Royal Berkshire Research takes home European Site Spark Award

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised as European leader in research and development after winning this year's European Site Spark Award.

The Trust’s Research and Innovation department was the winner of the Innovation in Commercial Research Award at the European Site Spark Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Site Spark Award, run by the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), celebrates research sites that embrace innovation and drive advancements in clinical trials. Sites are recognised for ingenuity and impact, rewarding research sites that implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting diversity, and inclusivity as well as the development of unique recruitment methods.

Royal Berkshire received the award in recognition of its commitment to expanding commercial research. Over the past several years, the Trust has seen a 1200% increase in recruitment to commercial studies, and a 180% growth in the number of commercial studies run at the Trust. Patients have benefitted with access to cutting-edge treatments that can improve, extend or save lives. Additionally, the Trust has successfully introduced commercial research in new specialties such as ENT, Respiratory, and Dermatology.

This is the latest recognition for the Trust’s excellence in research. In 2024, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust become the first NHS organisation to receive full Global Clinical Site Assessment (GCSA) certification by the IAOCR - independently assessing the Trust against global best-practice standards.

Janet Lippett, Chief Medical Officer for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really proud to be an organisation that punches above its weight and this award cements our reputation as leaders in research and development. It is fantastic for the Society of Clinical Research Sites recognises the high standards and commitment to participation that makes our Trust such as an amazing place to conduct impactful commercial research.”