Yesterday the Melbourne Centre for Clinical Trials (MCCT) was officially launched at an event at Melbourne Connect.
Led by the University of Melbourne biostatistician, Professor Julie Simpson, the Centre unites a consortium of clinical trial and methodology groups to deliver high-quality clinical trials holistically, while retaining individuality and existing business operations.
By serving as a collaborative Centre for clinical research excellence within Victoria, the MCCT will elevate Melbourne's profile as a leader in healthcare innovation, attracting top talent and fostering international collaborations, while supporting the implementation of current reforms within the clinical trials space.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Simpson said, “I am thrilled to launch this Centre and am excited by the opportunities it presents for innovation, teamwork and expanding our capacity as world-leaders in clinical trials.”
Dean of MDHS, Professor Jane Gunn said that the Centre was a wonderful example of the importance of collaboration in the Faculty, knowledge-sharing, and work across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and beyond.
“This Centre will facilitate top-tier clinical trials by uniting existing units and providing opportunities for students, early career researchers, clinical trial personnel, methodologists and our partners to contribute to the development of treatments for various illnesses and chronic conditions.”
“The Centre will enable us to strengthen our world-leading health and biomedical ecosystem to achieve greater levels of integration with our partners and drive global impact, a key pillar of our Advancing Health 2030 Strategy.”
Attendees at the launch heard from the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s infectious diseases physician, Professor Steven Tong from the Doherty Institute who leads the innovative global SNAP trial aimed at improving treatment outcomes for patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections in hospitals.
Professor Tong said that he was looking forward to working with other clinical trial units.
“This new Centre will help us share resources, ease the administrative burden of establishing new trials, and create opportunities to work with global partners, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and other stakeholders in clinical trials led by the University of Melbourne and MACH partners.”
The event was attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy, researchers from partner organisations and representatives from the Victorian Department of Health.
The MCCT umbrella currently includes:
- Austin Health
- Cerulea Clinical Trials, Centre for Eye Research Australia
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care Trials Unit
- Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Methods and Implementation Support for Clinical and Health (MISCH) Research Hub, University of Melbourne
- Northern Health
- Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials Unit (PCCTU), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- Royal Children’s Hospital
- St Vincent’s Hospital
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
- Western Health
Visit the Melbourne Centre for Clinical Trials website to find out more.
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