Heather Beaton is the Director of Clinical Research Operations with the Atlantic Clinical Trials Network (ACTN) and Atlantic Clinical Cancer Research Unit (ACCRU).

A registered nurse for nearly 20 years, her practice has been centered in the oncology field, where she has focused on both research and standard of care.

In October 2020, Heather’s love of patient-focused care led her to Nova Scotia Health’s ACCRU team as a Research Manager, leading a team carrying out groundbreaking work in cancer therapy in the region.

Heather is a believer that research is care, as well as the new treatment opportunities research and clinical trials bring to patients. In January 2024, she brought that passion to ACTN. In her role, she leads large, dynamic teams of healthcare professionals dedicated to finding the best ways to provide patients with better care through clinical trials, all across the Atlantic region.

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and English, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia.