ACRP to Celebrate International Clinical Trials' Day by Recognizing Clinical Research Professionals

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is officially partnering with the European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN) in honoring the extraordinary contributions of clinical researchers worldwide on International Clinical Trials’ Day. May 20 is the recognized date for organizations, clinical research professionals, and the public to acknowledge the life changing achievements that result from the work performed by clinical researchers. As the largest organization for clinical research professionals in the world, ACRP will serve as the platform for its extensive network of member and member companies to voice their pride and passion for the essential work they are accomplishing on a daily basis.

“It is important that we take time to recognize the impact of clinical research on our society, and to celebrate and thank the women and men who perform ethical and responsible clinical research in pursuit of healthier, happier lives,” says James D. Thomasell, ACRP Executive Director.

Started in 2006 by ECRIN (www.ecrin.org), International Clinical Trials’ Day is celebrated around the world on or near May 20 each year in order to celebrate the day that James Lind started what is often considered the first randomized clinical trial aboard a ship on May 20, 1747 (www.jameslindlibrary.org).

“The objective is to make the International Clinical Trials’ Day a focal point for international communication events, meetings, debates, and celebrations of clinical research,” says Christian Gluud, Head of The Copenhagen Trial Unit (www.ctu.dk) and the Danish National Coordinator of ECRIN. “We want people to realize that independent clinical research and randomized clinical trials are the ‘sine qua non’ for providing health care systems with top quality. A mega global educational activity is needed to make the public and large parts of the health care system understand that.”

Planned Events (May 20-24)

From May 20-24, ACRP and its partners, including The Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP; www.ciscrp.org), will recognize the global clinical research community by sharing the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through clinical trials. These patient profiles serve as a reminder that clinical research is a business of people and will remind us of the lives we touch every day.

“We’re simply delighted to be collaborating with ACRP in honoring clinical research professionals, in recognizing study volunteers, and in acknowledging the important role that each party plays in advancing public health,” said Ken Getz, CISCRP’s board chair and founder. “It is extremely important that the international community understands and acknowledges the medical heroes – both patients and professionals – behind every medical intervention.”

These stories and more will be available online at www.acrpnet.org/TrialsDay, and will be shared throughout our online community via Twitter (www.twitter.com/acrpdc), Facebook (www.facebook.com/acrpdc), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-of-clinical-research-professionals), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/acrpdc).

How to Get Involved

Individuals: Show your pride as a clinical research professional May 20-24 by sharing photos of yourself and your colleagues wearing your member and/or Certification pins on Instagram and tag your photos with the official International Clinical Trials’ Day hashtag #ICTD. You can also email your photos to [email protected] and we will post them on your behalf. A panel of judges will choose the most creative photo submission, and the winner will receive an iPad Mini. Photos will be posted May 20-24 at www.acrpnet.org/TrialsDay.

Companies & Organizations: Join the celebration and share your organizational commitment to quality clinical research by posting your logo at www.acrpnet.org/TrialsDay. Email your company’s logo and any supporting comments to [email protected] and we will recognize your company as an International Clinical Trials’ Day Supporter June 2014.