Research and Clinical Trials
The Neurocentre of Eastern Ontario (NEO) is committed to advancing neurological care through clinical research and innovation. Research plays an important role in improving our understanding of neurological diseases and in developing new treatments that can benefit patients in the future.
NEO supports clinical research activities through collaboration with the Limestone Clinical Trials Unit (LCTU), a specialized clinical research organization based in Kingston that provides infrastructure and support for the conduct of high-quality clinical trials.
Limestone Clinical Trials Unit: The Limestone Clinical Trials Unit (LCTU) is a physician-led clinical trials organization that supports investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored research studies. The unit was established to expand clinical research opportunities in the Kingston region and to help investigators conduct clinical trials efficiently while meeting regulatory and ethical standards. LCTU provides comprehensive support for the planning and execution of clinical trials, including study coordination, regulatory compliance, participant recruitment, data management, and study monitoring. The unit operates in accordance with Health Canada regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, and institutional research ethics requirements. Through this partnership, patients receiving care at NEO may have opportunities to participate in clinical research studies that evaluate new treatments or approaches for neurological conditions.
N2 (Network of Networks) Membership
NEO is a member of N2 – the Network of Networks, Canada’s leading national alliance of clinical research organizations, hospitals, academic institutions, and research centres committed to improving the quality and efficiency of clinical trials.
N2 membership reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards in clinical research operations. Through this membership, NEO and its research partners benefit from access to nationally recognized clinical research resources, training programs, standardized research tools, and collaborative best practices.
Participation in the N2 network supports the development of high-quality research programs and strengthens the ability of NEO and the Limestone Clinical Trials Unit to conduct clinical trials that meet recognized Canadian and international standards.
Areas of Research
Research conducted through NEO and LCTU may include studies related to neurological conditions such as:
Stroke and stroke recovery
Migraine and headache disorders
Neurodegenerative conditions
Neuromodulation and emerging therapies
Rehabilitation and neurological recovery
Participation in Clinical Trials
Participation in clinical research is voluntary. Patients who may be eligible for a clinical trial will receive detailed information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Participation only occurs after informed consent is obtained and after the study has received approval from an independent Research Ethics Board.
Choosing not to participate in a research study will not affect the clinical care a patient receives.
Our Commitment to Ethical Research
All research activities associated with NEO are conducted in accordance with ethical research principles and regulatory standards designed to protect the safety, rights, and confidentiality of research participants. These include research ethics board approval, compliance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines, protection of participant privacy and confidentiality, and transparent informed consent processes.
Advancing Neurological Care
Through collaboration with the Limestone Clinical Trials Unit and participation in national research networks such as N2, NEO aims to contribute to the advancement of neurological knowledge and improve access to innovative treatments for patients in Eastern Ontario.