Join us in supporting International Clinical Trials Day

Every year 20 May is celebrated by healthcare workers, researchers, patients and communities around the world to mark International Clinical Trials Day.

On this day in 1747, ship surgeon James Lind started what is believed to be the world’s first randomised clinical trial, when he asked 12 sailors who all had scurvy to ingest six different treatments including cider, vinegar, sea water and an orange and lemon. Within days the man who had received the citrus fruit had recovered so much that he was appointed nurse to the others on the trial.

Make future research breakthroughs possible

To coincide with International Clinical Trials Day, the NIHR is running its Be Part of Research campaign.

This celebrates the thousands of people who volunteered to be part of research including taking part in the fight back against COVID-19. At the same time, the campaign encourages more people to take part in research to ensure future medical breakthroughs happen.

Being part of research: what our patients and volunteers say

• Volunteers are still needed for studies into all conditions, including diabetes, cancer, mental health and dementia: find out what research is taking place near you.
• Do you use Twitter? Include the #BePartofResearch hashtag and help promote the value of clinical research. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more patient quotes about taking part in research!