Ecraid Joins WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum to Strengthen Global Research Collaboration

The GCTF – a network managed by the World Health Organisation - was established to support the implementation of WHO’s guidance for best practices in clinical trials, developed in response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA 75.8. By joining this global initiative, Ecraid gains new opportunities to collaborate with international partners, share expertise, and contribute to shaping a more effective and coordinated clinical research ecosystem.

Strengthening Global Clinical Trial Capacity and Improving Research Quality 

Ecraid brings to the forum its established pan-European “warm-base” clinical research network - an infrastructure designed to maintain continuous research readiness. The network connects more than 1,250 hospital sites across Europe and combines ongoing studies with strategic and operational collaboration. 

This infrastructure enables continuous research readiness and rapid study activation, allowing Ecraid to deliver efficient and high-quality trials – including large-scale studies and pandemic preparedness initiatives. 

Together with GCTF partners, Ecraid supports a shared vision: building robust clinical trial systems that are continuously active, embedded in healthcare settings and capable of rapid adaptation during public health emergencies. This approach not only improves pandemic preparedness but also strengthens routine clinical research and fosters trust in healthcare systems worldwide.

Driving Innovation in Infectious Disease Research 

Along with the warm-base infrastructure, Ecraid contributes with expertise in epidemiology and statistics, including innovative methodologies such as Adaptive Platform Trials (APTs).

Unlike traditional clinical trials, which can be slow and rigid, APTs allow for continuous patient enrolment, simultaneous testing of multiple treatments, and real-time adjustments based on emerging data. This flexible design significantly accelerates the generation of reliable evidence - an essential advantage when responding to fast-moving infectious diseases.

A key pillar of Ecraid’s innovation strategy is its “FAIR by design” data approach. By aligning data with established ontologies and harmonising datasets and samples, Ecraid facilitates data re-use, including federated analyses, both within and beyond the organisation. This expertise will contribute directly to GCTF discussions on data sharing, interoperability, and sustainable research practices.

Promoting International Collaboration in Clinical Research

Cross-border collaboration is central to Ecraid’s mission. Our involvement in major international trials and cooperation with leading scientific and clinical networks positions us at the forefront of global efforts to address urgent public health challenges.

Through its participation in the GCTF, Ecraid will further strengthen collaboration among researchers, regulators, funders, and patient communities. It will actively contribute to working groups, knowledge-sharing activities, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving clinical trial quality and coordination worldwide.

Supporting WHO’s Global Research Agenda

By combining Ecraid’s expertise in infectious diseases, with innovative trial designs and an established research network we aim to help build a more resilient, equitable, and responsive global clinical research landscape.

This new membership represents not only a strategic partnership, but also a meaningful step forward in strengthening clinical trial ecosystems, promoting equitable access to research, and safeguarding the interests of research participants—ultimately contributing to more impactful health solutions worldwide. By combining Ecraid’s knowledge in infectious diseases with an established research network, we aim to help build a more resilient, equitable, and responsive global clinical research landscape.