Learning and Development Opportunities for Researchers and Trialists
The Network, and its member CTUs, are committed to sharing their knowledge of best practice in clinical trials research from the absolute fundamentals of trial development and management to the use of the latest novel trial designs.
Below you can find out about some of the upcoming learning and development opportunities taking place across the Network.
Some events are open to all and allow for online registration and payment. Others are limited to staff at Registered CTUs.
Use the links below to find out more.
April 2026
Title: 5th Annual ICTU Contemporary Clinical Trial (ICCT) Course
Date: 15 April – 22 July 2026
Venue: In-person tutorials will take place at the ICTU Offices, Stadium House, White City, London
Cost: £1,100 per delegate
**THE GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 DELEGATES SO EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED**
This bespoke programme is designed to equip Early Career Researchers and Emerging Lead Investigators with the essential skills to design and conduct a clinical trial. Each delegate will develop a protocol based on their own research question, supported by experienced ICTU staff in Clinical Trial Statistics, Methodology, Operations, and Clinical Data Systems. To gain the most from the course, we are looking for research questions that can be addressed using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design.
To complete registration online, please follow this link: ICCT in person course registration 2026.
Registration forms will be reviewed and places offered on a rolling basis. Course registration will close once all places are filled.
Title: Sample size calculations in randomised clinical trials: Beyond the basics
Date: 28 April 2026
Venue: MRC CTU at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ
Cost: Early bird – Academic / Not-for-profit – £200, For-profit – £380 Standard fee (after 1 January 2026) – Academic / Not-for-profit – £250, For-profit – £475
Course Leads: Dr Babak Choodari-Oskooei, Ian White, Andrew Copas, Matteo Quartagno
Sample size calculations arise in planning a study. It is one of the most important aspects of any design since it drives study timelines and the cost of undertaking the protocol. It determines the degree of required information to robustly answer the primary research questions in the study. If the sample size is too small, the study is likely to be inconclusive. Furthermore, increasing sample size during the study can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is imperative to accurately estimate the required sample size and trial timelines from the outset, and particularly for any funding application.
This course builds on a basic course in sample-size calculations such as the one provided by the ICH, and provides an overview of the underlying statistical theory for sample size calculations within the hypothesis testing framework. It addresses practical issues and statistical considerations when calculating sample sizes for a wide range of advanced trial designs and outcome distributions, including factorial, non-inferiority, group sequential, and clustered randomised clinical trials. It uses real advanced trial examples to calculate the sample size using the available user-written software in both R and Stata.
It is suitable for those working on trials and study designs, which includes trialists, trial statisticians, clinicians and other scientists. Familiarity with the hypothesis testing framework (i.e., type I error rate, power, and various effect sizes) are essential. Familiarity with sample size calculation for simple/basic designs is desirable but not essential.
For further information, and to register, please click here.
May 2026
Title: Research Methods: Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials in Healthcare
Date: 18 – 20 May 2026
Venue: Online
Cost: £600 per person
Course leads: Razia Meer-Baloch (Birmingham CTU) and Dr Sara Brookes (CRUK CTU)
Clinical trials have huge societal impact, providing the best evidence of the effectiveness of healthcare, social care and public health interventions. Research through clinical trials is a growing global business in academic institutions, industry, the NHS and across public health organisations. To ensure efficient trials that reach successful completion, trial staff require a solid grounding and knowledge of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials.
This face-to-face 3-day course in Research Methods: Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials in Healthcare organised by the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials (BCCT) provides an overview of the research process from idea and design to analysis and publication. This programme will be designed to combine theory with opportunities to apply knowledge to practice, and will be delivered in person with additional access to recordings and self guided readings.
Birmingham is well recognised for its research methods teaching with over 20 years’ experience of delivering short course CPD teaching in research methods, in addition to running a Master’s programme in Clinical Trials (MSc/PGDip/PGCert).
For further information, and to book your place, please click here.
Title: An Introduction to Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials: Statistics for Non-Statisticians
Date: 18 – 21 May 2026
Venue: Online
Cost: £130 Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC); £245 Academics / Not-for-profit organisations; and £320 For-profit organisations
Course leads: Laura Murphy and Yath Yogeswaran (MRC CTU at UCL)
This course will provide an introduction to the principles and application of statistics in the randomised controlled trial (RCT) environment. It will explain what’s important and why, and enable understanding of statistical methods and analyses in RCTs.
