Prof. Frances Shiely

Professor Frances Shiely is Full Professor of Clinical Trials in the HRB Clinical Research Facility (HRB CRF) and School of Public Health, University College Cork. She is the Director of Education in the HRB CRF-UCC and leads the HRB TMRN (Trials Methodology Research Network). With a strong international track record in clinical trial methodology Professor Shiely’s work focuses on improving the design, conduct and reporting of clinical trials.

Her research is trial methodology focused including, embedded studies within trials (SWATs), recruitment and retention, outcome selection, public and patient involvement, with a strong emphasis on under-served populations. She has led and collaborated on competitively funded research from national and international funders, including the EU and the Health Research Board (€26 million), and plays a leading role in methodological innovation within clinical trials.

Professor Shiely is deeply committed to education and capacity building in clinical research. She founded and directs Ireland’s only MSc in Clinical Trials and has led the development of multiple national and international training initiatives for students, researchers, clinicians, and patient partners. She is currently a Principal Investigator on the EU ERASMUS+–funded SENSITISE project, which aims to improve inclusivity in clinical trials through open-access education and training.

She is an active member of national and international research networks, including Trial Forge, ECRIN, MRC-NIHR-TMRP and other clinical trials methodology collaborations across Europe. Through her leadership, research, and educational activities, Professor Shiely is dedicated to strengthening methodological excellence and ensuring that clinical trials are more efficient, inclusive, sustainable and impactful.