The unprecedented and global challenge of COVID-19 have brought together international expert researchers, clinicians, and methodologists to better understand the epidemiology of the disease and find appropriate cures. Collaborative statisticians have played important roles in the vaccines and drugs for COVID-19. Using several examples from Canada-led trials and other international projects, I will describe the type of leadership and innovations that collaborative statisticians bring to these collaborative teams in the development of life-saving interventions for COVID-19 disease.