Stuart Nicholls

I completed my PhD degree in Applied Social Statistics at Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK in 2010. My PhD thesis focused on parental experiences of consent to newborn bloodspot screening through a mixed methods approach using qualitative interviews and surveys that were analysed using structural equation modelling techniques. In addition, I hold MRes in Social Statistics, an MSc in Healthcare Ethics, and a BSc (Hons) in Genetics. 

I am currently a Scientist in the Methodological and Implementation (MIR) program at the Ottawa hospital research Institute, having previously been the program lead for the Office for Patient Engagement in Research Activities (OPERA) since September 2020. Prior to joining the OHRI, I was a Methodologist within the Clinical Research Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute and completed a CIHR-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa.

As an applied researcher in patient engagement and a member of the Ottawa Methods Centre and OPERA, I work with researchers across specialities to support patient engagement in their research whether it is a systematic review, survey, priority setting exercise, or clinical trial. To date I have published over 130 peer reviewed publications, a co-authored monograph, and half a dozen book chapters. I have been a principal applicant, co-applicant, or collaborator on 86 funded research studies totalling over $77 Million. In addition, I have previously been a member of the Canadian Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre (CCTCC)/Health Canada working group on developing a pan-Canadian accreditation system for Research Ethics Boards reviewing clinical trials and was a member of the Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada Research Ethics Board.