Encouraging Local Trial Methodologies

Connecting Interdisciplinary Teams and Promoting Local Expertise

Foster connections with local experts to maximise Glasgow’s ecosystem for the design and conduct of trials.

Trial Methodologies

We seek for our trials to be at the forefront of cutting-edge trial methodology in design, conduct and analysis.

The HRB-TMRN Webinars and Training Events

MRC-NIHR TMRP Webinar series

MRC-NIHR TMRP Webinar series 

a female student standing in front of green background

Hadeel Hussein

I am Hadeel Hussein, a medical doctor by qualification and a researcher by nature. I had my first exposure to research methods during my studies for my MBBS degree, which was the beginning of a fascination with this scientific approach to making a difference.

After completing my Master’s in Public health, I realised an academic career in medical research is what I should be pursuing. I came across my PhD project under the Trials Methodology Research Partnership and I started reading more about the topic: handling multiple outcomes in randomised clinical trials. It then became clear to me that gaining training in the trials methodology field not only creates better opportunities for my career but will also fulfil that earlier desire to make a difference by being equipped with tools of rigorous methods.

Through the journey of my first year as a TMRP DTP student at UofG, I gained knowledge and skills on both the professional and personal levels, thanks to the diverse development opportunities offered by various departments at the university. I also have a very supportive supervisory team who ensures I have all the motivation to make the best of every training opportunity that is of relevance to my field and my future career. Approaching the end of my first PGR year now, I am looking forward to having more engagement with the wider research community.

PhD student- Trial Methodology MRC-NIHR TMRP

Ryan McChrystal

I’m Ryan McChrystal, a second year PhD student with the Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) group at the School of Health and Wellbeing. My PhD project is in trial methodology, centred on the dropping out of participants from clinical trials (trial attrition). The main goal of the project is to build a model that can predict the risk of attrition in trials evaluating pharmacological interventions. This is being supported by ongoing work investigating what trialists look for when evaluating why participants drop out of trials, as well as what approaches are best suited for modelling trial attrition.

Prior to my PhD, I completed a combined Master’s in Biological Sciences while working as a research assistant for trials in bronchiectasis at the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility (NICRF) of Queen’s University in Belfast. I developed a great interest in statistics and data analytics in clinical research during my time at the NICRF, and this prompted me to pursue a PhD in this area. Thanks to a colleague at the NICRF making me aware of the Trial Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP), I came across advertisements for doctoral training programmes the TMRP were providing.

Moving to Glasgow to undertake my PhD has been an incredible experience so far. The university provides fantastic resources for professional and personal development, and the support provided by my supervisory team and sense of community within HEHTA provides a great working environment. Being a part of the TMRP doctoral training programme supplements my research immensely through frequent training events, symposiums, conferences and regular interactions with fellow students working on similar projects.

Thanks to the work involved in my project, my supervisory team and the training provided by the university and TMRP, the skills I had at the beginning of the PhD have developed immensely. Moreover, the opportunity to present to fellow students in the TMRP and to share findings at symposiums and conferences has been fantastic opportunities to network with researchers working in trial methodology, particularly around understanding why participants dropout of trials and how to minimise it.

As I approach the halfway point in my PhD and look to the remaining time, I appreciate the opportunities I have had within the university and TMRP to grow as a researcher, and look forward to what the remaining time will bring.

A student standing in front of the computer that is on the laboratory bench

Victoria James Githu

As an African female scientist and with a profound passion for mathematics, my ultimate objective is to challenge and dispel the prevalent stereotypes against women in academia, the most prevalent one being the misguided notion that “girls cannot do mathematics”, my goal is to disprove this sentiment at every opportunity.

With a degree in Actuarial Sciences and a master’s degree in mathematical modelling, my journey in exploring Mathematics so far has become progressively enjoyable, satisfying, and challenging. I take joy in the challenge of learning how to adapt and develop quantitative approaches to global challenges, especially in the context of major health problems in my home country of Tanzania and beyond.

As a first year DTP TMRP student at the University of Glasgow and new to epidemiological trials, the University has provided me with knowledge and skills to kick start my PhD project. Thus far, working on addressing the critical issue of improving vector control trials is now a project so dear to me and looking forward to tackling this critical issue and make a meaningful contribution to the field. I wouldn’t ask for a better supervisory team, I am grateful for the unwavering support and guidance provided by them, who consistently prioritize my personal and professional development.

a Building at night illuminated with purple lights.

Conferences and Events

SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS

ICTMC 2024 sees a new addition to the programme – themed Spotlight Sessions. Proposals for a Spotlight Session should bring together a geographically and, preferably, disciplinary- diverse panel of speakers and discussants to present the latest ideas on an important and topical issue in an area of trials methods research. Sessions are intended to be interactive and should promote and support constructive discussion of key topics for the trials community.

The Scientific Committee has identified key topic areas for these Spotlight Sessions. We encourage submissions for sessions that consider the opportunities and challenges for methods research in the following areas

  • Artificial Intelligence in trials

  • Decentralised trials

  • Greener trials

  • Patient and public involvement in trials methods research

  • Research integrity in clinical trials

  • Trials in public health or social care

  • Trials in low resource settings

Submissions for sessions on other trials methods research topics are welcome, but high- quality submissions on the above topics will be prioritised.