The team is part of a national collaboration, aiming to put together a panel of researchers that can be contacted regarding research projects and clinical trials. They also want to put researchers in touch with volunteers who would be happy to partake in clinical trials, in hope of shortening the length of time it takes to get new treatments tested and approved for use by the NHS.
When asked why young people should volunteer to partake in medical trials, Medical Genetics student Bethany Blakemore said “Although it might be hard to see the immediate effects of partaking in clinical trials, the results can have a multitude of benefits in the long term, in terms of both scientific advances and the treatment of disease in society. Trials are essential to determine the safety and efficiency of new compounds we are bringing forward into clinics, and to be able to treat those with life threatening illnesses in the future. If everyone played a more active role in health care and gave back into a system we all eventually take out of, the end results would be great. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something”.
Currently, the project is struggling to entice young people to volunteer to partake in clinical trials. If you would like more information about volunteering, visit NIHR BioResource Centre Newcastle on Facebook, or @NIHRBioResource on Twitter.