Collaboration is key – learnings from UKCRF Network’s 18th Annual Conference

PHARMExcel was delighted to have sponsored the UKCRF Network’s Annual Conference in Nottingham and to support this year’s conference theme ‘Leading life changing research’.

The UK clinical research landscape is multi-faceted and has key strengths in many areas including the NHS, NIHR, UK CRF Network, and leading academic centres. Despite that, there has been a notable steady decline in commercial clinical trials initiated since 2012 in all phases.

How to create a more attractive research environment

To move forward successfully there needs to be a collaborative effort to create a more attractive environment that can support research as well as maintain many of the developments that were a by-product of the pandemic – including expedited reviews and rapid approvals. Additionally, focusing on implementing equity and diversity in trial designs should become a priority.

By involving UK CRFs as well as CROs, clinical trials can benefit from the added NHS, academic and industry expertise that is required to develop the new medicines and technology needed to support the health and wealth of the nation.

Accelerating clinical trial delivery through Trial Acceleration Networks

One way to accelerate new and innovative ways to deliver trials is through the adoption of Clinical Trial Acceleration Networks (CTANs). The UK Government has committed £20 million over two years to establish two to three CTANs, most likely in the research areas of infectious disease vaccines, cancer and dementia.

This funding will be used to deliver innovative, efficient and effective approaches for clinical trials, enabling the UK to lead globally on the delivery of high-quality research. These networks will support emerging place-based knowledge clusters to ensure that research delivery is spread both nationally and at a local level. The CTANs will be used as exemplars for the development and spread of new approaches for the benefit of the whole clinical research system.

Five tips on successful collaboration

It is imperative that any new clinical trial has the right level of support that it needs, and this is achievable through collaborative work. This means shared decision making, where both sides operate as a team with a mutual interest in achieving the same outcomes.

There are many ways to ensure successful collaboration, and here are PHARMExcel’s:

1. Working as a team – this value is engrained in all our processes and activities. We work together to create an environment whereby cooperation, respect and professionalism is at the forefront of what we do. Working as a cohesive unit allows for everyone involved to feel like success is their responsibility also.

2. Agree on joint, multi-level governance procedures – quality is highly valued at PHARMExcel, and we manage and deliver all our projects through experience and expertise, ensuring compliance.

3. Create the right atmosphere – positive collaboration, honesty and integrity lead to continuous improvement. Effective collaboration requires transparency. At PHARMExcel we create partnerships whereby trust is reflected in all we do.

4. Shared passion – by aligning team goals with business goals across the partnership when defining objectives, both sides will be passionate about achieving them.

5. Learn each other’s language and culture – each company and team have different shortcuts and ways of communicating. Make sure each side knows how the other operates to avoid miscommunications.

The expert support from PHARMExcel can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each trial, filling gaps in knowledge and experience. As such, the UKCRFN event was ideal for PHARMExcel to attend. By engaging with the sessions and speaking with delegates, key opinion leaders and other exhibitors over the course of the two days, it was apparent that collaboration is key to advance successfully.

About PHARMExcel

PHARMExcel is an award-winning, full-service Contract Research Organisation (CRO) providing a flexible and innovative approach to clinical trial delivery. The company is recognised for its in-depth knowledge and experience of the clinical research environment, particularly in the UK, and has a network of regulatory and industry associates, allowing it to provide a global reach.

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Katie Howe, Head of Marketing
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