A packed audience gathered at the ICC in Birmingham, UK, on 27 March 2007, to hear Tina Barton, outgoing chair of the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR), open its 28th annual spring conference
Entitled Clinical research - raising the profile, challenging the boundaries, the two day conference wouldl host over 35 speakers from across the continent, including renowned research ethicist Edward Gabriele as keynote speaker.
In her opening address, Barton confirmed that this would be her last conference as chair and that she was handing over to Susan Ollier.
In a brief overview, Barton drew attention to the institute's continued growth, with membership up across all regions, totalling 5700.
Barton also pointed to the establishment of a new Indian office, based in Bangalore as further evidence of growth.
She went on to say; "We have had a good year on training with our courses - at Cranfield and in-sourced, and also a lot of support for our eLearning programme.
"ICR has recently been elected as a member of the board of the Science Council which will allow greater recognition for our members in the future".
Earlier, in the annual AGM, new ICR chair Susan Ollier elaborated on the Science Council news, confirming that the ICR is working towards licensed body status.
Once licensed, ICR can award the chartered scientist designation, on behalf of the Science Council, to members with a minimum qualification of MSc.
Barton continues; "Overall ICR is increasingly being recognised as a body promoting professional development, raising standards and sharing knowledge...
enhancing clinical research in general and providing a valuable service for the benefit of all involved and the wider public community".
Barton finished her address by introducing the keynote speaker, distinguished research ethicist Edward Gabriele.
In a passionate speech to the assembled members, Gabriele discussed the regular challenges that clinical research has faced before and will continue to face now and in the future.
He then went on to ask that professionals within clinical research give careful attention to what they themselves do for the benefit of all, but most especially the patients at the heart of why they do their work.
The conference, which has over 140 exhibitors from across the globe packing the halls, is intended to raise the profile of clinical research and challenge its boundaries.
Gabriele's keynote address certainly did that and was a welcome start to a schedule sure to be packed with debate and discussion over the next two days.
