International Clinical Trials Day 2025

Patients get faster and better treatment thanks to innovative research

Accelerating patients’ access to new treatments and strengthening Slovakia’s participation in international research – these were the main challenges discussed by experts at the International Clinical Trials Day conference, which took place on 28. May 2025 in Bratislava.

The International Clinical Trials Day 2025 brought together the top academic and commercial researchers in Slovakia. On this occasion, an expert conference was held in Bratislava, organised by SLOVACRIN in cooperation with the European Research Network ECRIN-ERIC and several academic institutions. The event has become a platform for expert dialogue on current challenges and future opportunities in clinical research.

The conference was opened by Ing. Ján Hrinko, PhD., State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, who stressed the importance of systematic support of research for improving the quality of health care. Also prof. MUDr. Peter Jarčuška, PhD., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of UPJŠ, and prof. Jacques Demotes, Director General of ECRIN-ERIC. Both of them presented new opportunities for Slovakia’s involvement in European research infrastructures and stressed the need for a stronger link between academic research and healthcare practice. “Clinical research is not just about drug development. It is one of the most important tools to ensure that new scientific knowledge is translated into real treatments for patients. We have the capacity and the experts in Slovakia – now is the time to make the most of these prerequisites,” said Professor Jarčuška.

Discussions during the conference focused on the removal of administrative barriers, the need to introduce stable funding for research units (CTUs) and greater Slovak participation in international studies. They open the way to faster access to modern treatment methods for patients and at the same time increase the competitiveness of Slovak research teams. “Concrete suggestions were made on how to improve the conditions for clinical trials in our country – from the technical background to legislative changes. The common denominator appears to be a willingness to look for solutions and to strengthen public trust in research as part of the healthcare system,” summarized MUDr. Beáta Čečetková, PhD., medical director of SLOVACRIN.

The conclusion of the conference confirmed the growing importance of clinical research for the future of Slovak healthcare. “Slovakia has the potential to become an active player in the European research area, but for this to happen the state must ensure adequate conditions that researchers and patients need”, concluded Dr. Beata Čečetková from SLOVACRIN.https://konferencia-ictd.sk