As we move firmly into winter, the NHS continues to deliver COVID-19 booster jabs at pace. However, with cases rising currently in the UK, there is no denying that the pandemic is far from over as doctors urge ministers to launch ‘COVID Plan B’ in England.

In our cover feature (p28), Professor Andy Hall explores how the digital landscape is enabling patients to advocate for and participate in rare cancer research, empowering them to take control of their health.

Elsewhere in this month’s issue, Potter Clarkson’s Sheena Linehan and Craig Bowers lift the lid on trade secrets (p16), outlining what makes trade secrets different from other types of IP protection and how this represents a unique consideration for pharmaceutical innovators.

Richmond Pharmacology’s Ulrike Lorch considers how the clinical research workforce is changing, and makes a case for investing in new cohorts’ progress to ensure industry can deliver high-quality, cutting-edge trials and achieve faster drug development that patients can ultimately benefit from.

We also celebrate the winners of the 2021 International Clinical Researcher of the Year competition. With a successful return to the Chelsea Harbour Hotel, the event didn’t disappoint and lived up to its longstanding legacy within the worldwide clinical research industry.

The 2022 International Clinical Researcher of the Year competition is already open for entry and we hope that many of the entrants, finalists, and winners can’t wait to get involved and see what we have in store for 2022.

A reminder that tickets are also on sale for the 2021 Marketer of the Year, Sales and Communications Awards. PharmaTimes hopes to bring a live gala dinner and awards ceremony for the Awards on 2nd December to celebrate the achievements of each finalist amongst industry leaders.