Intended Audience
Non-statisticians working in clinical trials who only have a basic level of statistical knowledge at present and wish to be more familiar with the meanings of common statistical terms used in clinical trials and the interpretation of results. This course is designed for individuals with less than 3 years of experience in a Clinical Trials setting, though all applicants are welcome.
Programme Contents
~ Basic descriptive statistics (refresher)
~ Estimation and hypothesis testing
~ Outcomes measures used in clinical trials
~ Study design and randomisation
~ Sample size calculations
~ Survival analysis
How to apply
For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/clinical-trials-and-methodology/study/short-courses/introduction-design-and-analysis-clinical-trials-statistics-non-statisticians
Title: Using Healthcare Systems Data in Clinical Trials: Data Utility Comparisons – DUCkS Workshop
Date: 21 May 2026
Venue: 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ
Cost: Free (subject to availability)
Course Facilitators: Macey Murray, Sharon Love, Matt Sydes, Jemima Thompson, and Gabriela Toledo
The use of health systems data (aka routinely-collected healthcare data, such as Hospital Episode Statistics) as trial data could transform the delivery of clinical trials, but there are key challenges to address. One of the challenges is assessing the suitability of the data to replace trial-specific data collection and its relevance, which we refer to as its utility. To have utility, we need to be assured that health systems data sufficiently captures the data traditionally reported on case report forms. We assess utility through the comparison of health systems data with trial-collected data. These formal comparison studies will provide evidence on the fitness of purpose of a dataset to answer specific questions.
In this workshop, we will be showcasing some utility comparisons, explaining their need, presenting our suggestion for how to conduct one, and giving some space for you to plan your own utility comparison.
For more details on DUCkS, please read Sydes et al. ‘Getting our ducks in a row: The need for data utility comparisons of healthcare systems data for clinical trials’ (doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107514).
This workshop is being run as part of the HDR UK Transforming Data for Trials programme (2023-2029).
Intended Audience
Researchers and statisticians who want to use healthcare systems data in a clinical trial.
Fees
The workshop is free. However, it is likely to be oversubscribed, in this case the attendees will be selected based on their registration. A waiting list will be maintained and spaces allocated subject to any cancellations. Main registrations will close on Monday 19th May 2026 at 12.00 or until capacity reached.
Light refreshments will be provided.
How to apply
For more information, and to register, please click here.
June 2026
Title: Nottingham Systematic Review Course 2026
Date: 9 – 11 June 2026 (Systematic Review Course) and 12 June 2026 (Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy)
Venue: Nottingham
Cost: (After 31 March 2026): 3-day Systematic Review Course: £1085; 1-day Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy: £295; Full 4-days: £1,280
Course lecturers: Professor Ian White, Dr Tim Morris, Dr Matteo Quartagno, and Dr Tra My Pham
Course overview
The Nottingham Systematic Review Course is aimed at enabling participants to become proficient in developing and undertaking a Cochrane-style systematic review of interventions. As this is an introductory course, no previous knowledge of systematic reviewing is required.
The course utilises a combination of lectures, small group discussions, workshops and library-based interactive tutorials, with hands-on practical work at computer stations using Review Manager (RevMan) and reference management software. RevMan is the software used for preparing and maintaining Cochrane Reviews.
Who is this for?
The Diagnostic Test Accuracy workshop is aimed at healthcare practitioners, health services researchers, methodologists, scientists and other researchers who wish to conduct or appraise systematic reviews and meta-analyses of DTA studies; or those who use DTA reviews for making clinical and policy decisions about diagnostic tests.
Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) summarise evidence from primary studies that evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests. This introductory course will provide an overview of the steps in conducting a DTA systematic review. The interactive course will be a combination of presentations, group work and computer exercises.
For more information, and to register, please click here.
