International Clinical Trials Day 2025 - Welsh teams leading advances in health and care research
20 May 2025
To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2025, we’re highlighting the outstanding work of research teams across Wales and celebrating the vital contribution they are making in advancing health and care research.
International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on 20 May each year to recognise the first clinical trial conducted in 1747 by James Lind, a surgeon on the HMS Salisbury, to understand possible causes of scurvy.
Today, we look at how Welsh researchers are continuing this legacy in helping to develop new treatments, therapies and diagnostics to improve patient care.
Public involvement is crucial in advancing medical research and helps provide valuable insights into the most effective ways to treat and manage various health conditions. In the past year, more than 15,000 participants have taken part in nearly 500 studies across over 30 specialties in Wales.
“The team is proud to be based in Wales, showcasing our leadership in ground-breaking trials.”
The PATHOS trial, funded by Cancer Research UK and sponsored by Velindre University NHS Trust and Cardiff University, with over 1,300 patients recruited, is the world’s largest randomised study for head and neck cancer.
The trial is co-led by Professor Mererid Evans, Velindre University NHS Trust and Professor Terry Jones, Liverpool University. Under their leadership, PATHOS is investigating whether reducing treatment intensity can minimise long-term side effects, improving the quality of life for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer.
The study is testing whether reducing the intensity of treatment can minimise long-term side effects—such as swallowing difficulties—without compromising cancer outcomes. Professor Evans and Professor Jones said: “We’re proud to be based in Wales, showcasing our leadership in developing and implementing ground-breaking trials—both nationally and internationally.”
PATHOS is delivered in partnership with the Centre for Trials Research and has been made possible through Health and Care Research Wales funding support.
Dr Nicola Williams, National Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said: “I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone involved in delivering clinical trials across Wales. Whether you're a researcher, a patient, an NHS staff member or an industry partner, your efforts are absolutely essential in enabling us to carry out high-quality studies that are not only improving health outcomes but also have the potential to change lives.
“At Health and Care Research Wales, we’re committed to increasing access to clinical trials, building capacity and partnering with organisations to set up trials quickly. This ensures we maximise opportunities for patients, ultimately leading to better care for everyone.”