Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta

What Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta does

AbSPORU (Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit) is a non-profit research support organization established in 2013 by Alberta Innovates in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as Alberta's provincial arm of the pan-Canadian Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR). The organization provides expertise, training, and resources to increase Alberta's capacity for patient-oriented research, serving academic researchers, graduate students, health system professionals, clinicians, patient partners, and community organizations across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, with a stated mission of bridging the gap between research evidence and health decisions.

AbSPORU operates four core service pillars: Data & Research Services (embedded within Alberta Health Services Provincial Data Services, providing access to AHS datasets dating back to 1994 including Discharge Abstract Database, NACRS, EDIS, Pharmaceutical Information Network, Laboratory, Connect Care EMR, plus REDCap integration, clinical event adjudication, ICD coding, and Tableau dashboards); Learning Health System services (knowledge translation, implementation science, KT Alberta Community of Practice, Implementation Science Collaborative, EQUIP Tool, Alberta Implementation Guidebook); Patient Engagement services (Albertans4HealthResearch platform on BetterImpact, PaCER training program, Digital Storytelling, PEP Talks podcast, APELS learning series); and Training & Capacity Development (Graduate Studentship $30K awards, eLearning modules, three certificate courses in Foundations of POR, Patient Engagement in POR, and Implementation Science in POR, and the annual NorthWest SPOR Collaborative Forum). Its technology foundation is a health research data infrastructure supporting patient-oriented research within AHS's analytics environment.

AbSPORU's revenue model is dominated by multi-year government grants from three primary funders: CIHR ($13M for Phase II), Alberta Innovates ($6.7M, provincial lead since 2013), and University Hospital Foundation ($1.25M), totaling $21M in Phase II funding announced August 2022. A variable fee-for-service model was introduced in November 2022 for research services, with some clients eligible for in-kind services. Substantial in-kind contributions from seven partner institutions (AHS, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Athabasca University, University of Lethbridge, ACHRI, WCHRI) supplement the grant base. The organization operates from Calgary and Edmonton, with only 8 employees supplemented by a broader network of academic and clinical contributors.

Name

Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta

Legal name

Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit

Website

https://absporu.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AbSPORU (Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit) is a non-profit research support organization providing data access, training, patient engagement, and implementation science services to academic researchers, clinicians, health system professionals, and patient partners across Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Health Research Support Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Clinical Research Support (CRC/CTA) (EDAOAJAO)

Keywords

• Patient-oriented research
• Health research data services
• Knowledge translation consulting
• Implementation science training
• Patient engagement research

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding - CIHR: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) invested $13 million as part of the $21 million Phase II funding commitment announced August 2022, alongside Alberta Innovates ($6.7M) and the University Hospital Foundation ($1.25M). This represents the primary federal funding stream.
2. Government Funding - Alberta Innovates: Alberta Innovates, the provincial lead for AbSPORU, invested $6.7 million into Phase II of AbSPORU. Alberta Innovates has been the provincial administrator since implementation began in 2013.
3. University Hospital Foundation: The University Hospital Foundation contributed $1.25 million as part of the combined $21 million Phase II investment, targeting health research and innovation at the University of Alberta Hospital and related facilities.
4. Fee-for-Service Revenue: Beginning November 1, 2022, AbSPORU implemented a variable fee-for-service model. Service fees are discussed during initial consultations. Some clients may be eligible to receive in-kind services. This creates a secondary revenue stream from research service delivery.
5. In-Kind Support from Partner Institutions: In-kind support is provided by the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Alberta Health Services, Athabasca University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute. This includes staff time, facilities, and research infrastructure.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

AbSPORU provides expertise, training and resources to increase Alberta's capacity for patient-oriented research. Core offerings include Data & Research Services (access to Alberta Health Services datasets, data extraction, linkage, statistical analysis, clinical event adjudication), Learning Health System Services (knowledge translation, implementation science, KT Alberta Community of Practice), Patient Engagement Services (recruitment of patient partners, engagement planning, Albertans4HealthResearch platform), and Training & Capacity Development (Graduate Studentship awards, certificate courses, eLearning modules, annual conference).

