Clinical Research focus

This issue

In the March issue of CRfocus, Danielle Jacobs provides essential advice for those setting up new clinical research departments (and useful reminders for the rest of us) on common mistakes and pitfalls encountered by start-up companies, and (thankfully) how to avoid them.

Tim Ewbank of Harten Group presents the results of their 2009/10 survey of executive confidence around the pharma and biotech sector, finding that 2009 wasn't quite as bad as some had feared it would be, that the concerns and interests of pharma and biotech companies are continuing to converge, but that the issue of the viability of clinical research in the UK still remains unanswered. Lynn Seeley explains some of the key differences for a monitor working in a non-commercial setting compared with the type of activities carried out by a CRA in a commercial organisation.

Also in this issue, we interview Raj Parekh, who will be discussing the current state of venture capital in the life sciences at ICR's 2010 Annual Conference, Philippa Smit-Marshall provides an update from ICR's Paediatrics Advisory Group, and Jane Barrett reviews the book "Healthcare research, ethics and law" by Hazel Biggs.

Last issue

February's issue of CRfocus looks in detail at an area where the UK is acknowledged as a world leader: Health Technology Assessment and the broader field of health economics. Alan Jones provides his regular report and insights into the NICE Annual Conference.

We also interview Prof. David Edwards, Associate Director of the Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) and recipient of the Arvo Ylppö Quinquennial International Award for Neonatology, discussing the misconception that neonatal research is unusually difficult and the key differences in how neonatal services are arranged in the NHS compared with more general paediatric services.

Also in this issue, Lucy Ball describes her route into a career in clinical trial project management via a specific project support route, rather than the more traditional CRA route, and Michelle Noble summarises the variety of networking events and joint conferences for the ICR community taking place over the next few months.

About CRfocus

Clinical Research focus (CRfocus) is ICR's peer-reviewed journal, published every month. CRfocus publishes authoritative articles to keep readers up to date with best practice, and develop their careers. Members of ICR receive CRfocus free of charge; non-members can subscribe for £135 per year