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International Clinical Trials Day 2020
20th May 2020
Wednesday 20 May marks International Clinical Trials Day, celebrating the day that James Lind started what is often considered the first randomized clinical trial, aboard a ship on May 20, 1747.
More than 265 years later, clinical research is a cornerstone of person-centred healthcare and is made possible thanks to the support and commitment of patients and the public working in partnership with researchers and healthcare professionals.
For the twelve months leading up to September 2019, more than 1500 clinical research studies have been delivered across Scotland, involving over 39,000 patients, and we are committed to attracting and delivering more research in Scotland. Never has this been more vital than during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
During this time, our core mission remains the support of health research, with COVID-19 related research studies prioritised across Scotland. This is a huge collaborative effort as we unite in our fight to limit the outbreak, test new ways to treat the disease and ultimately save lives.
Across Scotland, studies are taking place across primary care, hospital settings and ICU’s. The pace of work and the commitment of teams across Scotland is testament to our world-class research infrastructure, expertise and the altruism of patients and families supporting this vital research.
It is a rapidly moving area involving every health board in Scotland, universities, research institutions and industry partners.
- Scotland forms part of a single national UK process led by NIHR and draws on expert advice to prioritise the COVID-19 studies which hold the most potential
- Over 3,500 patients across Scotland have taken part in COVID-19 related trials
- 56 studies funded through the Chief Scientist Office’s Rapid Research in COVID-19 call are being led by 15 Scottish Universities and research institutions to increase understanding of the virus, screen potential treatments and support clinical trials
Thank you to all patients, researchers, healthcare professionals and partners. Your efforts are not only recognised today on International Clinical Trials Day, but every day for the work you do in advancing the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease.
Follow activity at #CTD2020 #BePartofResearch on @NHSResearchScot.
- If you are interested in getting involved in research, sign up to the SHARE research register
- To search for studies visit Be Part of Research
- Find out more about taking part in a clinical trial
- Read more about COVID-19 research in Scotland
- Listen to Dr McGregor, Interim Chief Medical Officer outline the research efforts underway in Scotland (approx. 15mins into recording)
- The best research laboratory in the world – read the Holyrood Health of the Nation report
