10th Annual HRB-TMRN Symposium - Making Global Care Local: Innovations & Collaboration in Clinical Trials

A HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network Symposium hosted by the ICC-CTN
Location: Smock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin

Date: 8th June 2026

Click here to register

CPD accredited: A total of  6.0 credits have been assigned to this event.

Join us at Smock Alley Theatre on Monday, 8 June 2026 for the 10th Annual HRB-TMRN Trials Methodology Symposium, exploring how globally designed clinical trials can deliver meaningful impact at a local level.

Under the theme “Making Global Care Local: Innovations & Collaboration in Clinical Trials,” this year’s symposium brings together international leaders, early career researchers, and PPI contributors to examine the future of platform trials, the operational realities of complex international study designs, and the partnerships that make global trials work on the ground.

Hosted by HRB-TMRN in collaboration with UCD and in association with ICC-CTN, the day features a keynote from Prof. John Marshall, four themed sessions, panel discussions, and a dedicated spotlight on early career researchers. Whether you’re a trialist, methodologist, clinician, PhD student, or PPI partner, this symposium offers a full day of insight, dialogue, and connection.

09:00–09:20 — Registration & Tea/Coffee

09:20–10:00 — KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Future of Platform Trials: global trends, efficiencies, and emergent trial designs – Prof. John Marshall, University of Toronto

Session 1: Lessons From Global Clinical Trials

10:00–10:20: Barriers and solutions to international platform trials – Dr. Danny McAuley, Queens University Belfast

10:20–10:40: Federation of platform trials – Dr. Neill Adhikari, University of Toronto

10:40–11:00: Health economics of international platform trials – Dr. Lisa Higgins, Monash University

Panel Discussion: Implementing Platform Trials Locally (Chair: Prof. Ger Curley, RCSI)

11:00–12:00: Integrating global protocols into national systems – overcoming logistical and regulatory barriers. Q&A

12:00–13:00: Lunch & Networking

Session 2: Spotlight on Early Career Researchers (ECR) 

13:00–13:15: The PANTHER trial early career researcher programme – Dr. Kiran Reddy, Queen’s University Belfast

13:15–13:30: Involvement in a platform trial as an ECR – Dr. Peter McGuigan, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

13:30–14:10: HRB-TMRN PhD Students presentations

• Dr Simone Lepage, University of Galway – The Kids Trial: Children shaping trials and the future
• Dr Ellen Murphy, University College Cork – Retention strategies for clinical trials: exploring the costs, planning, and communication processes
• Dylan Keegan, University College Dublin – Sustainability in clinical trials

14:10–14:40: Panel Discussion (Chair: Dr Aisling McMahon, Mater Hospital)

14:40–15:00: Refreshment Break

Session 3: Operationalising International / Complex Design Trials

15:00–15:15: Running a Study Within A Trial in a complex trial design – Dr. Heather O’Grady, McMaster University

15:15–15:30: Patient and Public Involvement in Platform Trials – Dr. Leanne Hays, University College Dublin

15:30–15:45: Data coordination, funding, regulation in platform trials – Mr. Paul Mouncey, UK Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre

15:45–16:00: Panel Discussion (Chair: Prof. John Laffey, University of Galway)

Session 4: Collaboration With Global Partners

16:00–16:15: Research Collaborations across Asia and Africa – Dr. Madiha Hashmi, ISARIC

16:15–16:30: Built from the South: Infrastructure, Funding and Collaboration in Brazilian Critical Care Research – Dr. Israel Maia, Federal University of Santa Catarina

16:30–16:45: Curiosity, Humility & Democracy – Experiences of International Collaboration in Clinical Trials – Dr. Timo Tolppa, University of British Columbia

16:45–17:00: Panel Discussion

Closing Remarks & Next Steps

17:00–17:15: Reflection on key messages – Opportunities for collaboration & upcoming initiatives – Prof. Alistair Nichol, University College Dublin

Contact us at hrb-tmrn@universityofgalway.ie for more information

Please be aware that by attending this event you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose.