The University of Liverpool has joined the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF), a global network launched by the World Health Organization in 2025 to strengthen clinical trial systems worldwide.
The announcement was made during a visit by Dr Vasee Moorthy, Senior Advisor in WHO’s Science Division, who noted that Liverpool’s expertise in trials methodology will be a valuable addition to the Forum’s work.
A major factor in the University’s membership is its work through the COMET Initiative, which is hosted at Liverpool. The initiative brings together researchers, clinicians and patients to support the development and use of agreed standardised outcomes in clinical research. COMET provides guidance, resources and opportunities for collaboration, helping others to develop these outcome sets and encouraging their use in research and clinical practice.
Professor Paula Williamson, who leads COMET, said: "Joining the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum represents an exciting opportunity to share our expertise in trials methodology and outcome measurement, and to work with partners worldwide to strengthen the design, relevance and impact of clinical research."
The GCTF network brings together research institutions, regulators, funders and patient organisations from around the world, including UK partners such as the University of Oxford, University College London, the Health Research Authority (HRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Liverpool will strengthen the network’s collaborative efforts and contribute to WHO’s work to improve the design, approval and delivery of clinical trials worldwide.
Professor Louise Kenny, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said: "Our membership of the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum reflects the strength of our clinical research community and our commitment to working with partners globally to improve health outcomes through high-quality research."
For more information about clinical research and training at the University of Liverpool please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/clinical-research-and-training/