A message of thanks on International Clinical Trials Day 2021

Thank you!

To each and every one of the 2,669,923 of you who have taken part in research in 2020/2021 across London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex, we owe you a debt of gratitude.

Today, International Clinical Trials Day, is usually a chance for us to shine a light on the exceptional research opportunities that exist for patients and the public within the NHS and beyond. On this occasion, we know how high-profile research has been over the last year and we urge those of you who may be considering taking part to get involved and show the difference you can make to patient care and wider society.

The year has brought challenges like no other, but without research participants and NHS staff, we would not have COVID treatments and vaccines and we would not be working our way back, albeit cautiously and carefully, to normality.

The sheer number of people who have been involved in research over the last year is testament to the appetite for research and the transformative impact it can have on people's lives.

We wanted to thank all those who have made research possible during the pandemic. The incredible feats of science over the last year in finding new treatments and vaccines, which will continue to save countless lives, would not have been possible without your vital support.

It is an amazing achievement that nearly 30,000 studies have been delivered this year across our region.

As for those who are research advocates - we really could not do it without you. Know that your voice and your efforts are hugely valuable to us.

We would encourage everyone to take a look at Be Part of Research. You will never know what difference you might make.

Dr Sharon Barrett, Chief Operating Officer, CRN North Thames
Dr James Lyddiard, Chief Operating Officer, CRN South London
Julia Simister, Chief Operating Officer, CRN Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Joanne Holloway, Chief Operating Officer, CRN North West London