Introduction to and orienting your career in clinical research
Introduction to and orienting your career in clinical research
15 September 2025
General context
The first part of this course will focus on the elementary aspects of clinical research. Through an interactive step-by-step approach, we will introduce you to the world of medicine before they are available on the market. This course is designed to allow you to get familiar with the basic aspects of pre-clinical and clinical studies, the rules and regulations to follow, the ethical considerations and follow-up of trial participants, the involved logistics and resources.
A second topic will be on orienting your career in clinical research. This part of the training will provide you with an overview of the job possibilities that are out there in the clinical development area and in clinical research.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the complete development process of a pharmaceutical product, from pre-clinical research to market approval.
- Explain the difference between pre-clinical and clinical research, and the role of each phase in drug development.
- Identify key reasons for conducting clinical trials, including ethical, regulatory, and patient-related considerations.
- Understand the basic logistics, stakeholder roles, and infrastructure involved in running a clinical study.
- Explore the main job roles within clinical research and understand their responsibilities and interconnections.
- Use the Clinical Research Competency Framework to assess readiness and identify development needs for a career in this field.
- Define concrete next steps for pursuing a professional role in clinical research based on personal interests and opportunities.
This course is delivered in an interactive and practical format, balancing foundational knowledge with personal career exploration.
In the first part, participants are introduced to the clinical development pipeline through a step-by-step guided overview, including regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, and trial logistics. The second part focuses on career orientation, offering insights into the professional landscape of clinical research.
Expert trainers ensure a high level of group engagement through interactive discussions, reflection exercises, and practical examples. The goal is for participants to leave with a clear understanding of clinical research as well as actionable career insights.
PhD students, postdocs and staff scientists working at VIB who have an interest in understanding the basics of the current regulatory requirements for clinical trials. We will also address career opportunities in clinical research.
Nice course, enthusiastic teacher. Good balance between theory and interaction with the audience
Participant edition 2023
I was overall very pleased with this training, it was very interesting and the trainer explained everything in a very engaging, enthusiastic manner.
Participant edition 2022
The training gave us good insights in future job opportunities in the field, where you can decide for yourself if you are interested in them or not. Handy tips and tricks were given for job applications. There was also a good overview of what clinical research entails.
Participant edition 2021
Trainers
Benedikt Van Nieuwenhove
Prof. Dr. Benedikt Van Nieuwenhove obtained his degree in Pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Gent, Belgium in 1991. Between 1991 and 1997 he worked as a quality assurance manager at a laboratory for medical biochemistry & clinical analysis in Gent. In 1997 he finished his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Gent in Belgium.
Since then till 2014 he had been working for Harrison Clinical Research. He started his career as clinical operations manager and general manager of the Benelux operations.
In 2000, he founded their own training Academy, the "European Centre for Clinical Research Training” (ECCRT) and in 2007 he became a member of the Board.
From 2008-2011 he acted as the Vice President Global Operations of the Harrison Clinical Research group. In January 2011, he was elected Chief Executive Officer of Harrison Clinical Research. In that position he was involved in the merge with Synteract to form SynteractHCR. He has been instrumental in integrating the two organisations during 2013 and 2014.
Since its creation in 2000, Benedikt has been the Managing Director of ECCRT.
Having been in the field of Clinical Research for about three decades he has amassed a wealth of knowledge and skills within this field. Over the years he has supported the Pharma Industry as well as other players in the healthcare sector by providing them with the skill sets to deal with the challenges in their job and to make them efficient players in study success.
Since 2016 he is lecturing “Management of Clinical Research” at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Ghent.
Program
Introduction to Clinical Research
Welcome & introduction
Clinical Research
- How are new medicinal products developed
- What is Clinical Research?
- What are the different types of clinical trials o Why are clinical trials regulated?
Coffee break
- What are the clinical research principles?
- What activities are involved in clinical trials?
- What are the logistics behind clinical trials?
- Who is involved in clinical research?
Conclusions and Q&A
Lunch
Orienting your career in clinical research
Welcome & introduction
The clinical competency framework
Coffee break
Mapping of profiles versus positions
Recommendations for finding a job in clinical research
Conclusions and Q&A
Practical info
15 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
15 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
15 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
15 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
15 September 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Room L4 (4th floor)