Title: Clinical Trial Fellow in Association with The Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University
Funder: Cancer Research UK

Abstract: Background: The Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University (CTR), is a CRUK core funded UKCRC registered Clinical Trials Unit. The centre supports clinical trials, from basic concept to final publication of results, with the power to change clinical practice. The unit is operated by a range of experts. It runs a series of trials from phase I to III using investigational drugs, across an array of tumour sites. The unit has nurtured chief investigators who are based locally and nationally often leading their first trial. The unit appreciates a need to develop the next generation of clinical trialists. Dr Meissner is a Medical Oncology trainee a year out from consultant post applications, she is currently completing her PhD based upon laboratory work linked to an active clinical trial run by the CTR. She has developed a significant interest in clinical trials and achieved prestigious opportunities through the international MCCR workshop and the Cardiff based Future Leaders in Cancer Research(FLiCR) programme. Aims of the lead applicant: • To develop as a clinician with significant understanding and experience of running clinical trials from concept to completion, publication, and future data/sample sharing. • To gain the skills and experience to become a productive and independent Chief Investigator and leader of future UK clinical trials. Objectives/methods: • To become an active member of the Centre for trials Research, Cardiff University, with an understanding of the roles and functions of an academic trials unit working nationally and internationally on a range of clinical trials • Develop independent interactions with key researchers nationally with an evolving international engagement. • Undertake an international sabbatical with a specific focus on clinical trial development and international collaboration • To become an active member of at least one trial management group (to extend beyond the fellowship period). • To have developed a deeper insight in to at least one area of clinical research to a level which will be seen as a junior academic developing a specialist interest by colleagues as a UK clinical researcher. • Development of her own trial concept in line with that designed at the international MCCR workshop. • Over the period of the fellowship to complete a minimum of 4 peer reviewed research publications and to be Chief investigator of Co-Investigator on a minimum of two funding applications Outputs: The fellowship will develop a junior oncologist in to an effective independent future clinical cancer trialist.

Lay abstract: Background: The Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University (CTR), is a CRUK core funded UKCRC registered Clinical Trials Unit. The centre supports clinical trials, from basic concept to final publication of results, with the power to change clinical practice. The unit is operated by a range of experts. It runs a series of trials from phase I to III using investigational drugs, across an array of tumour sites. The unit has nurtured chief investigators who are based locally and nationally often leading their first trial. The unit appreciates a need to develop the next generation of clinical trialists. Dr Meissner is a Medical Oncology trainee a year out from consultant post applications, she is currently completing her PhD based upon laboratory work linked to an active clinical trial run by the CTR. She has developed a significant interest in clinical trials and achieved prestigious opportunities through the international MCCR workshop and the Cardiff based Future Leaders in Cancer Research(FLiCR) programme. Aims of the lead applicant: • To develop as a clinician with significant understanding and experience of running clinical trials from concept to completion, publication, and future data/sample sharing. • To gain the skills and experience to become a productive and independent Chief Investigator and leader of future UK clinical trials. Objectives/methods: • To become an active member of the Centre for trials Research, Cardiff University, with an understanding of the roles and functions of an academic trials unit working nationally and internationally on a range of clinical trials • Develop independent interactions with key researchers nationally with an evolving international engagement. • Undertake an international sabbatical with a specific focus on clinical trial development and international collaboration • To become an active member of at least one trial management group (to extend beyond the fellowship period). • To have developed a deeper insight in to at least one area of clinical research to a level which will be seen as a junior academic developing a specialist interest by colleagues as a UK clinical researcher. • Development of her own trial concept in line with that designed at the international MCCR workshop. • Over the period of the fellowship to complete a minimum of 4 peer reviewed research publications and to be Chief investigator of Co-Investigator on a minimum of two funding applications Outputs: The fellowship will develop a junior oncologist in to an effective independent future clinical cancer trialist.

Research activity codes: 4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);6.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT EVALUATION)
Health categories: CANCER AND NEOPLASMS