With the deadline for completed Stage 1 and Stage 2 entries approaching, previous entrants from all over the world are encouraging clinical researchers at all levels of their career to enter this prestigious competition, so that they too can reap the rewards.

Lital Shpeisman is based in Israel as a clinical research associate for Covance. Awarded silver in the competition last year she describes it as “a challenging, exciting and fun experience,” adding: “Not only did I finally read in depth the ICH GCP, but I also got a chance to stop and really think about our important role as CRAs in the world of clinical trials. The PharmaTimes competition enabled me to a challenge myself, to meet fellow clinical research professionals from all over the world, and was overall a wonderful opportunity that I greatly appreciate and recommend.”

2017 finalist Michelle Carter is based in Sydney as a Clinical Research Associate for PRA Health Sciences. She says: “It was an amazing experience. I was able to interact with colleagues from Europe and Asia Pacific and I found the competition itself both challenging and rewarding. Participation in the finals has helped my career in allowing me to progress further to become CRA II at PRA, while the feedback provided has allowed me to determine areas I can focus on to improve.

“Overall it is something that I would strongly encourage CRA’s to participate as the knowledge and experience gained has been invaluable for me, both professionally and personally.”

PRA Health Sciences’ Lizzy Mill is based in the UK and was promoted to manager of clinical operations - strategic solutions following the 2017 competition. She says: “I really enjoyed taking part in PharmaTimes as it pushes you outside your comfort levels and really challenges what you know. It is a great way to see how you compare to your peers and gives you the confidence that you do in fact know what you are doing ;) I would recommend the competition to anyone who hasn’t taken part as it is a great networking opportunity as well as a fantastic challenge.”

Lizzy, who was awarded bronze in the competition says: “In terms of my career, taking part has really helped put me on the radar for senior management and since the competition I have been promoted to manager of clinical operations - the recognition from PharmaTimes definitely helped!”

Designed to challenge, recognise and reward the talent and passion of industry and academic researchers, the PharmaTimes International Clinical Researcher of the Year is a rigorous, real world competition that attracts entrants from all over the globe.

This three-stage competition offers a unique opportunity for professionals working within the research fraternity to benchmark their skills against their peers in a learning environment, and have them judged by an independent executive steering group of high-level industry leaders.

Stage 1 is an online multiple-choice questionnaire prepared by the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) consisting of 20 questions. The pass mark to move forward to Round 2 is 80%, with one re-take allowed.

Successful candidates from Stage 1 are invited to complete the 'Clinical Challenge', a 1000-word essay devised by the competition's executive steering committee, with the top performers going on to take part in the finals in March 2018.

The deadline for Stage 1 and Stage 2 is 31 January.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in London in May.

For more information and to enter, visit www.pharmatimes.com/INTCR