We are delighted to announce that Simon Denegri OBE is the new Chair of the UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s Executive Group. Simon is Executive Director of the Academy of Medical Sciences and has held high level positions within the field, having been CEO at the Association of Medical Research Charities and, more recently, NIHR National Director for Patients, Carers and the Public.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said

“I am excited to be taking on this role and working with the UKCRC Registered CTU Network again. The value of the academic CTU Network has been clearly demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic and the availability of high quality expertise and infrastructure has enabled a speedy, innovative clinical trial response. I look forward to working with them.”

Professor Julia Brown, Network Director, commented that

“Simon was involved in the early development of the CTU Network and we are so pleased that he has re-joined us at what is an important time for the academic research community. We are very proud of the work our members have done in leading innovation in the design and delivery of Covid-19 research.”

The Network would also like to extend its thanks to the out-going Executive Group Chair, Dr Sarah Rudkin, Head of Research Strategy and Growth at Versus Arthritis, who has provided such strong leadership over the last 7+ years.  We are incredibly pleased that she has agreed to remain a member of the Executive Group.

From May 2020, the Network will be taking part in a new joint webinar series which has been set up by the MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP) on behalf of all TMRP partner organisations.  The programme, which is organised and hosted by the UK TMN, offers sessions on a diverse range of topics with a focus on trial methodology.  The initial series will run from May to October 2020.

Alongside the UKCRC Registered CTU Network, the TMRP’s partner networks include:

• The Global Health Network (TGHN)
• Health Research Board – Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN)
• Health Data Research UK
• UK Trial Managers’ Network (UK TMN)

A copy of the programme can be downloaded here.

Information for paediatricians wanting to work with CTUs

A paediatrician’s guide to clinical trials units

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is pleased to support International Clinical Trials Day (20th May 2020).

The event marks the day in May 1747 when James Lind, a Royal Navy surgeon, began what many consider to be the first randomised clinical trial ever undertaken.  Although his trial into the causes of scurvy consisted of just 12 men and ran for only 6 days he was nevertheless able to establish the link between citrus fruits and scurvy.  Worldwide the anniversary of Lind’s trial is now used to raise awareness of clinical trials and honour the work of clinical research professionals. 

To learn more about International Clinical Trials Day or to get involved in activities please visit the ACRP Clinical Trials Day website.

This year, as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the importance of high-quality clinical trials has never been more apparent and many of our Registered CTUs are involved in national and international Covid-19 research.  As members of the research community, we are proud to be continuing James Lind’s legacy.

A full list of nationally prioritised Covid-19 studies can be found on the NIHR website.

If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, the ‘Be Part of Research’ website lets you search for ongoing trials in particular health conditions or locations, including information about how to support COVID-19 research.

The INVOLVE website is also a great place to start if you’re interested in public involvement in research.