The objective of this component is to develop infrastructure that will expand clinical research activities conducted by the medical and scientific community in Trinidad and Tobago, and establish the country as a regional centre for such activities. A focal point will be established where laboratories and other core requirements including IT hardware and software are made available to support the conduct of clinical studies. Major activities to be pursued include:
Education of physician-scientists and core staff in understanding and adhering to international standards for the conduct of clinical research (i.e. the International Conference on Harmonization)
Development of capacity for Institutional Review Board oversight of governance protocols for the acceptance and pursuit of research activities
Development of collaborative programmes with Johns Hopkins to jointly identify international funding to expand the resources of the Centre
Identification of opportunities (in collaboration with the pharmaceutical sector) for additional clinical research activities
A critical element is the identification of funding mechanisms for research activities. This area has not previously been appropriately developed, but is essential to attracting dedicated personnel who can build and maintain a robust and well respected research programme.
