It was nice to meet so many delegates and recruiters at Institute of Clinical Research Annual Conference.  I was part of the organizing committee this year and I thought the new venue and smaller, more intimate exhibition hall worked well.

I helped put together the sessions giving an update of The NIHR Clinical Research Network and also the one concerning UK Patients Access to Medicines.

Dr Clare Morgan spoke about how The NIHR Clinical Research Network are supporting Industry to Deliver Clinical Research within the NHS.  This is a topic that interests me greatly.  Approximately 6% of the world’s clinical trials used to be conducted within the UK.  That figure has dropped dramatically and the commonly held view is that clinical trials run from the UK is they are too expensive, take too long to run and it is difficult to recruit patients.  With the emergence of India, China and other emerging markets the UK will never capture the market share it once had.  However, it is my own view that with the correct support and collaboration between Government, NICE, the ABPI, the Networks and the ICR that the UK can become competitive within Europe again. Member of the Institute of Clinical Research can download Dr Clare Morgan’s presentation from the ICR Website

On emedcareers we have seen a significant fall in the number of Clinical Research roles advertised on the site in the past 12 months within the UK.

ICR’s resourcing special interest group, of which I am a member, also held a session to introduce students to the clinical research industry and describe some of the job roles and potential career paths that are available.  It is really difficult to secure entry level roles with this sector, especially given the current economic situation.  Ideally graduates need to have gained some experience through industrial placement.  Junior Clinical Trial Administrator roles within a CRO rather than Pharmaceutical Company is probably the best option.  He key is to get experience within the clinical trials environment, perhaps within data management, and then progress from there.  I was good to see and chat with some eager students who want to pursue a career within the Industry.