Clinical Trials Methodology

Our research aims to enable implementation of the most effective and appropriate methods to improve the quality of clinical trials and, ultimately, patient care. We facilitate and accelerate the development of new and improved approaches for the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials, particularly in methodologically challenging areas. 


MRC/NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP)

The Department hosts the world-leading MRC/NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP). Building on the success of the MRC Hubs for Trials Methodology Research (HTMR) Network, the TMRP has additional partners: Health Data Research UK, Health Research Board Trial Methodology Research Network, the UK Trial Managers' Network, the Registered CTU Network and The Global Health Network. The TMRP provides opportunities to explore new collaborations and avenues to make continued progress in advancing trials methodology, developing capacity and further reducing research waste. 

The 2014-2019 HTMR Network report can be found here.

Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative

Our group leads the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative, bringing together people interested in the development and application of agreed standardised sets of outcomes, known as ‘core outcome sets’ (COS). These sets represent the minimum that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific condition, but COS are also suitable for use in routine care, clinical audit and research other than randomised trials.

Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre (LCTC)

Linked to the Department and the trials methodology group, the Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre (LCTC) is a leading UK clinical trials unit and research group. The LCTC brings together a wealth of expertise built on the experience of the Liverpool Trials Collaborative which has held full registration status with the UK Clinical Research Collaboration CTU network since its establishment in 2007. 

LCTC collaborates with the NHS and commercial partners, patients and the public to contribute to the identification and evaluation of new and innovative treatments and devices.

LCTC has particular expertise in personalised medicine, surgical interventions, and re-purposing of and establishing evidence for existing treatments used within the NHS. Key portfolios of clinical trial include paediatrics and cancer.

In partnership with other trials methodologists LCTC contributes to the advancement of methods to improve the design and delivery of clinical trials. LCTC supports the development of increased capacity for conducting clinical trials locally and nationally by encouraging the development of clinicians, healthcare professionals, and trials methodologists as leaders in clinical trial research. Visit the LCTC website for further information.

Or contact Professor Paula Williamson, Professor Catrin Tudur Smith, or Professor Carrol Gamble.