Institute of Clinical Research (India), ICRI, has announced its fifth campus in the Cavendish College London, UK and also launched course-Global PG Diploma in Clinical Research-- in association with ICR-UK.

The new course, billed as first of its kind in the world, is unique as it will include regulations for Clinical Research in Europe, USA, Japan and India. This will help in producing professionals for global market. It will be a part time course and the first batch will start in February with 40 students. The faculty will be from USA, Europe, UK and India to teach on it. This course is aimed at all working in pharmaceutical industry, hospitals and CRO's. The students completing the global PG programme will be eligible for the MSc programme of Cranfield University directly since the University recognises the programme.

Announcing it here, president of national operations at ICRI Anand K Nair said the ICRI was going global with the launch of the new campus. ``The course we are introducing is the first course of its kind in the world as it meets the international requirements of clinical research industry. Our aim is to become the future torch bearer for similar Institutes globally. "

ICR Global has carried out a due diligence on the curriculum as well as ICRI's infrastructure and resources before certifying the course. ICR Global is a 27 years old body awarding the appellates registered, professional, fellow and the qualifications go upto the PhD level. ICR conducts short training programmes for its members and the industry at large. It is the largest membership body of Europe for the clinical research industry. ICR UK also works very closely with Manchester University. ICR Global also advises the European Commission, Government of UK.

"We aim to address the need for qualified and trained Clinical Research professionals globally by offering various programmes conveniently placed. Being an integral part of this industry on a global platform, we understand the market and its need. Clinical Research is a global industry and hence the courses, faculty, practices - all need to be global and the best practices from all over the world," Dr S K Gupta, dean and director general of ICRI said

The ICRI has entered into an academic alliance with Europe's leading research led institution, Cranfield University, UK recently. This alliance is aimed at furthering the cause of ICRI in India in grooming professionals in clinical research, to face exciting challenges posed by the pharmaceutical sector and also pave the way for new career opportunities in this field.