Trials that transform: Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) 2025
- patientsinresearch
- May 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Trials that transform: Celebrating International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) 2025
International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated internationally in May to honour the day that James Lind started the first randomised clinical trial on May 20, 1747.
At St George's, we have continued this important work by sponsoring and hosting a variety of randomised clinical trials and observational studies across numerous medical specialties in the Trust.
Thanks to all who joined us this year to celebrate the day. Curious about what was in store? Hit play below and get a taste of the experience.
Our stall at the Grosvenor Wing Main hospital entrance had it all. We collaborated with over 15 teams across the Trust to shed light on research and clinical trials that are ongoing. We explained where patients, staff and visitors could find out more about the landmark trials our research teams across the Trust are recruiting participants for.
Our staff provided a wonderful opportunity for patients, staff, and visitors to learn more about the vital role clinical research plays in advancing healthcare. They enjoyed engaging with our informative displays, leaflets and participating in fun activities. Members of the public experience a taste of what sample processing is. We had dummy sample tubes containing red food dye and vegetable oil to mimic freshly centrifuged blood where plasma or serum is separated from whole blood via spinning. This process was explained to participants, who were then given the chance to aliquot the plasma/serum into cryovials.
We also used the opportunity to gather as much feedback as possible and asked questions such as 'Step into the future and tell us one health breakthrough you hope to see in your lifetime.' We also asked, ‘If a clinical trial changed your life (or a loved one’s), please tell us how. Many got involved and engaged with us. We received over 150 responses on the day!
ICTD2025 also coincided with Dementia Action Week. We shared information on dementia research and encouraged patients, staff and the public who visited our stall to take part in our dementia research. A huge thank you to all our dementia nurses and team.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who joined us in making Clinical Trials Day a success! If you would like to be part of research, please see more information on the Be Part of website: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
