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Partnering with External Stakeholders

Within the Institute for Clinical Trials we are dedicated to building strong relationships with a diverse range of external stakeholders to advance clinical research and improve patient outcomes.

We actively collaborate and seek further collaborations with Charities and Patient Networks to ensure that our research is patient-centered and impactful. Our partnerships with Pharma and MedTech companies drive the development of innovative treatments and technologies, while our work with data specialists and Funders supports the rigorous analysis and sustainability of clinical trials.

We engage closely with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) groups, policy makers, national Clinical Research Facilities (CRF), Clinical Trial Networks (CTN), as well as Contract Research Organisations (CRO) and Academic Research Organizations (ARO). Our collaboration extends to Regional Health Authorities, ensuring that our research is aligned with regional healthcare needs and priorities.

Charities and Patient Networks

We recognise the critical role that charities and patient networks play in advancing meaningful clinical research. By collaborating with patient advocates and charitable organisations, we ensure that our research is driven by real-world needs and focused on improving patient outcomes. We invite charities and patient networks to partner with us in shaping research priorities, designing patient-centered trials, and contributing to the success of cutting-edge clinical studies.

Your insights and involvement are invaluable in ensuring that our research addresses the most pressing healthcare challenges. Together, we can work towards more effective treatments, improved patient care, and a stronger voice for patients within the clinical research process. Join us in advancing healthcare by collaborating with the Institute for impactful clinical trials that make a difference.

Pharma

The Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway is a trusted partner for the pharmaceutical industry, offering extensive expertise in the design, management, and execution of clinical trials. We collaborate with pharma companies of all sizes to support the development of new drugs and therapies, ensuring that trials are conducted to the highest scientific and regulatory standards. From early-phase trials to large-scale studies, we provide the infrastructure, expertise, and patient access necessary to accelerate the path from discovery to market.

Our team works closely with pharma partners to tailor trials that meet specific regulatory and market needs. With access to advanced data management systems, clinical research facilities, and a wide network of clinical and academic partners, we are equipped to support trials at every stage. By partnering with the Institute, pharma companies benefit from our commitment to innovation, our deep knowledge of clinical research, and our proven ability to deliver successful trial outcomes.

MedTech

As a global hub for MedTech innovation, Galway city is home to some of the world’s leading medical device companies, and the Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway is uniquely positioned to support this thriving sector. We partner with MedTech companies to conduct regulated clinical trials that meet the highest standards of scientific rigor and regulatory compliance. From innovative medical devices to cutting-edge technologies, we provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to bring new products to market safely and efficiently.

To further support the MedTech community, the University has appointed John Kilmartin, former Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic and an independent medtech regulatory expert, as Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Clinical Trials.

Mr Kilmartin has more than 30 years’ experience in the medtech industry, with a particular focus on the emerging regulatory and clinical frameworks in Europe.

By collaborating with us, MedTech companies gain access to world-class research facilities, clinical networks, and patient populations, enabling the successful development and commercialisation of life-changing medical technologies.

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Patient and Public Involvement - PPI

The PPI Ignite Network at the University of Galway collaborates with researchers, patients, and the public to ensure that the patient voice plays a central role in shaping and influencing health and social care research. This approach enhances the quality, relevance, and impact of the research we conduct.

We are proud to partner with the Institute for Clinical Trials to advance public and patient involvement (PPI), engagement, and capacity-building efforts. Together, we are fostering an environment where research is informed and led by patients, driving meaningful change in healthcare.

Researchers and collaborators at the Institute for Clinical Trials who wish to deepen their PPI knowledge and skills can attend training events and PPI clinics organised by our team at the University of Galway. We are committed to supporting the development of a strong PPI culture within the Institute, ensuring patient perspectives are embedded throughout the clinical trial research process.

In addition to our collaborative efforts, the PPI team provides PPI training as part of the MSc in Clinical Research and the MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare. We are also active contributors to the Institute’s Pillar 5, ‘Influencing’, which focuses on shaping impactful health research.

Funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Irish Research Council (IRC), with co-funding from University of Galway. The PPI Ignite Network at the University of Galway is part of a national initiative, the PPI Ignite Network, which promotes excellence and inspires innovation in public and patient involvement (PPI) in health and social care research in Ireland.

Clinical Trial Networks - CTN

Clinical trial networks are groups of clinicians, researchers and scientists from across Ireland who have come together around particular diseases, or clinical interests. At the Institute for Clinical Trials we partner with the Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland and the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network.

The Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland works to support the creation of high-quality clinical evidence which improves patient outcomes in Irish primary care. Since its establishment in 2015 it has supported over 30 clinical studies, and recruited almost 4,000 patients. The Primary Care CTNI supports researchers in developing and conducting clinical trials in primary care that address important and common problems, as well as the translation and implementation of this evidence into healthcare policy and practice. The network regularly collaborates with other research organisations, healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups and others to deliver research that is relevant and impactful.

The Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network aims to enhance health outcomes for all diabetes patients in Ireland through cutting-edge research and multi-centre trials. By leveraging a strong network of clinical sites, academic institutions, and the National Clinical Care Programme, the network ensures broad participation regardless of location or socioeconomic status. Focusing on areas like diabetes in pregnancy, technology, and behavioural interventions, the network supports research with significant scientific impact. It fosters collaboration with global experts, engages with patients through PPI groups, and aligns with national priorities to secure funding and expand research in diabetes care across diverse populations. For more information see website