Kate de Kok

My Graduate Story

My name is Kate, and I graduated from the University of Birmingham with an MSc in Clinical Trials.

Today, I work as the International Head of Clinical Development and R&D for a global Japanese medical technology company specializing in self-assembling peptide technology. Our company values innovation and is dedicated to commercializing peptide-based technology across a broad spectrum of clinical specialties, with particular expertise in haemostasis, tissue healing, and pain management.

In my global leadership role, I am responsible for the strategic development and execution of our clinical programs, focusing on the generation of robust clinical evidence to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic benefits of our peptide technologies. I also ensure alignment between our clinical development strategies and R&D initiatives.

Our company places a strong emphasis on collaborative partnerships, working closely with clinicians and academic researchers worldwide to drive scientific innovation and translate peptide technologies into meaningful clinical advancements.

A Day in my Life

My role is highly diverse, which I enjoy. It frequently involves engaging with global academic and clinical collaborators—both in-person and virtually—to discuss potential research initiatives, present our technology, and review existing clinical data.

My daily responsibilities also encompass clinical trial setup activities, including contract negotiation and review, budgeting, protocol development and revision, as well as overseeing data analysis and manuscript preparation for dissemination.

Beyond these core functions, I contribute to shaping the clinical evidence strategy in close collaboration with our Regulatory, Affairs, Quality, and Assurance teams, supporting regulatory submissions for new indications or clinical expansions. At a senior leadership level, my role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration, particularly aligning with commercial leadership to ensure that our R&D and clinical pipeline projects are strategically designed to generate the data necessary to support business objectives.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is partnering with clinicians in emerging therapeutic areas to explore how our peptide technologies can enhance patient outcomes, and developing comprehensive clinical trial strategies to substantiate these innovations.

My Journey

I was employed full-time as the European Clinical Studies Manager at my company when I chose to advance my knowledge through formal education.

My initial healthcare background was as a registered nurse in the operating room, which provided a strong clinical foundation. However, as I transitioned into the medical technology sector, I discovered a keen interest in clinical trials focused on novel technologies. To further develop my ability to design rigorous clinical studies and deepen my understanding of clinical evidence generation, I pursued a part-time MSc in Clinical Trials at the University of Birmingham over two years, balancing this with my full-time responsibilities.

Following successful completion of my MSc, I was promoted internally to Director of Clinical Trials for Europe and Australia. More recently, I have taken on the role of International Head of Clinical Development and European R&D, where I continue to lead efforts in advancing clinical research and innovation.

My Birmingham Experience

The program offered invaluable knowledge and expertise delivered by lecturers actively engaged in academic clinical trials. Beyond theoretical foundations, we benefited from this diverse range of experts across various clinical trial functions who shared not only their academic insights but also practical, real-world experience in trial management. I found this very valuable.

This combination of theory and real life trial experience has enabled me to apply and deepen my understanding of clinical trial setup and management in practical settings. Additionally, the curriculum significantly enhanced my ability to interpret statistical analyses and strengthened my appreciation of the critical considerations involved in trial design, planning, and data interpretation.

It covered all aspects of clinical trials in huge detail, the course leads are very supportive and dedicated to their students, and this makes a big difference and led to this being a very interactive course which encouraged learning and discussions. The module exams and assessments are also really well tailored to developing the skills needed for a real life career in clinical research. For me the best thing is the style of the teaching being face to face not remote, and the course content were the best parts.

Birmingham’s Impact

Graduating with a Distinction was a very proud moment for me, especially as this was academic study later in my career while working in a full-time role.

My Achievements

I was very proud to graduate from this MSc with a Distinction, especially as this was academic study later in my career while working in a full-time role.

Advice for Students

Reflect on the course and consider which aspects of clinical trials interested you the most, as there are such a diverse range of areas you can choose to work in.

There is a great network you can tap into for career advice from the course leads to the course lecturers who have real world clinical trial experience, as they may be able to advise and support. Be confident in the in depth and detailed knowledge you have gained!