Product overview

Provincial Research Data Services (operating as Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit / AbSPORU) is a provincial research support unit that provides a comprehensive ecosystem of interconnected services, training programs, and resources for patient-oriented research in Alberta. The core Research Services serve as the foundation, offering Data & Research Services (access to Alberta Health Services datasets, data analysis, REDCap integration), Learning Health System Services (knowledge translation, implementation science), and Patient Engagement Services (patient partner connections, engagement planning). These are supported by Training & Capacity Development Programs including the Graduate Studentship award, eLearning Modules, three Certificate Courses (Foundations of POR, Patient Engagement in POR, Implementation Science in POR), and the annual NorthWest SPOR Collaborative Forum. Key resources include the Alberta Implementation Guidebook, Knowledge Mobilization Tool Kit, and EQUIP Tool. Engagement platforms include Albertans4HealthResearch (patient-researcher matching), the KT Alberta Community of Practice, PaCER Training Program for patient researchers, Digital Storytelling Program, PEP Talks Podcast, and APELS learning series. The unit facilitates Alberta’s learning health system by bridging research evidence and health decisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research Services Comprehensive research support encompassing Data & Research Services, Learning Health System Services, and Patient Engagement Services. Provides expertise in research design, data extraction and linkages, data management, data analysis, knowledge translation, implementation science, and patient engagement plans for researchers conducting patient-oriented research in Alberta.
• Alberta Health Services Data Access Access to wide range of Alberta Health Services datasets including Discharge Abstract Database, NACRS, EDIS, Pharmaceutical Information Network, Practitioner Claims, Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Connect Care, and more, with data dating back to 1994. Provided to researchers conducting patient-oriented research in Alberta.
• Learning Health System Services Knowledge translation and implementation science consultation services supporting health system learning and improvement, including the KT Alberta Community of Practice and Implementation Science Collaborative. Provided to health system professionals, clinicians, and decision-makers.
• Patient Engagement Services Support for patient partners, researchers, and community organizations to identify research priorities and collaborate meaningfully on health research studies, including patient engagement plans and patient partner connections. Provided to researchers and community organizations.
• AbSPORU Foundations of Patient-Oriented Research Certificate Certificate course providing foundational knowledge on key topics in patient-oriented research, offered primarily online with practical and applied learning. Designed for researchers, students, and health professionals.
• Patient Engagement in Patient-Oriented Research Certificate Certificate course focusing on patient engagement strategies and approaches in patient-oriented research, delivered primarily online. Designed for researchers, patient partners, and health professionals.
• Implementation Science in Patient-Oriented Research Certificate Nine-week online certificate program providing foundational skills in implementation science with specific focus on the Alberta context. Designed for health system professionals, researchers, and clinicians.
• AbSPORU Graduate Studentship Competitive funding program providing $30,000 for Master's and PhD students to train in patient-oriented research with comprehensive year-long training component. Since 2015, over $3 million has been awarded to 100 graduate students.
• PaCER Training Program Experiential learning certificate program for patients offered through University of Calgary Continuing Education, teaching citizens with lived experience how to conduct patient-engaged health research over 12 months across three courses.
• NorthWest SPOR Collaborative Forum Annual conference providing inclusive capacity development opportunities in patient-oriented research for researchers, students, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and health-system professionals. Held annually in Alberta.
• Implementation Science Collaborative (ISC) Partnership among health system, health policy, patient, and academic stakeholders to collaboratively support health system innovation through implementation science, providing access to Scientific Advisory Board expertise. Formally launched in June 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11% improvement in dialysis starts meeting evidence-informed criteria with projected $12M savings (Dialyzing Wisely)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered major, flagship, core and supporting.

