The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is pleased to support International Clinical Trials Day (20th May 2021).

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.

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.

In March 2020, following discussions with a number of stakeholders including regulators (inc. the HRA & MHRA), funders, and CTUs, the Network issued the following guidance on Covid19 contingency planning.  Its aim is to provide advice on assessing priorities and operating in a risk proportionate way during the Covid19 pandemic whilst ensuring a joined up approach across the system.

As always, patient safety is paramount.

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is carefully following developments in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and we will continue an open dialogue with all parties as the situation unfolds.

Click here to download the guidance.

In May 2019, the UKCRC Registered CTU Network released its new five year strategy.  The document outlines the Network aims over the period 2019 – 2024 and describes they key activities which will be undertaken in support of those aim.  These include:

• Supporting Operations Groups in the areas of Statistics, Quality Assurance, Trial Management, and Information Systems to identify and share good practice, and highlight challenges and opportunities;
• Developing a strong policy function so the views of Registered CTUs are represented, and communicated to key decision makers during consultations, evidence calls and policy development; and
• Creating publicity materials to highlight the important role and high-quality impact of CTUs in the research environment.

For more information this strategy, or to find out how you can work with us, please contact the Secretariat at regctus@leeds.ac.uk.

On the 1 November 2018, the UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Network hosted a workshop in Leeds to explore issues relating to the sharing of individual participant data from clinical trials. The aim of the Workshop was to highlight the latest developments in the field of clinical trial data sharing and provide practical tools to help CTUs develop data sharing systems that incorporate good practice.  For more information on the day please click here.

In January 2018 the UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Network and NHS Digital hosted a joint workshop in Leeds to explore issues relating to access of routine clinical data through NHS Digital processes.  The day included a discussion on priorities identified by the NIHR Efficient Trial Conduct project which is exploring ways in which making requests to NHS Digital can be made easier for clinical trials.  For more information on the day please click here.

The UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Registered Clinical Trials Units Network is pleased to announce that the Search of Oversight Statisticians Database is now live. The resource will allow registered CTUs to identify suitably qualified statisticians to sit on Data Monitoring Committees (DMC) and Trial Steering Committees (TSC). CTUs wishing to access the database should visit the website to request a log-in.

A paediatricians guide to clinical trials units

Chris Gale of Imperial CTU and Ed Juszack of NPEU CTU have publish a research in practice paper in the Education & Practice edition of the Archives of Disease in Childhood entitled paediatricians guide to clinical trials units.  The paper provides an overview of the history and role of CTUs within the UK and outlines the key stages involved when undertaking research in collaboration with a CTU.  The paper can be viewed on line here.