Clinical studies

Two team members working at a long office table while another stands and writes a post it note on the wall

Clinical research is the longest stage in the process of developing a new medicine, and the most expensive….but it has the potential to be one of the most exciting and rewarding phases.

All new medicines are thoroughly tested before they are marketed to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. Extensive clinical testing is undertaken to understand the efficacy of medicines and, very importantly, to identify potential side effects so that the incidence and impact of these can be assessed and compared with the potential benefit. The programme of clinical research must be carefully planned to ensure that not only the effectiveness of the new medicine is carefully monitored, but adverse effects are recorded and evaluated too.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are carried out in three phases which must all be completed before an application can be made to market a new medicine, for more information please see Clinical trials.

People working in clinical research

There are a variety of different roles available for doctors and scientists who are outgoing and enjoy working on their own initiative with lots of different people, there are also a number of other specialist roles in each area.

Female patient sits awaiting the the injection being prepared by a healthcare professional

title-strip icon Clinical trials work

Clinical trials are carried out in three phases which must all be completed before an application can be made to market a new medicine.

 Two office workers chat over a laptop

title-strip icon Clinical data management

Data managers are responsible for seeing that information is consistent and complete, and of a high quality.

 Rear view of three healthcare professionals examining a medical photograph

title-strip icon Clinical medicine

Working as a clinical research physician can provide an exciting and dynamic career.

 Two female office workers talk as they review reports open on the table before them.

title-strip icon Clinical research work

The entry level for many people working in clinical research is the role of a clinical trials administrator (CTA) or a clinical research associate (CRA). These are vital roles that ensure the trial runs smoothly and the data obtained is valid.