A primary objective of SkIN Canada is to facilitate multicentre skin research and lower the barriers to initiating new projects. The network aims to advance investigator-initiated multicentre studies including longitudinal registries, observational studies, clinical trials, translational research, and biobanking partnerships.

To achieve this goal, SkIN Canada is developing resources for investigators and research sites interested in joining or leading multicentre studies:

Master Network Site Agreement: A collective agreement will emotively define the contractual terms of future non-interventional studies that will be conducted among network research sites. New studies will be governed by this master agreement, reducing the burden of the recurring, prolonged contracts review process that typically occurs with each new project.

Database Development Support Services: SkIN Canada will provide in-kind data management support to network research sites. Database administrators will work with research teams to develop and customize the REDCap data collection tools (including forms, surveys, dashboard design) required for their projects.

Library of Data Capture Forms: SkIN Canada will develop a library of validated data capture forms that can be cloned and adapted by research teams.

Knowledge Translation Assistance: SkIN Canada will use its multi-pronged communication and outreach apparatus to promote network-supported studies and disseminate their findings. This will amplify the exposure and impact of research conducted within the network.

Team Development Grants: Researchers will be able to apply for seed grants to develop new project teams and protocols. More information on these grants will be provided in the coming months.

These resources are under development and will be made available as they are finalized.