International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on 20 May, which commemorates the day that James Lind began the first randomised clinical trial in 1747 for scurvy. Image credit: Maria Pilar via Shutterstock.

Clinical research professionals are considering how to power trials by purpose as they come together to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day today (20 May).

International Clinical Trials Day commemorates the day that James Lind began the first randomised clinical trial in 1747 for scurvy. This year’s theme, set by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), is “Powered by Purpose”.

This year, ACRP has partnered with Advarra, Sanofi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Velocity Clinical Research to mark the occasion.

ACRP executive director Susan Landis said: “Purpose and power – the theme for this year’s Clinical Trials Day says it all. It compellingly signals ACRP’s advocacy for healthcare professionals who play an essential role in the development of new medicines and who are the evidence generators for the drug and device development enterprise.”

Other organisations globally have also shared the importance of clinical research. In a social media post, the European CRO Federation (EUCROF) said: “We are honoured to represent those who lead the way in clinical trials, who work every day to bring a better future to patients. To all who plan, execute, monitor, and support clinical trials, your work matters. Your integrity, resilience, and dedication are the foundation of innovation.”

In the UK, a spokesperson for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said: “Clinical trials are vital to create the medicines and vaccines we need. Research is often collaborative between companies, universities, charities, and the government. We all need it to continue.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

As well as this, the UK Government also committed to more regulations to improve clinical trials in the country, including better access to real-world data (RWD).

European Medicines Agency (EMA) executive director Emer Cooke shared a post on LinkedIn, where she said: “Real transformation in clinical trials is not an isolated effort, it is the sum of each contribution of the many people involved in clinical research. Your part is being seen, and I want to thank you all for that.”

She also discussed the full implementation of the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) and the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), as well as the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the EU initiative (ACT EU).

According to GlobalData, ongoing, recruiting, and planned trials, non-industry sponsors dominated the trial landscape last year. Out of all the clinical trials with a 2024 start date, 41.4% of trials were ongoing, recruiting; 32.2% were planned; 17.0% were completed; and 2.0% were suspended, terminated, or withdrawn.

GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena.

Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now