What is Clinical Research

Go back

Clinical research is an essential branch of science that examines the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of medical interventions, equipment, and therapies. To advance medical knowledge and enhance healthcare practises, it necessitates stringent study protocols, data collection, and analysis. A subfield of healthcare science known as clinical research examines the efficacy and safety of human-use drugs, equipment, diagnostic tools, and treatment plans. To provide improved patient care, it emphasises expanding our understanding of diseases, creating diagnostic tools, and creating novel therapies or medical equipment. 

Clinical research is a subset of all scientific research. It involves: 

  • Determining the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens for human use
  • Improving knowledge of diseases
  • Developing diagnostic methods
  • Developing new treatments or medical devices
  • Systematically collecting information from humans and/or from organic material taken from humans to produce generalisable findings
  • Translating basic research (done in labs) into new treatments and information to benefit patients

Participation in clinical research is always completely voluntary, and participants can leave a study at any time for any reason. There are three main phases of clinical trials: 

 

  • Phase 1: The earliest phase trials
  • Phase 3: Later phase trials
  • Phase 4: Trials done after a drug has been licensed

Basic Overview and Definition of Clinical Research 

New medical technology and medications are developed in large part thanks to clinical research. It covers a wide spectrum of research projects, from observational studies that assess actual patient outcomes to clinical trials that test brand-new medications. To guarantee that healthcare decisions are moral and supported by the best available evidence, clinical researchers work in collaboration with regulators, patients, and healthcare providers. Clinical research is the comprehensive study of the safety and effectiveness of the most promising advances in patient care. Clinical research is different from laboratory research. It involves people who volunteer to help us better understand medicine and health. 

Popular Clinical Research Courses 

Bachelor's Level:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research
    • Covers basic principles of clinical trial design, research ethics, and regulatory affairs.
  2. Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Concentration in Clinical Research
    • Explores epidemiology, data analysis, and research methodologies in healthcare settings.

Master's Level:

  1. Master of Science in Clinical Research
    • Advanced coursework in clinical trial management, biostatistics, and research ethics.
  2. Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Focus on Clinical Research
    • Combines public health principles with clinical research methodologies for a comprehensive approach.

Best Universities for Clinical Research 

Choosing the right university is crucial for aspiring clinical researchers. Here are the top 10 universities worldwide for Clinical Research, along with their popular courses:

University

Popular Courses

QS Subject Wise Ranking

Harvard University - MS in Clinical Investigation- MPH in Clinical Effectiveness #3
Johns Hopkins University - MS in Clinical Research Management- MPH in Clinical Trials #28
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences - MS in Clinical and Translational Science #65
Stanford University - MS in Epidemiology and Clinical Research- MS in Health Services Research #5
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - MS in Clinical Research- MS in Biomedical Imaging #6
University of Pennsylvania - MS in Clinical Research- MPH in Epidemiology #12
University College London (UCL) - MSc in Clinical Trials- MSc in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition #7
Columbia University - MS in Biostatistics with a Focus on Clinical Trials- MPH in Biostatistics #23
University of Cambridge - MPhil in Clinical Science- MPhil in Epidemiology #2
Karolinska Institute - MSc in Clinical Science- MSc in Clinical Research #10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of clinical research?

Clinical research has a broad range of applications and presents potential in pharmaceutical firms, academic research centres, contract research organisations (CROs), and regulatory organisations. Clinical researchers are essential to the development of medical knowledge and the enhancement of patient outcomes.

Is clinical research easy to study?

Clinical Research can be challenging due to its interdisciplinary nature, involving medicine, statistics, ethics, and regulatory affairs. However, a passion for medical advancement and a keen interest in research methodologies can make the learning process rewarding.

Which is the best country to pursue clinical research courses?

Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada are renowned for their excellent programs in Clinical Research. The choice depends on personal preferences, language proficiency, and desired specialisation areas.

Which subject is best for clinical research?

A strong foundation in life sciences, especially biology and chemistry, is essential for Clinical Research. Additionally, coursework in statistics, epidemiology, and ethics provides valuable skills for aspiring clinical researchers. To be eligible for Clinical Research courses, Candidates should have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. 

Discover More on Study Abroad

Explore our Blogs, Webinar & Ebooks to guide your study abroad journey

Must-read Blogs

Must-read Blogs

Access reliable & authentic articles on international education

Read Blogs
Watch Webinars

Watch Webinars

Get guided by industry experts on trending courses, job ecosystem, and much more

Watch Webinars
Free E-Books

Free E-Books

Download and Kickstart your study abroad journey

Read Ebooks