International Clinical Trials Day provided the chance to recognise the many people contributing to our life-changing clinical trials.
Two key events were staged to mark the day, including a presentation in the Kolling auditorium from leading clinical trial investigators, and a public display within Royal North Shore Hospital.
More than 300 trials are underway across Northern Sydney including many by our Kolling Institute researchers.
These trials are the key to medical progress, from the medications we take to the procedures we undergo and the technologies that improve our lives.
Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked the large trials workforce for their commitment to our exceptional research.
“At Northern Sydney, the district is embedding trials as therapy, integrating them into standard care so that all patients have access to the very latest medical innovations,” he said.
“We are building our world-class expertise, while extending our activity and capabilities.
“I would like to recognise the hundreds of staff behind the scenes whose expertise and commitment ensure our trials are run safely, ethically and with care.
“And at the heart of every breakthrough are the patients who generously volunteer to take part in clinical trials. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and participation.”
The district is establishing a dedicated clinical trials centre to extend access to cutting-edge therapies. NORTH STAR will offer hope to millions of people with cancer and non-cancer related conditions.
Head of the non-cancer stream and Kolling Institute researcher Professor Rory Clifton-Bligh said NORTH STAR will bring together world-leading clinical trialists, delivering benefits for patients and the broader community.
“These trials will continue to advance our understanding, develop new treatments, and improve how we prevent, diagnose and manage conditions,” he said.
“NORTH STAR will expand the quality and quantity of our trials, nurture our trials workforce and strengthen partnerships with industry at all stages of the therapy pipeline.
“It will offer access to leading specialists, the latest breakthroughs and high standards of care.”