• University of Calgary (One Child Every Child)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2023AbSPORU partnered with the University of Calgary as a foundational sponsor of the One Child Every Child initiative, providing nearly $400,000 in in-kind support including data consulting, patient engagement, and knowledge translation. This partnership was crucial to securing the historic $125M federal grant (total $268M). The initiative brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to improve child health outcomes.
• One Child Every Child (CFREF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2023One Child Every Child is a $268 million (total) child health and wellness initiative funded by Government of Canada ($125M from CFREF) plus partner funding. AbSPORU committed nearly $400,000 in in-kind support and serves as a foundational partner, providing capacity development, patient engagement, knowledge mobilization, and certificate course enrolment.
• Alberta InnovatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Alberta Innovates is the provincial lead for AbSPORU, having implemented the organization in collaboration with CIHR in 2013 with the aim to improve Alberta's health research ecosystem. Alberta Innovates has a vested interest in AbSPORU's success and invested $6.7 million into Phase II funding (part of $21M total). They administer AbSPORU and have forged trusted partnerships with CIHR and others within Alberta's health ecosystem.
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013CIHR established the pan-Canadian Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR), with AbSPORU serving as Alberta's provincial arm. CIHR invested $13 million as part of the $21 million Phase II funding announced August 2022. CIHR ensures patients have a voice in health research and that findings are implemented into practice.
• University of AlbertacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey academic partner providing governance representation on the AbSPORU Executive Committee. Dr. Finlay McAlister serves as Scientific Director of AbSPORU and is Professor of Medicine at University of Alberta. The university provides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding. Hosts SPH 566 graduate course in Fundamentals of Patient-Oriented Research.
• University of CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey academic partner providing governance representation on the AbSPORU Executive Committee. Multiple AbSPORU leads are affiliated with the university (Dr. Hude Quan - Community Health Sciences; Dr. Maria Santana - Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences; Dr. Stephanie Montesanti - School of Public Health). Hosts MDCH 700 graduate courses and PaCER program. Provides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding.
• Alberta Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlberta Health Services is a key health system partner providing in-kind support as part of Phase II funding. AbSPORU's Data and Research Services team is embedded within AHS Provincial Research Data Services. AHS provides access to comprehensive health data sets including Connect Care. Dr. Braden Manns (AHS VP) is co-applicant on SPOR 2.0 grant. The Acute Care Bundle Improvement initiative is implemented at 14 major AHS acute care sites.
• Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding. Dr. Elizabeth Oddone Paolucci serves as Director of Education and Training at ACHRI and is Co-Lead of Capacity Development at AbSPORU. ACHRI is a key partner in the One Child Every Child initiative.
• University of LethbridgesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Alberta's four Comprehensive Academic Research Universities (CARU) eligible for AbSPORU Graduate Studentship funding. Provides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding.
• Athabasca UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Alberta's four Comprehensive Academic Research Universities (CARU) eligible for AbSPORU Graduate Studentship funding. Provides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding. Dr. Lorraine Thirsk is Associate Professor and supported digital storytelling workshop on bias and stigmatization.
• Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support as part of Phase II funding. WCHRI is a joint institute of the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services focused on women's and children's health research.
• CHILD-BRIGHT SPOR NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational SPOR network focused on child health. AbSPORU reserved a Graduate Studentship for a student whose thesis focuses on child and adolescent health to be carried out in affiliation with CHILD-BRIGHT, as part of the One Child Every Child partnership.
• IMAGINE SPOR National Chronic Disease NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational SPOR network for chronic diseases. Collaborated with AbSPORU Patient Engagement Team on the GUT FEELINGS digital storytelling project covering Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Co-produced an online knowledge translation educational event.
• Can-SOLVE CKD NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of five chronic disease networks funded by CIHR through SPOR, focused on kidney disease and transplant research. AbSPORU worked with Can-SOLVE CKD on a James Lind Alliance priority-setting project focused on research priorities identified by kidney disease and transplant patients.
• University of Calgary Continuing EducationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaCER (Patient and Community Engagement Research) is an experiential learning certificate program delivered through University of Calgary Continuing Education, currently online. The program teaches citizens with lived experience how to conduct patient-engaged research over 12 months across three courses.
• Addictions and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network (AMH SCN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with AbSPORU Patient Engagement Platform on a James Lind Alliance priority-setting project for depression research. Project gathered 'uncertainties' from persons with lived experience, carers, and clinicians to develop a top ten priority list for depression research in Alberta.
• Canadian Depression Research Intervention Network (CDRIN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with AbSPORU Patient Engagement Platform and AMH SCN on the Depression Research Priority Setting Project using a modified James Lind Alliance methodology for priority setting and public participation.
• Critical Care Strategic Clinical Network (CC SCN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with AbSPORU Patient Engagement Platform on generating new knowledge to empower critically ill older patients and their families and build knowledge translation capacity. Also partnered on the Dialyzing Wisely initiative.
• Immigrant Services CalgarysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with AbSPORU Patient Engagement Platform on the Immigrant Youth Mental Health (IYMH) project, which seeks to identify and prioritize questions and concerns that Alberta's immigrant communities have about youth mental health. Also involves United Voices and Mental Health Commission of Canada.
• Mental Health Commission of CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the Immigrant Youth Mental Health project led by AbSPORU's Patient Engagement Platform, aiming to identify unanswered questions about youth mental health in Alberta's newcomer communities to guide future research and mental health advocacy.
• Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute (University of Calgary)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with AbSPORU and Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy to develop the Co-Mentorship Program pairing graduate students and postdocs with patient partners. This program embeds patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research settings, representing a culture shift toward POR in traditionally 'hard-to-reach' research environments.
• SPOR NorthwestsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbSPORU expands the reach of its annual Virtual Institute by hosting northwestern Canada's top experts to discuss patient-oriented research topics. SPOR Northwest collaborative forums held each year in springtime bring together experts from across northwestern Canada.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI): National body providing comparable health data infrastructure, analytics, and reporting across Canada. Overlaps with AbSPORU's data services for health research but operates at a pan-Canadian rather than provincial level.
• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI): US-based non-profit funding comparative clinical effectiveness research with strong patient engagement components. Comparable mission around patient-centered research but at a much larger national scale and as a funder rather than service provider.
• Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada): Pan-Canadian network of provincial/regional data centres providing multi-jurisdictional health data access for research. Compares to AbSPORU's data platform but at a coordinating-network level rather than provincial operator.