Title: Using Simulation Studies to Evaluate Statistical Methods
Date: 9 – 12 June 2026
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Early Bird Cost: £170 – Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC), £345 – Academic / not-for-profit organisations, £415 – for-profit organisations
Standard Cost (After 12th April 2026): £185 – Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC), £370 – Academic / not-for-profit organisations, £444 – for-profit organisations
Course lecturers: Professor Ian White, Dr Tim Morris, Dr Matteo Quartagno, and Dr Tra My Pham
Simulation studies are an important tool for statistical research. They help us understand the properties of statistical methods and compare different methods. To perform a meaningful simulation study, careful thought needs to be put into the planning, coding, analysis and interpretation. Participants are expected to attend all sessions but course materials will be available in case of unexpected missed sessions.
Course Aims
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
~ Explain the rationale for simulation
~ Understand the importance of careful planning
~ Have the tools to code and debug simple simulation studies in Stata or R
~ Know how to analyse simulation studies producing estimates of uncertainty
~ Present methods and results for publication
Target audience
~ Methodological or applied statisticians who need to evaluate the statistical properties of one or more methods
~ PhD students using simulation studies
~ Readers of methodology articles which evaluate methods by simulation
Participants should be familiar with Stata or R and know, for example, how to generate data, run a regression command and produce simple graphs.
To secure your spot, please register here. Places are limited; please register as soon as possible to ensure you secure a place.
Title: Essentials of Clinical Trials
Date: 22 – 26 June 2026
Venue: London
Cost: £1,980 per person
Course organisers: Jennifer Nicholas, Matthew Dodd, and Eni Balogun
The Medical Statistics Department (MSD) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will be running a short course on the essentials of clinical trials.
An exciting new treatment is showing promise for treating a devastating disease, but how do you know if it works in real life? From evaluating emerging technologies to finding out whether innovative approaches to improve newborn survival or increase vaccine uptake are effective, clinical trials can help answer questions like these.
This popular course, which has been running since 1999, offers a fast track to understanding the fundamental principles of randomised clinical trials. These gold standard experiments enable researchers to test potential solutions to health challenges on a large number of people and in different contexts. Evidence from clinical trials has made a huge impact on health and policy worldwide.
Experts actively involved in major global trials will provide key insights into the steps involved in designing, conducting and analysing a clinical trial. Through live lectures and practical sessions, you will gain a basic understanding and practical knowledge to apply the principles of clinical trials to the health issue you are interested in. The course can either be attended in person at LSHTM in London or online via video conferencing using Zoom.
The course is relevant for anyone interested in understanding the role of clinical trials in the rigorous evaluation of healthcare interventions, including clinical research professionals, research managers, statisticians and other scientists.
Please note that places on the course are limited and applying early is advised.
The course runs for 5 days from 22 to 26 June 2026.
**The Royal College of Physicians was awarded 30 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for the June 2025 running of the course. An application is in progress for 2026**
For further information and an application form please visit: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/short-courses/clinical-trials
July 2026
No events are currently listed.
August 2026
No events are currently listed.
September 2026
Title: Improving Clinical Trial Delivery: Investigator Site Staff
Date: 21 – 22 September 2026
Venue: Online (University of Birmingham)
Cost: £250 person
This two day programme is designed to build understanding and efficiency in the ongoing site management and delivery of open trials. It is aimed at site delivery staff. The teaching will be delivered through a combination of pre-recorded lectures; independent reading and live online sessions.
For sites to achieve their recruitment target on time, in compliance with the trial protocol and with the collection of complete and accurate data, experienced and trained staff are required. This 2-day programme will focus on the management of trials from the perspective of the Principal Investigator and the site delivery team. It will explore clinical trial challenges such as the factors that can affect successful participant recruitment, data quality and the challenges in the assessment and reporting of safety data. It will focus on the impact of protocol deviations on patient safety and data credibility and will improve comprehension of the rationale for specific trial activities.
For further information, and to book your place, please click here.
October 2026
No events are currently listed.
November 2026
Title: Clinical Trial Management: Maximising Effectiveness
Date: 16 – 17 November 2026
Venue: Birmingham
Cost: £250 per person
Course lead: Razia Meer-Baloch (Birmingham CTC)
This two-day programme will focus on the fundamentals of the project management of trials. The teaching will be delivered through a combination of pre-recorded lectures; independent reading and live online sessions.
