazing group of individuals. Further, through the generous funding provided by BioCanRx, I have been fortunate to witness and participate in the implementation of the first made in Canada CAR T cell clinical program. The CLIC-1901 trial has not only provided urgently needed care to cancer patients but has also paved the way for CAR T cell therapies in Canada. Most of all, the CLIC-1901 program has showcased in true Canadian fashion the ability to work together on a national scale and provide cutting edge research and care to patients.”
Julian Smazynski
Staff Scientist, BC Cancer Deeley Research Centre
Building Understanding Across Generations
Youth Engagement Programs
Designed to spark interest and inspire young people to pursue careers in this field.
Patient & Public Education:
Initiatives that raise awareness of the promise of cancer immunotherapy and foster greater understanding.
Training Program
Providing Training and Skills Development in Clinical Translation
Where Our Graduates Work
BioCanRx has educated hundreds of HQP through its various training programs.
- 785+ HQP as members of Network Investigators’ research teams.
- 90% of HQP graduates have found employment.
“During my time with BioCanRx and CPAC, I delved into cancer research and became aware of significant data gaps in First Nations health. Today, I’m engaged in a role dedicated to building capacities aimed at addressing these gaps and filling these critical data voids. These experiences have shaped my professional path and reinforced my commitment to making meaningful contributions to cancer research and Indigenous health.”
Olivia Craggs
Data Analyst, First Nations Information Governance Centre
*Statistics add up to 101% due to rounding
BioCanRx’s training program is highly valued by HQP, Network Investigators and employers. This is partly due to the tailored and in-depth educational opportunities that are crafted using feedback gleaned from network surveys, landscape analyses and employers. The training program’s fundamental purpose is to enhance the quantity and quality of Canadian HQP with expertise in the full range of activities required for delivery of novel therapeutics.
Satisfaction Rate
CanPRIME
Addressing a Biotherapeutics Bottleneck Through Hands-on GMP Experience
BioCanRx supports hands-on skills development in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with the aim of building capacity in the Canadian biomanufacturing ecosystem and create job-ready HQP in the sector.
With funding from Mitacs,
National Partnerships
CanPRIME partners with colleges and universities to offer training at GMP facilities across Canada
Hands-On Experience
The program offers HQP an immersive eight-month, full-time internship in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), providing practical, job-ready skills.
Integrated Training
Interns receive travel support to attend training by Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences to complement on-site learning and facilitate networking with participants from across Canada.
Proven Success
CanPRIME graduates achieve outstanding results — to date, the employment rate of interns is 100%.
Key Components
Rotational Training
Trainee Feedback
Mentor Access
Continual Improvement
Intern Success Stories
“Daily mentoring and hands-on training, professional development workshops, and training modules tied together my learning experience as a student and my learning experience as an intern within this program, which ultimately led to full-time employment in my chosen field of study. This program invested in me and enhanced my readiness. My experience in this program was exceedingly positive and had a direct impact on my successful transition. I enthusiastically recommend this program.”
Jessica Hentschel
Past CanPRIME Intern
“As a student finishing their studies, preparing to enter the professional world was a daunting task. With partnerships like CanPRIME bridging the gap, those dream jobs I’ve heard about suddenly became more real than ever.”
Reuben Benedict
Past CanPRIME Intern
BioCanRx Training Success Stories
Summer Studentship Program Provides Hands-on Training to Accelerate Careers
Summer studentships provide undergraduate students with $6K in funding to support a 14-week internship to work with network investigators, as well as an opportunity to present at BioCanRx’s Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy.
Lab Exchanges: Training on New Technologies
Lab exchanges allow BioCanRx HQP to train in the facilities of other network investigators, collaborators and industry partners. Students and staff learn a new technical skillset, develop partnerships, and bring novel technological know-how to the network.
Highlighting the Value of Patient Engagement in Research
The Learning Institute is an initiative that brings patients and trainees together at the Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy to support knowledge exchange.
Summer Studentship Program Alum: Meet Noelle Wilton
2018 Summer Student
Addressing Knowledge Gaps through In-depth Workshops
BioCanRx provides comprehensive training in several areas of clinical translation identified through engagement with our network investigators.
“The workshop helped me to understand the complexity of translating science to the clinic. Furthermore, it helped me to find several gaps that need to be “filled up” before we even think on moving ahead.”
HQP Find Employment in Funded-project Spin-out Companies and Elsewhere
Some BioCanRx HQP have gone on to work with spin-out companies from BioCanRx-funded project innovations. Read this Where are they Now interview with Parvez Vora, a previous PhD Student in Dr. Sheila Singh’s lab turned Site Head of Century research labs in Canada.