The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) appointed, Shamiq Hussain as its first country manager to India following a successful fact-finding visit by Dr John Hooper, chief executive officer and Alan Needham, corporate development manager, in November 2006.

Shamiq Hussain will work in partnership with local professional bodies and organisations to establish ICR as the leading organisation for clinical research professionals in India. He has working experience with both corporate pharmaceutical and clinical research companies like SmithKline Beecham, ClinTec International and a number of CROs.

Appointing Shamiq Hussain as the first country manager to India, Dr Hooper said, "We have developed some excellent relationships with many and varied contacts in India during our visit and are now working to turn these into new training opportunities for our members."

"The appointment of Shamiq is truly positive news for the ICR in India and he has already started meeting with target companies and imparting the ICR's vision to raise standards, share knowledge and develop professionals in clinical research", he further added.

A press release of the ICR states that India is a major focus of attention for them in 2007 and Dr Smith, the receiver of ICR award for Outstanding Achievement last year, will talk about the challenges involved in selecting investigator hub sites in India, its advantages in terms of patient recruitment and the cost advantages compared to western Europe and the US.