Trials that are successfully delivered on time and to the recruitment target require the employment of good project management. High quality data is driven through data and quality management processes, and these must be combined with an understanding of the trial safety reporting requirements, and the ongoing assessment and evaluation of trial risks.
The programme will explore how to plan for and respond to clinical trial challenges, maximising effectiveness, efficiency and data quality. It is aimed at individuals involved in trial co-ordination and management who have some experience, and who would like to build on this skill set.
For further information, and to book your place, please click here.
Title: Research Methods: Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials in Healthcare
Date: 23 – 25 November 2026
Venue: Edgbaston Campus, University of Birmingham
Cost: £600 per person
Course leads: Razia Meer-Baloch (Birmingham CTU) and Dr Sara Brookes (CRUK CTU)
Clinical trials have huge societal impact, providing the best evidence of the effectiveness of healthcare, social care and public health interventions. Research through clinical trials is a growing global business in academic institutions, industry, the NHS and across public health organisations. To ensure efficient trials that reach successful completion, trial staff require a solid grounding and knowledge of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials.
This face-to-face 3-day course in Research Methods: Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials in Healthcare organised by the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials (BCCT) provides an overview of the research process from idea and design to analysis and publication. This programme will be designed to combine theory with opportunities to apply knowledge to practice, and will be delivered in person with additional access to recordings and self guided readings.
Birmingham is well recognised for its research methods teaching with over 20 years’ experience of delivering short course CPD teaching in research methods, in addition to running a Master’s programme in Clinical Trials (MSc/PGDip/PGCert).
For further information, and to book your place, please click here.
December 2026
No events are currently listed.
Flexible Online Training
Title: Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials
Date: Anytime
Venue: Online course on FutureLearn
Cost: Available via subscription
Course Lead: Razia Meer-Baloch, Birmingham CTU
Discover the importance of trials in evidence-based medicine and learn about the trial lifecycle from conception to publication.
This course has been built by a team of expert research trial staff from the Birmingham Centre for Clinical Trials within Birmingham University. This team will guide you through the entire process for conducting randomised controlled trials and how to report results that can then be used to inform guidelines.
This course is designed for new or existing clinical trial staff. It may also be of interest to anyone looking to learn more about the wider randomised controlled trials process.
For further information, and to register, please click here.
Title: Introduction to Data Management in Clinical Research
Date: Anytime
Venue: Online course on FutureLearn
Cost: Available via subscription
Course Lead: Razia Meer-Baloch, Birmingham CTU
Improve the quality of medical research with clinical data management tools to collect, manage, and store trial data effectively.
This introductory course is for anyone setting up clinical trials and responsible for ensuring trial data integrity, such as aspiring chief investigators, trial coordinators, managers, data managers, and administrators. No prior knowledge is needed to join.
For further information, and to register, please click here.
Title: Statistics in Clinical Trials for the Non-Statistician
Date: Anytime
Venue: Online course on FutureLearn
Cost: Available via subscription
Course Lead: Sara Brookes, CRUK CTU
Discover the crucial role statistics plays in clinical trials and enhance your understanding of clinical trial data and analysis.
This course is ideal for individuals involved in clinical trials, whether in academia or the NHS, as well as those without a background in statistics. This includes aspiring chief investigators, research nurses, trial coordinators, trial managers, data managers, quality assurance team members, trial administrators, and other members of trial teams such as qualitative researchers or health economists.
The course is introductory with no prior knowledge or experience of statistics required.
For more information, and to register, please click here.
Post-Graduate Degrees
Title: Clinical Trials MSc/PGDip/PGCert
Institution: University of Birmingham
Teaching Staff: Razia Meer-Baloch, Birmingham CTU and Sara Brookes, CRUK CTU
This Master’s degree (Also available as a postgraduate diploma and certificate with modules available as standalone options) provides students with an excellent foundation in clinical trials, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials, promoting efficient trials that reach successful completion. The programme aims to produce skilled specialist trials staff in the existing workforce and expert trial Chief Investigators of the future.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There’s also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis or flexibly (up to 5 years).
For further information please click here.
