Australia celebrates International Clinical Trials Day 2018
20 May was International Clinical Trials Day. International Clinical Trials Day commemorates the day James Lind started his study to determine the cause of scurvy. By dividing 12 sailors into separate groups and testing the effect of providing different treatments to each group, Lind was able to provide evidence of the link between fruit and preventing scurvy. This is the first recorded controlled clinical trial and changed modern medicine. Around the world International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of clinical trials and research in healthcare.
In 2018, the following activities were held to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, launched the Australian Clinical Trials marketing campaign Helping our Health to raise awareness of the role and value of clinical trials.
The Minister also announced the 2018 ACTA Trial of the Year at the Clinical Trials National Tribute and Awards ceremony on Friday 18 May 2017. This event hosted by Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA) together with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Medicines Australia, MTPConnect, Bellberry and supported by Research Australia, MTAA and AusBiotech. Further information.
The Australasian Kidney Trials Network shared some important advice for successfully completing a clinical trial. The event was held at UQ Centre for Clinical Research.
The Gallipoli Research Foundation celebrated International Clinical Trials Day by hosting a staff event in the Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre and distributing a pamphlet to highlight what GMRF Clinical Trials Unit does. Further information.
Griffith University's Clinical Trial Unit celebrated International Clinical Trials Day with a presentation and tour on Thursday the 17th of May, as well as holding a morning tea for staff, clinicians and clinical trial researchers on Monday the 21st of May. Further information.
Goulburn Valley Health promoted Clinical Trials Day to their local community and staff. More information.
Holdsworth House Medical Practice (Sydney) celebrated with a stall promoting their research and providing information to their patients across the day – Cupcakes were provided for all! Further information.
The Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation at the Mackay Hospital and Health Service celebrated International Clinical Trials Day with a morning tea personally inviting every department within hospital.
The Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Unit at the Metro North Hospital and Health Service hosted a cake stall with all proceeds going to the Cancer Care Services Fund which supports research, new initiatives and the purchase of special items to assist with patient care. Further information.
Monash Clinical Research launched their Clinical Research Website. Further information.
Novartis celebrated International Clinical Trials Day by holding a morning tea opened by Brian Gladsden, Novartis Managing Director.
MSD Australia and New Zealand celebrated International Clinical Trials Day with a morning tea for staff in Sydney and Auckland, where they shared what MSD is doing to promote, support and conduct clinical trials. Through Twitter and LinkedIn, they shone a light on the importance of clinical research to the Australian health landscape and acknowledge the investigators, Study Coordinators, site staff and pharmacists who help the company conduct more than 100 global clinical trials involving more than 2000 patients across ANZ. For more information please visit www.msd-australia.com.au.
The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Herston, together with Q-Pharm, held a morning tea and a clinical trials bake-off. For further information.
Peninsula Health celebrated International Clinical Trials Day with a display in the foyer of Frankston Hospital on Monday 21 May 2018.
Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer held a morning tea at the University of Melbourne, Department of General Practice highlighting the PC4 clinical trials that they have developed and assisted with. Further information.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital celebrated International Clinical Trials Day across two campuses with an information booth highlighting how PA Hospital is involved in Clinical Trials including the number of trials being conducted and the number of patients involved across the multiple disciplines of Haematology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. Cupcakes, pens and an information guide to Clinical Trials were also available to members of the public. For more information www.metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au.
Royal North Shore Hospital celebrated International Trials Day with a presentation, and by displaying a window in the main foyer of the hospital. Further information.
The Comprehensive Cancer Centre Clinical Trials and Research teams at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital hosted an information stand for their patients who came to the Comprehensive Cancer Centre on the Day. Further information www.health.wa.gov.au or www.healthywa.wa.gov.au.
The Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc hosted a special breakfast event with guest speakers in attendance. Further information.
Clinical Trails Support Unit, SWSLHD Research and Ethics Office, South Western Sydney Local Health District celebrated Australian Clinical Trials Day by thanking the clinical trials coordinators and research staff for all their hard work and dedication. South West Sydney in collaboration with the Ingham Institute also hosted a breakfast/morning tea on the 14th May.
The Telethon Kids Institute hosted a lunchtime discussion and speaker for International Clinical Trials Day. Further information.
The Office of Research Ethics at the University of Queensland held a seminar on Thursday 17 May for researchers wishing to undertake clinical trial research.
See below how Australia has celebrated in previous years
2017 Activities to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day
2016 Activities to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day
2015 Activities to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day