Since joining the Vaccine Evaluation Centre (VEC) as a work study student over 20 years ago, Kimberley Marty has become one of Canada’s most highly-regarded and most skilled data specialists, while building the VEC into a well-recognized international leader for data handling of vaccine trials.
As the VEC Senior Data Manager, she coordinates data management and has developed initiatives such as the STaR database and customizations of the Dacima platform, which allow national and international research groups to benefit and increase the efficiency of running multi-centre clinical trials.
A prime example of Kim’s impact relates to the influenza pandemic of 2009. One trial required exceptionally rapid evaluation of a new influenza vaccine. The processes and procedures that Kim and her team developed during that time are still the core part of the ‘pandemic preparedness plan’ for the Canadian Immunization Research Network – allowing researchers at UBC to lead national and international research studies in the event of a future pandemic.
Kim’s expertise has a global impact too: she leads data management outreach with research groups in South Africa, Europe, and Australia.
Dr. Manish Sadarangani
Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital
Director, Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children’s Hospital
Sauder Family Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia