Clinical Research; a 6th Form Lecture

On 28^th September Dr Littleford from Dundee University gave us a fascinating and intriguing lecture on her role at the university as a senior clinical research manager; she conveyed to us how her role comprises of science, medicine, ethics, management and economics. She talked about her responsibility to oversee the development of new drugs and treatments specifically in the institute of cardiovascular research and informed us of the huge effects her industry and colleagues are having on health issues such as HIV/AIDS, chronic syndromes and cancer and how the understanding of these conditions relies on the research and trials of pharmaceutical companies, charities and universities.

She began with a look into what a clinical trial was and all the factors and variables involved in conducting and managing one and how it must facilitate the whole research project. She then went onto to delve into the funding and finance issues involved and the sociopolitical influences in the profession as well as the moral philosophy behind decisions considering test patients in order to improve quality of life on a global scale.

It was this topic - raised by a pupil - which led onto the philosophy and logic of 'the greater good' behind the drive for trials as the small and controlled risks of complications is far outweighed by the titanic benefits of approved drugs.

As someone interested in economics and finance I think we all found it staggering to learn what a massive industry it is with 68,000 people employed in the UK alone with it expected to rise 16% by 2016. This industry which has such a massive base in the UK is seen as a beacon of light while other industries set into decline and gradually disappear, it seems having heard Dr Littleford that it will play a major part in future in this country as our skill base and infrastructure host the forecasted growth. Her insight and experience really gave us all a lot of inspiration for careers due to her passion and enthusiasm for her job.

Looking towards the future of her profession and the world of medical and pharmaceutical research she tabled the importance of computer modelling and stem cell research in the faster development of new drugs and ways to rehabilitate chronic diseases and improve quality of life in the ageing populations of developed nations, she expressed real hope and prosperity in the short and long term of the industry as new technologies are speeding up and modernising the processes at an unprecedented rate.

Everyone found her address wide-ranging and stimulating as it touched on a vast range of expertise and skills, this was backed up by some focused and specific questions from the floor.

Her lecture has followed several other fascinating addresses in recent weeks and is part of a wide ranging intellectual package in the sixth form as we begin to look towards university courses and careers beyond Glenalmond.

Ben Whittle

Lower Sixth

Goodacre's