The course is designed to appeal to a broad audience ranging from those who have little experience in clinical trials to those who wish to widen their knowledge of the conduct of such trials. Attendance would be appropriate for:

• Clinical researchers who are planning or running a clinical trial
• Medical staff involved in clinical trials who are interested in expanding their knowledge
• Trial coordinators, trial administrators, data managers, research nurses and others who wish to expand their knowledge of clinical trial methodology.

Course fees are currently £425 for the 3 day course, which covers registration, course materials, refreshments, lunches and the conference dinner. Accommodation costs are not included.

Reduced fees of £325 are available to University of Birmingham staff, but please note that the number of discounted places is limited per course, and is on a first come first served basis.

The course takes place at Hornton Grange, which is just off the main University campus  and is within easy walking distance from the University station (10-15 minutes). There is a frequent train service from Birmingham New Street.

There is free parking at Hornton Grange.

There is also accommodation available at Hornton Grange and Lucas House (opposite) at a reasonable price and details can be provided on request. 

The course consists of a series of talks and workshops that will concentrate on the practicalities of developing and running a randomised clinical trial. Subjects covered include:

•     Choosing the question: systematic reviews and meta-analysis
•     Trial design: large simple trials and other designs
•     Funding and research costs
•     Ethical and regulatory considerations
•     Protocol development
•     Practical procedures for running a trial
•     Research governance
•     Pharmacovigilance
•     Computerised trial management
•     Critical appraisal of published work
•     Statistical analysis for non-statisticians
•     Quality of life studies
•     Health economics
•     Data monitoring

Please note that the course focuses on phase III randomised trials, but many of the principles and considerations covered in the course apply equally to both phase I and II trials.

Natalie Ives (Course Organiser), Assistant Director and Statistician, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham

Michelle Burgess (Course Administrator), Office Manager, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Elizabeth Brettell, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Victoria Brookes, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Melanie Calvert, Reader, Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham

Versha Cheed, Statistician, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Jane Daniels, Deputy Director, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Jon Deeks, Director, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Karen Doyle, Senior Nurse, Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham

Laura Gennard, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Margaret Grant, Unit Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Kelly Handley, Statistician, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Nick Hilken, IT Team Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Andrew Howman, Statistician, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham

Amanda Knight, Unit Manager, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Laura Magill, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Lee Middleton, Statistician, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Smitaa Patel, Statistician, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Cristina Penaloza, Lecturer, Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham

Caroline Rick, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Claire Smith, Systematic Reviewer, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Rita Champaneria, Systematic Reviewer, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Andrew Sutton, Lecturer, Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham

Alex Vince, Trial Co-ordinator, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Hayley Wells, Unit Manager, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham

Keith Wheatley, Professor of Medical Statistics, CRUK Clinical Trials Unit,
University of Birmingham

Adrian Wilcockson, Senior Analyst Programmer, Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit

Chaka Sidile,

Please contact Michelle Burgess for booking enquiries and place availability.

Michelle Burgess
Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Robert Aitken Institute for Clinical Research
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT

Telephone: 0121 415 9100
Fax: 0121 415 9135/9136
Email: bctu@contacts.bham.ac.uk or m.burgess@bham.ac.uk   

Here is some feedback from previous attendees of the course:

“Interactive sessions were very good and non-intimidating. Really good idea to have a statistician or member of faculty per group to aide discussion.”

“Training course was very professionally run, from communication prior to the course, folders provided, professionalism of trainers and facilities provided.”

“Really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it.”

“Really detailed and useful overview of research methods, the folder and examples, websites and reading lists will be really helpful, thanks. Thank heavens for BCTU!”

“Very well organised - very friendly and approachable faculty.”