Medical University of Vienna
This Master of Science Programme, developed and delivered in cooperation with the Vienna Medical University (MUV) provides easy access to state of the art education in clinical research.
From the test tubes of the laboratories to the pillboxes on the bedside lockers of patients, it can take decades for a patient to actually benefit from a new compound/agent or from a new method of treatment. The investment and the costs in developing new treatments can be enormous.
It is commonly recognised that the safety of a patient willing to participate in clinical research is essential. Clinical researchers are responsible for protecting the rights, safety and wellbeing of their patients and risk reduction is a crucial factor within this responsibility. Regulations and guidelines have been introduced within the European Union concerning clinical research making the investment in research and development rise further.
To meet the requirements of developing new medical treatment methods, a specialised research team is needed. To initiate and manage a study successfully, experts are required who are not only well educated in their medical speciality, but are also well informed in the legal aspects and the international guidelines, study designs, data monitoring and management, biostatistics and also in publishing the results.
MUV has reacted
Current curricula of medical universities cover clinical research only marginally. This gap has been recognised by the Medical University of Vienna. In cooperation with the Vienna School of Clinical Research (VSCR) who together have developed the post-graduate programme, degree of “Master of Science in Clinical Research”.
By introducing the “Master of Science in Clinical Research“ programme from the summer term of 2010, Vienna has grown to one of the top educational centre for clinical research in Europe. This programme has evolved from a successful post-graduate diploma programme, which was implemented in 2005.
“The Medical University of Vienna has joined the select few training centres within Europe, including the Karolinska University in Sweden and the University of London who offer an academic degree in clinical research. High value is put on the international character of the training for clinical research is usually not only a national issue, but is conducted in various countries simultaneously.”
Univ.-Prof. Christoph Male and Priv.-Doz. Johannes Pleiner, Course directors
Strong partner
The ”Master of Science in Clinical Research“ programme has been implemented in cooperation with the Vienna School of Clinical Research , The VSCR is an well recognised institution for continuing education, with 15 partner universities in Europe, USA and Africa focusing on ongoing training and education for clinical researchers. Since its foundation 10 years ago, the VSCR has trained more than 5000 medical professionals from 90 countries.
Participants attending each course have the opportunity to meet international lecturers who are invited because of their specialist expertise. Participants can exchange knowledge with the experts, lecturers, course directors, supervisors and with their fellow colleagues. All courses within the programme are conducted in English, it is a necessity nowadays in the international environment of clinical research.
“Currently we are evaluating opportunities for cooperation with other international training centres. Mutual accreditation and exchange programmes with other Master-programmes could make the programme more attractive”, says Univ.-Prof. Heinrich Klech, President and CEO of the VSCR.
“With this Master-programme of the Medical University of Vienna, experts will be trained who will serve as translators in clinical research”, explains Univ.-Prof. Heinrich Klech further about the intention of the programme. The term translator in the field of clinical research describes the ability to implement scientific expertise directly and efficiently. That is to find a way to introduce fast development with limited resources, ultimately for the benefit and well-being of the patients.
For the details of the Master programme please click here.