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Every year on 20 May, we mark International Clinical Trials Day - the anniversary of James Lind's 1747 scurvy study, widely recognised as the world's first controlled clinical trial. It is a moment to thank the patients who take part in research and trials every year, recognise the many teams of staff who make it all possible, and reflect on the huge impact these advancements have on people's lives.

Clinical research is central to what we do for patients at Barts Health. We are consistently one of the UK's top recruiters for commercial and non-commercial trials, with a strong portfolio across cancer, cardiology, renal medicine, children's services and many other specialties. Behind every trial is a patient who chose to take part, a clinician who asked a question worth answering, and a team that made it happen.

As a Trust, we continue to invest in our clinical trials infrastructure including the recent opening of the Clinical Trials Pharmacy at Newham Hospital, expanded space for Whipps Cross Hospital’s Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and a significant new CRF for early phase trials being developed at Royal London Hospital.

What makes north east London distinctive is the community we serve. Ours is one of the most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations in the country. That diversity is a scientific strength, and allows us to generate evidence more representative of patients here, across the UK and around the world.

During the week of International Clinical Trials Day, teams across the Trust host both public- and staff-facing events. Whether you work in research already or are curious about getting involved and learning more, this year's programme has something for you:

N.B. Links and timings will be updated in the run up to the event

TUESDAY 19 MAY

Pint of Science - Healthy ageing for bodies, minds, and societies (in-person)

ACHA
Doors 18:30 - The Griff , Garrod Building, Turner St, London E1 2AD

Speakers from the Academic Centre for healthy ageing (ACHA) - a unique collaboration between QMUL, Barts Health and multiple community partners to improve healthy ageing in north east London through research and the practical implementation on the ground.

Find out more on the Pint of Science event page.

WEDNESDAY 20 MAY - INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL TRIALS DAY  

Royal London Hospital stall (in-person)

CRF
10:30 - 15:00 - Stepney Way

Showcasing research opportunities at the hospital.

Newham stand (in-person)

Children and Adults Clinical Research
12:00 - 15:00 - Health Central, Zone 6, Newham Hospital

There will be activities, food and information about getting involved in research and types of studies.

PLACE (Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment) Appreciation Event (in-person)

Research Engagement Team / CRF
14:30 - 16:00 - Soft FM Centre of Excellence Training Centre, 14th Floor, Royal London Hospital

Annual event to thank all patient representatives and external volunteers who participated in the PLACE assessment.

Clinical Trials Day (in-person)

William Harvey Research Centre
13:30 - 17:00 - Derek Willoughby Lecture Theatre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AU

Celebrate Clinical Trials Day and learn more about clinical trials and research being done in your community. The event will have exciting talks and interactive sessions from our patients, industry partners, academia and charity organisations followed by light refreshments

Find out more on the eventbrite page.

Research Matters: Public Partnerships in Action (hybrid)

Research Engagement Team
17:00 - 20:00 - Perrin Lecture Theatre, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT

Highlighting and celebrating the impact of public involvement and community engagement across a wide range of projects, offering insight into how this work is driving more inclusive, relevant, and trusted healthcare research.

Find out more on the eventbrite page.

FRIDAY 22 May

Advancing Research as a Core Component of Clinical Care (in-person)

Barts Health Children's Clinical Research Team
09:00 - 17:00 - Perrin Lecture Theatre, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT

An engaging in-person event exploring how research can become an integral part of everyday clinical care. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussion, attendees will explore practical strategies for creating research-active clinical environments and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration.

Find out more on the eventbrite page.

International Clinical Trials Day (hybrid)

Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine (ECMC)
10:00 - 14:00 - Conference Room, West Wing, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield

A unique opportunity to hear from some of the most well recognised oncology experts in different tumour types and ask questions. Celebrating the advancements in clinical research and the impact of trials on healthcare.

Find out more on the eventbrite page.

Staff at Barts Health can find more internal events on WeShare