Last Friday, the new neuroscience theme of the Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU) was launched. The meeting brought together representatives from across neuroscience research in Cambridge: including CCTU, Cambridge Clinical Research Centre (CCRC), Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre (WBIC), Pharmacy, and the NIHR Cambridge BRC Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disorders theme, plus other clinical research staff.

The event kicked off with introductions from Patrick Chinnery and Alasdair Coles. We were delighted to welcome a patient representative – Bea – who gave her perspective on participating in trials. We then had a few key talks focused specifically on current and upcoming trials, including: Emma Cutting (giving an overview of the neurosciences trials); Priya Rogers (providing an overview of the Barker HD and PD portfolio of trials); Caroline Williams-Gray (presenting her upcoming trial in PD); and, Luca Passamonti (presenting his upcoming trial in PSP). Danielle Daft also gave an overview of the Research Professionals platform. The event closed with discussions around the theme.

Specifically, the neuroscience theme will be focused on drug and device trials sponsored by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust/University of Cambridge. The team will be responsible for coordinating the trials, as well as facilitating regulatory set-up and day-to-day running of these trials. If you’d like any further information, please contact Emma Cutting (evc26@cam.ac.uk).