The SAMRC is pleased to highlight a new core training resource for anyone interested in improving the quality of evidence to support improvements in health, of patients, of communities, and of populations.
Until now the cornerstones for clinical trials standards have focused on ICH guidance, for trials seeking to generate data for marketing authorization of investigational medicinal products, together with the universal ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and more granular ethical recommendations in CIOMS/WHO ethics guidelines.
There has never been (until now) global clinical trials guidance from a public health and clinical practice perspective, for those primarily interested in changing clinical practice without a need to submit data to regulators. This would include for non-commercial trials, or pragmatic trials embedded in healthcare.
This gap is now filled with WHO guidance on best practices for clinical trials published in 2024, and now a 2026 online training course on design, implementation and reporting of clinical trials, focusing on the key scientific and ethical considerations. The intention is to demystify the concept of clinical trials for a very wide audience, and support the democratization of clinical research in primary care, at all levels of the health systems and for any disease or health condition in any country in the world.
Whether you're new to clinical research or looking to sharpen your understanding, this course offers a unique opportunity to develop a holistic view of what drives trial quality. Grounded in the 'WHO Guidance for best practices for clinical trials', it covers five key scientific and ethical principles for designing and conducting high-quality clinical trials. Hear from the WHO Chief Scientist, Dr Sylvie Briand, and those who have already completed the course about what you will learn:
- The key scientific and ethical considerations for clinical trials as outlined in the WHO Guidance.
- How these considerations form a flexible, principles-based framework for designing and conducting clinical trials.
- How well-designed clinical trials contribute to addressing critical health challenges and supporting evidence-informed healthcare decisions.
The course may be particularly valuable for:
- Clinical trial staff (e.g., researchers, study coordinators, those involved in protocol development, monitors etc.) and funders
- Healthcare professionals involved in clinical research
- Data managers and statisticians
- Ethics Committee members
- Regulatory staff (NRA) and auditors
The course is free to access and provides a confirmation of completion. It is hosted on the WHO Academy platform WHO Academy | Learn to build a healthier world
Please register for the online launch on 4 May 2026 13:00 – 14:00 CET at this link: Webinar Registration - Zoom.
Register for the ‘WHO Good Practices for Clinical Trial Design and Implementation’ here.