The publication of the WHO guidance for best practices for clinical trials in September 2024 was a major milestone. For the first time there is now global guidance applicable to design and conduct of all clinical trials (whether or not they include investigational products), also with relevance to observational studies.

Key areas of focus include embedding research into health systems, developing sustained networks of continuously active clinical researchers, greater inclusivity of diverse population groups, the centrality of the need for interaction between patient/community groups and researchers in the trial life cycle, simplifying what can be excessively complex and uncoordinated clinical trial approval processes involving many bodies, and ensuring a risk-based, proportionate approach to design, data collection, oversight and inspection. WHO and The Global Health Network are convening a global event to present the key aspects of this new guidance.

This will be an informative opportunity to hear directly from WHO and learn how this guidance can help support and strengthen your research. Live translation will be available.