Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) event is the largest of its kind in Europe and is attended by a variety of international delegates from across the pharmaceutical industry, academia and the NHS
The 27th Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) annual conference and exhibition (4-5 April 2006) saw more than 600 delegates and over 150 exhibitors gather together at the Gmex, Manchester, UK, to learn about and showcase the latest products, services and initiatives in the industry.
Alongside the exhibition, a busy programme of sessions were scheduled covering such diverse topics as R+D, project management, EDC, challenges of the European Directive, talks on clinical research in Japan, China and Australia, stem cells and managing remote teams.
Chairman's message.
Opening the conference, Tina Barton, chairman of the ICR, noted the progression of discussions with the Department of Health and the Privy Council about Royal Charter status for the ICR.
Barton then noted the changes in membership structure, and the promotion of the designatory letters RICR, MICR and FICR which had "seen a renewed interest in membership levels and those working towards achieving Fellowship of our Institute.
"The membership continues to grow," explained Dr Barton, "with new members from eastern Europe and India, as well as the Health Service.
"Due to the amount of awareness in ICR from our Indian colleagues, a visit to India occurred in November and this generated a lot of interest in membership, our training and examinations, both of which will be introduced in 2006.
"Looking at our support for education, we launched our new certificate and diploma exams, which were held in the UK, Netherlands and Sweden on 26 October 2005.
"Additionally, after 12 years we transferred our educational programmes to Cranfield University Medical School, where we now offer a number of qualifications up to PhD.
"We have run joint events with organisations including Barqa and the NHS R+D Forum and support other professional bodies whenever possible and we are working with the Vienna School of Clinical Research to try to gain European funding for part of our educational work in that region.
"New special interest groups (project management and resourcing) were also established to support the existing groups' structure".
Barton went on to stress the importance of communication and the understanding of members' requirements which had resulted in the launch of new initiatives such as the monthly 'Institute News' and the new ICR website.
The increasingly global reach of the ICR was reflected in the wide variety of topics covered and the delegates attending the conference.
Georgi Georgieu, clinical research manager at AstraZeneca and deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Clinical Research (BACR) said: "This is my second visit to the conference.
"I am trying to attend as many sessions as possible as I feel they discuss important industry issues and I get to hear other people's opinions on all aspects of clinical research".
Closer to home, Patrick Hughes, strategic marketing director at clinical technology organisation ClinPhone was equally praising of the event: "The ICR Spring Meeting continues to offer all clinical research professionals in UK the opportunity to get together and discuss latest industry hot topics and current best practice.
"This year's event was as meticulously planned and executed as ever and the venue in Manchester was superb.
"It was a real pleasure to have the chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues within the industry and share ideas for mutual benefit." Plans are already underway for next year, with the venue moving to the ICC in Birmingham, UK.
