The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) clinical trials unit has become one of the first centres in the North West Coast region to be awarded provisional registration for its work in clinical trials focused on improving healthcare and treatment.
The unit, based at the University campus in Preston, has been awarded provisional registration status by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC). This means Lancashire Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) is now part of a prestigious Network within the UK contributing to the clinical research environment.
The registration is the first to be awarded to a CTU in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Lancashire CTU joins a group of units nationally which are recognised as having the experience and facilities to co-ordinate clinical studies into improving health care and treatment for patients. There are currently 47 fully registered CTUs and 6 provisionally registered CTUs across the UK. Lancashire CTU aims to meet the criteria for full registration within 3 years.
"This is fantastic news for South Cumbria and Lancashire as this will be the first UKCRC registered trials unit in the area, bringing more prestigious funding for health and social care research."
The Network is working to establish the UK as a world leader in clinical research and provides a forum for partners across the county to work together to transform the clinical research environment.
The UKCRC brings together the NHS, research funders, industry, regulatory bodies, Royal Colleges, patient groups and academics, in a UK-wide environment that facilitates and promotes high quality clinical research for the benefit of patients.
UCLan’s Lancashire CTU was first established in 2012 and supports both national and international research across multiple disease groups. It has a well-established track record in co-ordinating clinical trials, and other well-designed studies, from design and initiation to publication in high-impact journals.
Professor Dame Caroline Watkins, Director of the Lancashire CTU, said “This is fantastic news for South Cumbria and Lancashire as this will be the first UKCRC registered trials unit in the area, bringing more prestigious funding for health and social care research. Local chief investigators will be able to use the local CTU to coordinate their studies, ensuring the area produces important evidence for treatment and care.”
StJohn Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) commented from the University perspective, “UCLan is delighted to support the establishment of the CTU and its recognition by the UKCRC. This is the latest development of our health and medicine portfolio. It represents an opportunity to augment our incredible workforce, alongside our research strategy which aims to benefit the regional community. This will be a huge bonus for us in establishing Lancashire as a key member of the Northern Powerhouse health community.”