National recognition for the University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit

The University of Southampton’s Clinical Trials Unit has won national recognition for the high quality of its clinical research and expertise to conduct clinical trials in the UK.

The Clinical Trials Unit was one of 40 units across the UK that applied successfully for recognition through the new UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Clinical Trials Unit Registration Process.

Clinical trials units are specialist organisations that bring together the experts needed to undertake a clinical trial, including clinicians, statisticians and trial managers. Managing a portfolio of trials is complex but registered units have the expertise to design, coordinate and analyse both local and multi-centre clinical trials of different types, ensuring that they are conducted in line with appropriate regulations and ethical standards.

Dr Steve George, Director of the University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, comments: "This puts us in a very strong position to be at the lead of clinical research in the UK, and reflects the excellent effort and achievement of all unit staff."

The registration process was coordinated by the UK Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre on behalf of the UKCRC. Units were required to meet a number of key competencies, which were assessed against detailed evaluation criteria and reviewed by an international panel. The criteria included a track record of experience in coordinating multi-centre clinical trials, presence of expert staff, confirmation of robust quality assurance systems, and evidence of long term viability of capacity for trial management.

For more information about UKCRC visit: http://www.ukcrc.org/

For more information about the University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit visit: http://www.ctu.soton.ac.uk/news.aspx