
Exploring Clinical Research: Foundations and Practical Applications
Have you ever wondered how drugs go from being developed in a lab bench to the pharmacy shelf? If so, this is your chance to join this dynamic, hands-on workshop that pulls back the curtain on the world of clinical research.
As the landscape of healthcare continuously evolves, the demand for awareness about the importance of clinical research in society is more essential than ever. The entire life cycle of a drug, from the laboratory development of new molecules, to the complex ethical and regulatory framework governing human clinical trials, will be the focus of the intensive workshop.
The event is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the clinical research process—an essential field for the advancement of global healthcare—especially aimed at university students (registration available via this form). Its program is divided into two main modules:
1 . “The Drug Development Process and Study Design”
This session will examine the key phases of research, including drug discovery, preclinical studies, the four phases of clinical development, and a comparative analysis of various study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials, cohort studies).
2. “Ethics, Regulation, and Practical Aspects”
This section will address fundamental topics for the proper conduct of a study, such as Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines, the roles and responsibilities of involved parties, drafting a study protocol, managing documentation, and the ethical principles of informed consent.
“With this workshop, we aim to bridge the gap between academic education and the practical skills required in biomedical research,” said Tommaso Pizzorusso, Director of the Bio@SNS Laboratory and Deputy Director of the Scuola Normale. “Providing future professionals with a solid understanding of regulatory and ethical processes is not just an added value—it is essential for ensuring high-quality, safe research”.
If you are looking for an Introduction to Clinical Research: From Drug Development to Practice with interactive sessions combining lectures, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to encourage student engagement and
practical understanding, this is your workshop.
This activity is organized and led by Maria Spolidoro, Clinical Research Associate at the multinational pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme, SNS Alumna (PhD in Neuroscience) & Tommaso Pizzorusso, Professor at Scuola Normale Superiore
WHEN
25 June, 2025, at 9:00 AM (CEST)
WHERE
Onsite at SNS for Scuola Normale Superiore’s members
Online, EELISA students and staff will receive the participation link after registering.
FOR WHOM
The workshop is open to students (BA, MA, PhD), staff, academics, post-doc fellows, researchers.