Networks mark International Clinical Trials Day

The third International Clinical Trials Day took place on 20 May and was marked by a series of events across the UK and Europe. The aim of this annual event is to raise awareness amongst patients and the public about the processes and challenges of clinical research, and to promote discussion and debate among trial participants, practitioners, researchers and funders of clinical research.

International Clinical Trials Day 2007 is being marked in the Clinical Research Networks by a series of activities which are taking place across the country. The Networks are using the day as a focus for activities which raise awareness of clinical research and which aim to encourage patients and the public to get involved in the research process.

The day comes at an important time in the development of the UK Clinical Research Network, during which new infrastructure is being put in place in the NHS to deliver high quality clinical trials. Existing Networks are in the process of building a portfolio of high quality clinical studies and the coming year will see the emergence of the NIHR Comprehensive Research Network - infrastructure designed to deliver high quality clinical trials across all areas of clinical need and to help streamline the management of clinical research within the NHS.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Clinical Research Networks in your area, please contact Louise Bleasdale, UKCRN Communications Manager on l.bleasdale@ukcrn.org.uk or 0113 392 4401.

Notes for Editors: International Clinical Trials Day was initiated by the European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network in 2005. The date of 20 May was chosen as it marks the start of the first clinical trial in 1747, which was conducted by James Lind in seamen suffering from Scurvy. More information is available at www.jameslindlibrary.org