In collaboration with the LSHTM Trials Network Steering Committee, the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM) hosted the 3rd Annual Trials Day, a hybrid event that brought together experts and researchers from across Africa and the United Kingdom. Held on 4th November 2025, the event provided a platform to showcase successes, share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and promote a global community of good practice in clinical trials conduct. 

Funders, including the CEPI, international and local partners and from LSHTM’s three hubs in The Gambia, Uganda, and London, graced the occasion. Participants showcased milestones through presentations and posters and discussed challenges and opportunities in clinical trial design and delivery.  

In his opening remarks, Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, Unit Director, reaffirmed the MRCG’s commitment to advancing high-quality, ethical clinical research that responds to global and local health priorities. “Over the last few years, we have strengthened the capacity of clinical trials, both in The Gambia and across West African, with the latter in the context of the West African Node of Excellence on TB, AIDS, Malaria (WANETAM).” 

Continuous learning and partnership is critical to a strengthened clinical trial ecosystem in our region. The event also featured a funders’ panel with distinguished speakers from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), and other leading institutions who shared insights on current and future strategies for funding in the clinical research and trials space.  

Armel Zemsi, Head of the Clinical Trials Unit at MRCG at LSHTM, highlighted “the dedication within our research community and the wider LSHTM Trials network is formidable. The panel discussion with CEPI, EVI, AREF, and MRCG emphasised the vital role of continuous learning and partnership, and innovation across our research units.” 

“I am proud of everyone’s effort and eager to build on this momentum to advance research excellence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and beyond”, Armel concluded. 

Since its launch in 2023, the LSHTM Trials Network has welcomed 148 members, launched an ongoing seminar series, and secured funding to train the next generation of experts.  

The Trials Day forms part of broader efforts of the to strengthen capacity in the design and implementation of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and promoting best practices across its global hubs. 

Dr Shirine Voller, Director of Operations at the LSHTM Clinical Trials Unit: “This third trials day demonstrated how far we have come since we launched the Trials Network in 2023. Not only did we hear about new trials and made new connections but also strengthened the friendships that we have made over the past couple of years.” 

This year’s Trials Day took a field approach on 5th and 6th November when our visitors embarked on a tour of our laboratories in Fajara and Keneba, and trial sites in Fajikunda and Brikama.  

Suleiman Alhaji, a Lab Manager at Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, Nigeria said that visiting MRCG labs offers a remarkable experience to see state-of-the-art equipment and a passionate team behind the research.  

He added; “Key takeaways for me are the standards in place and adherence to protocol, clear roles and responsibilities, effective resource management, and responsive teams.” 

The LSHTM trial network serves as a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, mentorship and to uphold best practices in RCTs. Together, members are helping shape a stronger, more connected network to generate evidence necessary for current and emerging health needs.