Professor Berwanger Appointed Chair of International Clinical Trials Network

Professor Otavio Berwanger has been appointed Chair of the UKCRC Registered Clinical Trial Unit Network’s International Registration Review Committee.

Professor Berwanger will oversee the Network’s registration process, working with the Network’s leadership to ensure maintenance of appropriate quality standards and helping to shape the strategic direction of the registration process and membership.

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s International Registration Review Committee's (IRRC) role is to undertake and have oversight of the Network’s Registration process. This process assesses the Clinical Trials Unit’s expertise, experience and capability in the design conduct and analysis of clinical trials in the UK. Registration acts as a hallmark of quality, excellence and integrity and provides assurance to the standard of studies undertaken by Registered units.

As the collective voice of non-commercial and academic clinical trials units, the Network plays an important role in engaging with Government, funders, regulators, and patients to improve and strengthen clinical research in the UK. The Network is seen internationally as an exemplar for the development of national clinical trials support. It was established in 2007 and its members are committed to setting and sharing good practice and improving standards in clinical trials.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Otavio Berwanger said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the UKCRC Clinical Trials Unit Network Registration Committee. The UK is a global leader in clinical trials and evidence generation, driven by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and efficiency. The UKCRC registration process plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards for Clinical Trials Units, ensuring they are well-equipped to design and deliver high-quality research that improves patient-important outcomes. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the Network to support and strengthen this essential foundation for clinical trial excellence.”

Professor Berwanger is a cardiologist and clinical trialist with a strong background in leading large-scale, pragmatic, international randomised clinical trials. He is the Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health UK and Chair in Clinical Trials at Imperial College London's School of Public Health.

Reflecting on the importance of the IRRC’s work, Simon Denegri, Chair of the Network’s Executive Group, welcomed Professor Berwanger’s appointment, stating: “I am delighted that Otavio will be chairing our International Registration Review Committee (IRRC) and look forward to working with him on behalf of the UKCRC CTU Network Executive Group. Clinical trials units (CTUs) are at the forefront of excellence and innovation in trials across all four nations of the UK and the Network is internationally unique in bringing together the collective expertise of CTUs to ensure continuous improvement in the way the UK conducts trials The Network’s shared commitment to excellence is underpinned by the work of IRRC which is crucial in ensuring all members of our network are operating to the highest standards and for patient benefit. Otavio brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience which will ensure the registration process for CTUs is rigorous, fair and forward-looking.”

Professor Berwanger joins a notable line of past chairs, including Dr Ian Hudson, former Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). His leadership is expected to further strengthen the integrity and excellence of the UKCRC Registered CTU Network’s registration process.

Otavio joins Professor Deborah Ashby, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and former Director of the School of Public Health, who is currently Deputy Chair of the International Registration Review Committee.