Judith Zarek
Judith is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manitoba and the IMPaCT training program where she evaluates the Canadian clinical trial landscape using a blend of traditional knowledge synthesis and AI-assisted techniques. Judith’s academic background includes a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and an M.Sc. in Pharmacology from the University of Toronto. Her doctoral work examined the safety of treatments during pregnancy, with a particular focus on autoimmune conditions. Judith’s research employs a range of knowledge-synthesis methods, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews as well as clinical and laboratory research.
Judith’s training has strengthened her commitment to advancing clinical research for pregnant populations. She aims to leverage her background in study design, evidence synthesis, and knowledge translation to develop trials that address the unique needs of this group.
Passionate about turning complex data into information that makes sense for families, Judith’s journey as both a mother and a researcher drives her work. Having navigated the challenges of pursuing a PhD while raising children, she brings a unique perspective to her goal of developing more inclusive clinical trials. Ultimately, she’s working to change the narrative for pregnant individuals, moving toward a standard of "protection through research" rather than "protection from research.”