UCC to host major online clinical trial symposium

University College Cork, together with partners, is to host a major online clinical trial research symposium this week. 

The HRB Clinical Research Facility Cork at UCC, HRB Trials Methodology Research Network Partners, in collaboration with colleagues in the National University of Ireland Galway, are hosting the symposium to address and engage in discussion on the area of trial methodology.

The two-day event takes place on Wednesday and Thursday.

Guest speakers for the symposium include Prof Peter Bower (University of Manchester), Dr Katie Gillies (University of Aberdeen), Prof Jane Blazeby (University of Bristol), Dr Jacques Demotes (ECRIN), Derek Stewart (Patient Advocate), Elaine Finucane and Prof Declan Devane (NUI Galway).

Dr Frances Shiely, Local Principal Investigator of the Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network at UCC said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an awareness of the need for drug, therapeutic and vaccine trials into each of our homes. Simultaneously, the pandemic has made the conduct of trials more challenging. We all have to adapt. We need to be inclusive. 

"Why not take this opportunity to learn more about this process? This symposium is relevant to patients, the public and anyone involved in health research. We are delighted at the HRB CRF-C in UCC to host this event in 2020. We have 1500 registrations (so far) from around the world".

Joe Eustace, professor of patient-focused research at UCC, added: “This is an opportune time to get involved in clinical trial research, as a patient or member of the public. We encourage you to join this symposium, where you will have the opportunity to interact with patient advocates and clinical trialists from a variety of backgrounds. We wish to thank the HRB for funding this event.”

The two-day event will have three sessions covering "Methodological challenges for trial conduct", "Conducting challenging trials – shared knowledge and better infrastructure" and "Public Involvement in trial methodology research".

To book a place on the symposium, log onto www.hrb-tmrn.ie or email hrb-tmrn@nuigalway.ie. The symposium is free.