Development Of ICR In Europe “A Priority” As ICR Launches First European Advisory Board

Development Of ICR In Europe “A Priority” As ICR Launches First European Advisory Board

The ICR’s 3rd European Conference and Exhibition this November will mark a highly significant move in its 30-year history, as it launches its European Advisory Board.

An impressive group of members, representing different countries, will form the board and will drive membership growth and membership activities for each country in Europe.

Members will be involved in setting up special interest groups, answering specialist questions, contributing to CRfocus, and they will be joining the main ICR Board for a strategy meeting at the European Conference.

The Conference and Exhibition takes place at the Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels from midday on Thursday November 8 to lunchtime the following day. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear and engage in debates led by some of the industry’s leading figures. Entitled ‘Europe – The Best Place in the World to do Clinical Research?’, delegates will be able to hear Iréne Norstedt, head of sector for the Innovative Medicine Initiative at the European Commission discuss the advantages of conducting clinical research in Europe.

Ms Norstedt will be joined by Dr Fergus Sweeney of EMEA, who will focus on the quality of work within Europe, and Dr Frank Wells, whose topic will be ‘Running Clinical Research Trials in Europe – Overcoming Diversity’.

ICR Chair Susan Ollier commented: “What a fantastic opportunity for professionals to network and debate some of the key issues facing the industry now and in the future. This conference, and the sell-out exhibition, has high-calibre speakers and attendees whose thoughts will enable us all to learn more and feel truly inspired.”

Further speakers recently confirmed include Dr Michael Herschel, of GlaxoSmithKline, who will examine who makes the funding decisions and Dr Thomas Sudhop, of BfArM, who will study the regulatory requirements across Europe.

In a packed schedule, Dr Philippa Smit-Marshall, of Pharmanet, will look at new legislation in paediatrics whilst Roy Gomez, of Pfizer, will focus on how to cope with given timeframes. In addition, Dr Alison Messom, of i3 Research, examines how to manage multinational teams, and Dr Michael Dutree, of Nefarma, looks at what the future may hold for clinical research in Europe.

For more details about the ICR’s European Conference and Exhibition log onto the website at www.icr-global.org.

For further information, please contact:

Greg Simpson
BCS PR
Tel: 0115 9486901
Email: greg {at} bcspr.co(.)uk

Christine Bygate
ICR
Tel: 01628 536960
Email: cbygate {at} icr-global(.)org

About the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)

The ICR has been in existence since 1978 and with an expanding global presence, is the largest professional clinical research body in Europe and India. Putting members first, its vision is to be internationally recognised as the premier organisation for clinical research, respected as a key influencer, promoting knowledge and understanding by engaging the healthcare community and the general public.

Each year the ICR holds two conferences; a Spring Conference in the UK and an Autumn Conference in Europe. Both events are attended by a broad range of delegates from across the pharmaceutical industry, academia and the NHS, all looking to keep up to date, make new contacts, renew old acquaintances or cement relationships.

The 2007 Autumn Conference is being held on 8th and 9th November in Belgium and is titled Europe – The best place in the world to do clinical research? while the next Spring Conference, the largest of its kind in Europe, is being held on 8th and 9th April 2008 at the ICC in Birmingham and will focus on Communication in Clinical Research: Challenges in a Complex World.