UHN Clinical Research Collaborative Centre

Who we are

We support research teams in working collaboratively across the University Health Network (UHN) to plan and deliver clinical studies. Our focus is on enabling studies to start efficiently, maintaining the highest standards of participant safety, and identifying and sharing best practices across the network.

This work aligns with UHN’s corporate strategy, Bold Resolve: For a Healthier World, and the UHN Research Strategic Action Plan, Bold Resolve: Science for Society.

To facilitate this, we have developed shared tools and processes that streamline research operations, including standardized agreements used across Canada, coordinated review pathways, and dedicated contract and regulatory support. These resources help accelerate study start-up and the enrolment of the first participant.

As an academic health science centre affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN), UHN collaborates closely with partner hospitals and institutions. Through these efforts, we contribute to advancing UHN’s Bold Resolve vision and research priorities. UHN has been ranked Canada’s #1 research hospital since 2011.

Clinical Research Collaborative Centre Manager

Katherine Karakasis, MSc is Manager of the UHN Clinical Research Collaborative Centre, where she supports the Co-Chairs and the Clinical Research Executive (CRE) to strengthen UHN’s clinical research enterprise. She provides leadership in research operations—helping establish harmonized approaches, universal resources (including SOPs and templates), and clear communication channels that enable study teams to deliver high-quality research across UHN. Her work advances coordinated, scalable supports through site-based Clinical Research Units (CRUs) at UHN hospital sites. Katherine brings nearly two decades of experience at University Health Network spanning translational program leadership, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communications. She holds a Master of Science and an Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology) from Queen’s University.

What we do

Bring Teams Together:

We connect scientists, doctors, nurses, coordinators and partners so studies move forward as one team.

Support Every Site:

Each hospital site has a Clinical Research Unit (CRU). The Centre links these units and the core services that support them.

Share Best Practices:

We spread tools and tips that save time and reduce repeat work. We help teams learn from one another.

Partner Well:

We help Sponsors and Investigators, work with industry partners, academic groups and contract research organizations.

How we help:

Faster Startup: 

We work towards a 45-day target for Institutional Authorization so studies can begin sooner.

Clear Steps and Support:

We work closely with colleagues across business units in ethics, contracts, budgets, and offer access to resources that enable research.

One Set of High Standards:

We align policies across UHN so studies are consistent and high quality