Direct peers

• Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR): Saskatchewan's SPOR support centre providing patient-oriented research support, training, and patient engagement. Directly comparable as another provincial SPOR implementation unit operating under the same CIHR umbrella.
• BC SUPPORT Unit: British Columbia's provincial arm of the pan-Canadian SPOR network, providing patient-oriented research support, data services, and patient engagement. Operates as a directly comparable provincial SUPPORT Unit with similar mandate structure.
• Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU): Ontario's provincial arm of Canada's SPOR initiative, providing research support, training, and data services across the province. Directly comparable to AbSPORU as fellow provincial SPOR implementation unit with similar portfolios.
• Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU): Maritime provinces' SPOR unit covering Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. Offers patient-oriented research support, data access, and capacity development — a smaller-scale but directly comparable provincial SPOR unit.

Emerging players

• Knowledge Translation Canada: Network of Canadian researchers and trainees focused on knowledge translation in health. Shares significant overlap with AbSPORU's Learning Health System team and KT Alberta Community of Practice mission.
• Can-SOLVE CKD Network: CIHR-funded SPOR chronic disease network for kidney disease. Existing AbSPORU partner with comparable patient engagement methodologies and James Lind Alliance priority-setting work.
• CHILD-BRIGHT SPOR Network: National SPOR chronic disease network focused on children with brain-based developmental disabilities. Already a partner of AbSPORU through the One Child Every Child initiative, with overlapping patient engagement and training approaches.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/absporu
• Facebookfacebook.com/Albertans4HealthResearch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prds-ab
• Instagraminstagram.com/ab4healthresearch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta