News & Media

Professor Otavio Berwanger Appointed Chair of UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s International Registration Review Committee

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Otavio Berwanger as the new Chair of its International Registration Review Committee (IRRC).

Professor Berwanger will oversee the Network’s registration process, working with the Network’s leadership to ensure maintenance of appropriate quality standards and helping to shape the strategic direction of the registration process and membership.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Berwanger said:

“I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the UKCRC Clinical Trials Unit Network Registration Committee. The UK is a global leader in clinical trials and evidence generation, driven by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and efficiency. The UKCRC registration process plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards for Clinical Trials Units, ensuring they are well-equipped to design and deliver high-quality research that improves patient-important outcomes. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the Network to support and strengthen this essential foundation for clinical trial excellence.”

Professor Berwanger is cardiologist and clinical trialist with a strong background in leading large-scale, pragmatic, international randomised clinical trials.  He is the Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health UK and  Chair in Clinical Trials at Imperial College London.

Reflecting on the importance of the IRRC’s work, Simon Denegri, Chair of the Network’s Executive Group, welcomed Professor Berwanger’s appointment, stating:

“I am delighted that Otavio will be chairing our International Registration Review Committee (IRRC) and look forward to working with him on behalf of the UKCRC CTU Network Executive Group. Clinical trials units (CTUs) are at the forefront of excellence and innovation in trials across all four nations of the UK and the Network is internationally unique in bringing together the collective expertise of CTUs to ensure continuous improvement in the way the UK conducts trials  The Network’s shared commitment to excellence is underpinned by the  work of IRRC which is crucial in ensuring all members of our network are operating to the highest standards and for patient benefit. Otavio brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience which will ensure the registration process for CTUs is rigorous, fair and forward-looking.”

The IRRC undertakes and has oversight of the Network’s registration process.  This assesses the capability of a Clinical Trials Unit to design, conduct and analyse clinical trials. Registration acts as a hallmark of quality, excellence and integrity and provides assurance to the standard of studies undertaken by Registered units. 

Joyce Fox, a public contributor with extensive experience in public involvement in clinical research and member of the IRRC since 2022, noted:

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Otavio as the new chair of our International Registration Review Committee (IRRC). He has extensive experience in clinical trials and demonstrates a highly inclusive and forward-looking approach, including a strong commitment to supporting and further developing Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). I am excited to work with Otavio on the IRRC and to continue supporting the development of the Clinical Trials Network and strong PPI within it.”

Professor Berwanger joins a notable line of past chairs, including Dr Ian Hudson, former Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). His leadership is expected to further strengthen the integrity and excellence of the UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s registration process.