Posted on: 20 May 2021
Message from Noclor, CNWL Research and Development Office:
Today, 20 May, is International Clinical Trials Day, celebrating the anniversary of the first clinical trial by James Lind in 1747 into the causes of scurvy on board the HMS Salisbury. His trial consisted of 12 men taking a variety of dietary supplements from cider to oranges and lemons. The trial only lasted six days but, within that time, there was a noticeable improvement in the group eating the fruit, providing Lind with the evidence required of the link between citrus fruits and scurvy.
Research has come a long way in the last 274 years and its importance has been particularly highlighted over the past year by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the NHS has been through the toughest period in its history, it has responded by undertaking research into the effects of the virus and conducting studies on potential vaccines.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Co-lead for the National Institute for Health Research said just a few weeks ago about reaching one million participants into COVID-19 Studies:
“Reaching one million participants in COVID-19 research shows the impressive selflessness of people across the UK who have volunteered to take part. This research has led to vaccines, better treatments and improved care. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in, led or enabled the research”
Research in the Trust
The research delivery team from Noclor, the Trust’s Research and Development Office have been busy supporting a number of projects including the Virus Watch Study led by Professor Andrew Hayward, honorary consultant in public health at CNWL. Virus Watch aims to identify how SARS-CoV-2 spreads, and how to stop it. Over 50,000 people have been recruited since June 2020 across England and Wales providing significant insight into the behaviour of the virus. Preliminary findings were released last Friday and can be viewed here
CNWL’s Mortimer Market Centre support a large amount of sexual health and infections research but when the pandemic hit, many studies were forced to pause recruiting. Staff stepped up to run the SAFER study of HCWs in front-line roles in UCLH. This produced early evidence of rapid acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and one of the first reports of re-infection.
Opportunities for CNWL staff involvement in research
The Trust is actively encouraging participation in research and there are now several initiatives run in the Trust to provide opportunities for our staff to become involved.
The Trust’s scholarship scheme for research related training courses opens for applications on Monday 24 May. The scheme is open to staff working in the Trust who wish to expand their research knowledge and capabilities by undertaking further education.
The Trust’s annual Starter Grant Scheme will also open for applications soon. The scheme provides grants to fund early pilot study work within the Trust with the aim of developing homegrown research projects.
The next CNWL Research Seminar will take place on Thursday 24 June at 4pm, further information on this will be communicated to staff nearer the time.
The Noclor Team
