Polish researchers have completed the first edition of the Polish Clinical Scholars Research Training programme. Among the 5% of participants from outside the medical community was dr Łukasz Rąbalski from the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG.

Over the past 12 months, Polish researchers and scientists have had the opportunity to develop their skills in designing and conducting observational and experimental research studies, as well as analysing, interpreting and presenting clinical trial data and producing high-quality scientific publications through participation in the Polish Clinical Scholars Research Training programme, designed and delivered by Harvard Medical School Postgraduate Medical Education for the Medical Research Agency.

Dr Łukasz Rąbalski, from the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, is one of less than 100 Polish scientists who have completed the programme. The course was mainly aimed at doctors conducting clinical trials, but a scientist from UG was among the 5% of participants from outside the medical community.

‘Participating in this one-year programme gave me an extremely valuable and comprehensive knowledge of the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials. The various modules included research ethics, project management, obtaining funding, epidemiology and advanced statistical analysis methods, among others. The programme was extremely labour-intensive, but every hour devoted to learning brought tangible benefits,’ says dr Łukasz Rąbalski from the Department of Recombinant Vaccines at the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG.

Training courses covered molecular medicine, biostatistics and data analysis, clinical trials and soft skills. The programme outcome is to be scientific publications under the guidance of experienced clinical researchers from Harvard Medical School.

‘I am pleased to say that my manuscript is already completed and almost ready for publication,' admits dr Łukasz Rąbalski. ‘This form of mentoring gave me a unique opportunity to develop my scientific workshop. The group of people I met thanks to the programme is unique and consists of specialists in various medical fields. Further ideas for joint projects are already being developed. My current focus is on aspects of public health, safety and the genetic basis of diseases,’ he added.