The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has initiated the registration process for the Academic Diploma in Clinical Research, overseen by the Clinical Research Centre in collaboration with the University of Maryland based in the United States. The program is set for the academic year 2023-2024, commencing in September.

Professor Diaa Rizk, the Diploma Coordinator, Acting Director of the Clinical Research Centre, and Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at AGU, noted that this diploma, now offered for the third time, aims to enhance capacities in clinical research within the GCC region. It seeks to support the planning, execution, and management of clinical research projects and experiments in hospitals and medical research centers across GCC countries.

The launch of this innovative academic program addresses the region's needs for health research, catering to the pursuit of innovative solutions. Dr. Rizk emphasized that the program aligns with the University's commitment to valuable specializations over its more than 40 years of existence.

"The academic diploma in clinical research was designed at an important time when the peoples of the GCC countries became fully aware of the importance of clinical research and accepted to participate in it," said Dr. Rizk. The program targets graduates in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, life sciences, members of the Research Ethics Committee, members of regulatory bodies, and other related specialties involved in clinical trials.

The curriculum of the clinical research diploma program draws inspiration from the competencies and distinguished faculty at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS) at AGU. Dr. Rizk highlighted its development through collaboration with the International Clinical Research Centre at the University of Maryland, renowned for its history and prestige.

The program, spanning one academic year, imparts a robust foundation in research curricula, methods, ethics, scientific standards, laws, clinical research regulations, and hands-on field training in the operational and managerial aspects of clinical research studies. It also emphasizes the science of drug development, pharmaceutical and medical devices, stem cells, technology products, and the creation of medical technologies intended for human use.