The prestigious and long standing International Clinical Researcher of the Year competition has launched for the 21st year - flying the flag for excellence in global clinical research.

Following on from last year which was a truly groundbreaking one for the competition, which saw record high entry numbers and an outstanding level of talented clinical researchers on show, entries are now underway for 2020.

Comprised of 3 stages, this competition aims to challenge, recognise, and reward the talent and passion of industry and academic researchers. Stage 1 of the competition consists of a multiple choice questionnaire with 20 questions where a score of 80% must be achieved in order to progress. Stage 2 asks entrants to complete a category specific clinical challenge which is submitted in essay form. Then finally the top performers from stage 2 will be invited to take part in the 3rd and final stage – the live head-to-head finals day.

Each year the finals day challenges get reviewed by the Executive Steering Group (ESG) to ensure that they stay up to date with any latest trends within the industry, whilst also taking on board and implementing finalists feedback. The finals day is an enjoyable yet testing challenge where finalists can develop key skills, network with peers, and share best practice all within a friendly learning environment.

The categories for 2020 have also been reviewed by the ESG to ensure that they offer an accurate and fair challenge, whilst simultaneously providing an entry point for all types of clinical researcher and of all experience levels. The categories available for individual entry are CTA, Aspiring CRA, CRA, Project Manager, Team Leader and In-House CRA. There are also entry points for a team in the Clinical Site and Clinical Research Team categories, and Start Up which is available to an individual or a team.

This longstanding competition has received immense praise from finalists year after year and the 2019 competition was no exception. Simon Simonov from PPD, Silver placed in the Experienced CRA category said that “The International Clinical Researcher of the Year competition is a unique and enriching experience for anyone who takes part in it”. Jane Thomson from PRA Health Sciences and Gold placed in the Team Leader category also praised the competition highly by saying “I would thoroughly recommend everyone, at all levels to enter and ‘go for it’! There is fun to be had!!’

If you would like any further information on the categories, how the competition works or if you want to get your entry started early, then head over to the website and start the questionnaire – www.pharmatimes.com/intcr