ICR annual spring conference and exhibition is the largest of its kind in Europe, attended by a variety of international delegates from pharmaceutical industry, academia, health services and the NHS
Former undersecretary of the British Medical Association (BMA), Frank Wells, was presented with the Institute of Clinical Research's (ICR) lifetime achievement award on 27 March 2007, at the ICR's annual spring conference and exhibition.
In addition, a joint outstanding achievement award was presented to Professor Guillermo M Ruiz-Palacios and Professor Timo Vesikari for their work in Mexico and Finland respectively, working to provide a vaccination for rotavirus, a highly contagious cause of gastroenteritis in young children.
More than 500 guests heard the announcement at the ICR's gala dinner at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, which is playing host to Europe's largest clinical research conference for professionals this week.
The awards were sponsored by Pharmaceutical PR specialist BCS Public Relations.
Wells began his career as a general practitioner in Ipswich, at which time he first became involved in clinical research.
He was then appointed as undersecretary of the British Medical Association (BMA).
While there, Wells was involved in designing the current format of the British National Formulary (BNF) and following this he served as medical director of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
Since retiring in 1996, Wells has served on his own local research ethics committee, has been involved with the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of research fraud, served as chairman of an NHS Trust, an experimental medicines company and the Wales Cancer Bank.
He currently co-chairs the EFGCP ethics working party and is chairman of the BMA retired members forum.
He is a Freeman of the City of London and currently honorary secretary of the Livery Committee of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries.
Presenting the award, Tina Barton, the outgoing chair of the ICR said: "Dr Wells has an amazing and distinguished career history and the results of his work cannot be underestimated, in particular, his work in fraud and research misconduct.
"He is a very well respected figure and this award is richly deserved".
Accepting his award, Dr Wells said: "It is an honour and a privilege to receive this award.
"I am extremely grateful and utterly amazed and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone".
Presenting the outstanding achievement award, new ICR chair Susan Ollier said: "The ICR and our members are also delighted to recognise the careers of Professor Ruiz-Palacios and Professor Vesikari in such a vital area of paediatric work.
"Rotavirus affects 95% of children under five across the globe, so their work in this field is of huge significance and importance".
The ICR's annual spring conference and exhibition is the largest of its kind in Europe and is attended by a wide variety of international delegates from across the pharmaceutical industry, academia, health services and the NHS.
Over 140 exhibitors and more than 1000 attendees were expected to visit the event over the two days.
