June FutureTrials25 shaping the future of clinical trials

International experts, industry, regulators and patient advocates to shape the next generation of clinical trials

University of Galway today welcomed global leaders in healthcare, regulation, pharma, medtech and patient advocacy to FutureTrials25, a landmark international conference focused on transforming how clinical trials are designed, delivered, and experienced.

Organised by the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials and supported by Medtronic, one of the world’s leading medtech companies, the event positions Ireland as a leading country for patient-focused clinical research and the West at the forefront of a new era where innovation and patient access are key priorities.

The conference also highlights Ireland’s rapidly growing clinical research infrastructure, including the Institute’s impact and potential to support growth in this area.

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, said: “Clinical trials are the foundation of progress in medicine and healthcare. Ireland is at a pivotal moment - our national system is ready for transformation, and Galway is proud to be playing a leading role in that journey.”

The Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility Galway is a joint venture between the Health Service Executive and University of Galway. The facility is currently overseeing 78 trials, with more than 11,000 patients in Ireland having directly benefitted from access to these studies. Alongside that the University’s CORRIB Core Lab has played a critical role in facilitating trial access for more than 11,500 heart patients through its scientific leadership, trial design and advanced imaging operations.

Despite this success, only 10% of current trials in Ireland are early-phase or first-in-human studies, an area critical in allowing earlier access to life-changing therapies and interventions.

Expanding patient access to these types of trials is a strategic priority for the Institute for Clinical Trials. It has established the HYPERCARE initiative, to streamline and accelerate the process of starting a clinical trial. The Institute is supporting several medtech companies to navigate the application process in Ireland, in collaboration with regulatory bodies and ethics committees.

Professor Dunne added: “We have long-standing strengths in University of Galway: our deep engagement with patients, our proximity to the medtech sector, and a proven track record in innovation and collaboration. Strategic partnerships - across public and private sectors - are accelerating this momentum. FutureTrials25 reflects our ambition to shape a trials’ environment that delivers benefit to those who matter most - patients. Through the Hypercare initiative, the Institute for Clinical Trials is demonstrating the model for how Ireland can build a world-leading clinical trials system and deliver this critical category of research to Irish patients.”

FutureTrials25 featured high-impact speakers including Professor Patrick Serruys, University of Galway; Professor Max Parmar of University College London; and Despina Voulgaraki of Medtronic. Together with participants from academia, industry, government and patient advocacy, they addressed how ethical frameworks, regulatory systems and innovation must evolve in parallel to improve outcomes for patients.

Core themes throughout the day included Discovery to Patient Impact, Enabling Regulatory and Policy Frameworks, and Future Innovation - with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, decentralised trial models, and patient-centered approaches.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “FutureTrials25 exemplifies the kind of cross-sector collaboration that is at the heart of University of Galway’s mission. It highlights Galway’s position as a global hub for medical innovation and our leadership in translating research into real-world impact.”

Guest speaker Professor Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026 presents a major opportunity to lead on clinical trial advancement across Europe. Events like FutureTrials25 show that Ireland is ready to shape that future, building systems that are efficient, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of patients and society.”  

Despina Voulgaraki, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Medical Science for Western Europe Enterprise Accounts at Medtronic, said: “At Medtronic, we believe progress in clinical research demands bold collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem. By bringing together academic expertise, clinical insight, patient perspectives, and industry experience, Ireland can accelerate the generation of high-quality evidence and deliver meaningful innovation to patients who need it most.”

Patient advocates played a key role at the conference, highlighting the importance of designing clinical trials that meet real-world needs.

            Patient representative Siobhan Gaynor said:  “Patient involvement in research isn’t optional - it’s essential. If we want trials to deliver real-world impact, they must be shaped by the voices of those who live with illness every day. That’s why a group of Irish patients living with advanced cancer has come together to ensure our priorities - captured in the recent MBC Survey - are heard by researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers. We’re ready to work in partnership to drive the system transformation that patients across the island of Ireland urgently need.”

            Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for the HSE West and North West, said: “The work being carried out through clinical trials research is having a real and meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and has the potential to transform health outcomes right across the region. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with academic, healthcare and industry partners to ensure that our communities have access and opportunity to participate in future health breakthroughs.”

Ends