Ahead of International Clinical Trials Day on May 20^th, scientists from the Quadram Institute joined colleagues from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in showcasing their research that involves clinical trials.

Members of the public, as well as staff based in the hospital, were able to speak to the researchers who are involved in designing and running clinical trials.

Clinical Trials Day is a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of clinical trials and their contribution to improving health and advancing medicine.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has launched its I Am Research campaign, which also highlights the half a million people who each year take part in health research, so benefiting the lives of millions more in the future.

QI researchers spoke about current and recent trials studying the effects on health of eating broccoli, and others studies on starch fermentation, inflammatory bowel disease and gut health.

“Since 2014 I’ve been involved in celebrating International Clinical Trials Days held at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. I always found this event fruitful for our ongoing research projects, and this year I am especially pleased about the Quadram Institute stand showcasing our translational research on food and gut health,” said Dr Antionietta Melchini, senior researcher in Quadram Institute Bioscience who co-ordinates a number of trials.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to have discussions with other researchers from across the Norwich Research Park, and clinicians and research nurses involved in health research. I firmly believe this event is also an invaluable way to inform patients and their families on our ongoing and future trials, and I am looking forward to celebrating International Clinical Trials Day next year”.