University of Karachi (KU), in collaboration with Dimension Research Clinical Research Organization and Site Management Organization (CRO & SMO), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to launch specialized clinical research training programs. The initiative, spearheaded by KU’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, aims to equip healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals with skills to conduct high-quality clinical trials adhering to international standards.
The collaboration introduces the Clinical Research Certificate Program (CRCP), designed for healthcare professionals and students from clinical, pharmaceutical, and biological sciences backgrounds. Target participants include MDs, MBBS, BDS, pharmacists (B.Pharm/Pharm.D), M.Sc. graduates in biological sciences, and registered nurses (BSN).
The course aims to produce Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRPs) trained in Good Clinical Practices (GCP) aligned with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Key objectives of the partnership include curriculum development, training delivery, and professional skill-building. The program will also address industry-specific needs by integrating practical clinical trial experience, covering topics such as clinical trial monitoring, investigative site coordination, and adherence to ICH GCP guidelines.
The CRCP will launch with a minimum batch size of 30 participants, preparing them for roles such as Clinical Research Associates (CRA). This initiative is expected to enhance pharmaceutical education and bolster Pakistan’s healthcare industry with a more skilled workforce. KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi and Dimension Research CEO Muhammad Khurram Zaki Khan signed the MoU at the KU Vice Chancellor Secretariat. The ceremony was attended by KU deans, faculty members from various departments, and representatives from Dimension Research.
