Every year on 20 May, healthcare organisations around the world mark International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) – a day dedicated to recognising the vital role clinical research plays in improving patient care and advancing treatments offered to patients.
The date commemorates the first recorded clinical trial, carried out by Scottish naval surgeon James Lind in 1747. His pioneering study into treatments for scurvy helped lay the foundations for modern clinical research and evidence-based medicine. Today, clinical trials continue to transform healthcare, giving patients access to innovative treatments, improving standards of care and helping healthcare professionals discover better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease.
Research is embedded across clinical services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex) and is helping patients access cutting-edge treatments and technologies that are shaping excellent care for the future – locally, nationally and globally.
From cancer and cardiovascular disease to neurological conditions, genomics and digestive health, patients across Sussex are benefiting from opportunities to take part in research that could improve outcomes today and for future generations as part of our commitment to delivering excellent care everywhere.
Bringing innovative cancer treatments to Sussex patients
One example is the national STAMPEDE2 prostate cancer trial being delivered at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The Phase 3 study is giving Sussex patients access to highly targeted new treatments for advanced prostate cancer, including innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies and precision radiotherapy. For local patient, Darius Aibara, taking part in the trial meant being able to access pioneering treatment close to home. The trial reflects how research at UHSussex is helping ensure local people can benefit from some of the latest advances in cancer care without needing to travel elsewhere in the country. You can find out more about this work at First Sussex patients receive cutting-edge prostate cancer treatments as part of national trial.
Transforming cardiac care through research
Research is also helping improve outcomes for people experiencing life-threatening heart conditions. Earlier this year, Carolyn Thompson, a Sussex patient became the first person in the UK to join the STEMI DCB trial after being treated for a major heart attack. The study is exploring new ways to treat blocked coronary arteries and could help transform future cardiac care for patients experiencing STEMI heart attacks. Read about Carolyn’s story at Sussex heart attack patient becomes first to join world-first treatment trial
Improving early diagnosis and detection
Many research studies taking place at UHSussex are focused on improving diagnosis and detecting disease earlier, when treatments can be most effective. Patients from across Sussex are taking part in the national BEST4 trial investigating whether a simple “sponge on a string” test could provide a less invasive way to monitor people at risk of oesophageal cancer. The study could reduce the need for some endoscopy procedures while helping identify cancer earlier. Find out more about this research study at ‘Sponge on a string’ cancer screening trial recruits first patients at UHSussex
The Generation Study is transforming care for newborn babies and families across Sussex. This pioneering national programme, led by Genomics England, is exploring how whole genome sequencing could identify more than 200 rare genetic conditions shortly after birth, enabling earlier treatment and interventions. The UHSussex Maternity Research Team has enabled more than 1,000 participants to take part in this study. You can find out more about this work at Sussex newborns to benefit from groundbreaking research study
Supporting patients living with complex conditions
Clinical research is helping improve support and access to treatment for people living with long-term and life-limiting conditions at UHSussex.
Expanded Motor Neurone Disease (MND) services are helping Sussex patients gain greater access to clinical trials and specialist research support, ensuring more people can participate in studies exploring future treatments for this devastating condition. You can read more about this at Expansion of service boosts support and access to clinical trials for patients with Motor Neurone Disease.
Our research teams are also leading national studies into chronic liver disease, including the REDUce 2 study, which is investigating ways to improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits for patients with advanced liver disease. University Hospitals Sussex reaches key milestone in chronic liver disease research.
Building the future of research in Sussex
We continue to expand opportunities for patients to take part in research through partnerships with universities, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and life sciences organisations.
The Trust recently secured £1.3 million in NIHR funding to expand and improve clinical research facilities across Sussex, helping deliver more advanced clinical trials and bringing research opportunities closer to local communities. Find out how this will benefit our patients and communities at £1.3m funding secured to expand clinical research at Sussex hospitals.
This builds on the launch of the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) Sussex in October 2025, which is helping to increase access to cutting-edge industry sponsored clinical trials and strengthening UHSussex’s role as a centre for research and innovation. You can read more about this at Sussex launches new commercial research hub to boost health innovation – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
It takes a village
Behind every clinical trial is a large multidisciplinary team. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, therapists, research practitioners, administrators and patient representatives all play an important role in delivering research safely and successfully.
International Clinical Trials Day is also an opportunity to thank the thousands of patients and volunteers who take part in research studies every year. Without their contribution, many of today’s life-saving treatments would not exist.
This International Clinical Trials Day, UHSussex is celebrating the 7,141 patients who took part in 189 research studies across our hospitals between April 2025 and March 2026, which represents a significant 38% increase in research participation at the Trust. We also celebrate all the staff and researchers whose work is helping to improve care today and create better treatments for tomorrow. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions to helping build better care for the future through research.