Calling all pre-clinical researchers!

Volunteers needed to pilot new clinical relevance tool

Background

It is widely accepted within the field of preclinical research (research performed in animal models prior to clinical trials) that only a small proportion of studies translates into clinical benefit in humans. Possible reasons for this lack of translation include inadequate design, conduct, and reporting of preclinical studies. To address this issue we (with our international collaborators) have developed a tool to assess the clinical relevance of preclinical studies. The aim is to improve the likelihood that future therapeutic preclinical findings will translate into the improved management of human diseases.

How can you help?

We are currently seeking researchers who are planning or conducting pre-clinical animal research studies that are interested to learn more about the tool and participate in its assessment. To register email: k.gurusamy@ucl.ac.uk putting ‘RA-A assessment’ in the subject field.

What you will need to do?

Participants will be given access to a PowerPoint presentation and training videos explaining the tool and demonstrating how the tool can be applied to assess a pre-clinical research paper. Having viewed these you will be given the opportunity to complete a quiz to assess your understanding of the tool and receive a certificate. Participants will then be requested to assess one of two studies and submit a completed assessment form. All participants that complete the training and submit an assessment form will be entered into a draw to win one of three £250 Amazon vouchers as a prize.

Timeframe

All participants will need to have completed the training and submit a completed assessment form by Friday 31^st January 2020.

What do you get out of this?

• • • Greater knowledge of the factors that can improve an animal study’s clinical relevance
    • Acknowledgement in any publication arising from this assessment exercise.
    • Entry into a draw to win one of three £250 amazon vouchers.

If you should have any questions please do send us an email. Your assistance in spreading the word would also be hugely appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support with this project.

The Team

• Kurinchi S Gurusamy, University College London
• David Moher, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa
• Marilena Loizidou, University College London
• Irfan Ahmed, Grampian NHS, Aberdeen
• Marc T. Avey, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa
• Carly C Barron, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
• Brian Davidson, University College London
• Miriam Dwek, University of Westminster
• Christian Gluud, Copenhagen Trial Unit
• Gavin Jell, University College London
• Kiran Kumar-Katakam,  Copenhagen Trial Unit
• Timothy D McHugh, University College London
• Nikki Osborne, Responsible Research in Practice
• Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, SYRCLE, Radboud University
• Kees van Laarhoven, Radboud University
• Jan Vollert, Imperial College London, Heidelberg University,
• Manoj Lalu , The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa

This blog has been posted by Dr Nikki Osborne, founding Director of Responsible Research in Practice Ltd on behalf of the team members named above.

If you would like to know more about Responsible Research in Practice then please explore our website or send us a message today.

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