Today, the NORTH Foundation hosted a ceremony to honour ten students who have been given a scholarship to complete a Graduate Certificate of Clinical Trial Operations from Macquarie University. The scholarships, proudly funded by the NORTH Foundation mark an exciting moment not only for the recipients but for the entire clinical trials community, as it demonstrates the growing strength of the Northern Sydney Local Health District’s (NSLHD) clinical trial capabilities and the increasing support for emerging leaders.
The ceremony was held at the NORTH Foundation office and marked another important step in the ongoing collaboration between the NORTH Foundation, NSLHD and Macquarie University. It’s events like these that highlight the valuable partnerships driving innovation and expertise in clinical trials and create impactful opportunities for staff to enhance their skills.
As Hayley Harris, Faculty Executive Director at Macquarie University, explained, “The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Operations was designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the clinical trials space, providing both experienced staff and those aspiring to work in the field with a formal qualification. This scholarship initiative is a great example of the partnership between Macquarie University, NSLHD, and the NORTH Foundation. We are thrilled to welcome the scholarship recipients to our university community and look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration.”
A unique path to clinical trial expertise
This scholarship program is unique in that it’s a direct response to the NSLHD’s clinical trial needs, providing a pathway for professionals to gain accredited, formal education in a field that is growing rapidly in importance.
The NORTH Foundation has funded scholarships for 20 professionals to date.
Two of the recipients, Ambily Mathew and Narae Kim, shared their thoughts with us on the impact this scholarship has had on their careers. Both are nurses and clinical trials coordinators, and both expressed immense gratitude for being selected.
Clinical Trial Operations scholarship recipients: Nanette, Narae, Ambily, Emily and Kim
Ambily Mathew, who has spent years in the clinical trials field, said, “This scholarship means so much to me. Thanks to the NORTH Foundation, I’m able to receive a formal education and gain a formal qualification in clinical trials, something I never thought possible until now. This scholarship has given me a unique opportunity to grow in my field and contribute to the success of clinical trials in the district.”
Narae Kim echoed her sentiments, saying, “Before this scholarship, there were very limited options for formal education in clinical trials. Now, through the support of the NORTH Foundation, I have the chance to pursue something that will directly enhance my career. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited about what the future holds.”
Investing in the future of clinical trials
Gilbert Lorquet, CEO of the NORTH Foundation, celebrated the outstanding achievements of the ten scholarship recipients, five of whom were present at the ceremony. He expressed the Foundation’s dedication to supporting education and research as key drivers of medical innovation, stating, “At the NORTH Foundation, we believe that investing in education and research is pivotal to driving medical innovation. By supporting your academic journey, we aim to foster a new generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to healthcare advancements.”
Hayley Harris, Anthony Schembri AM and Gilbert Lorquet
He also highlighted the valuable partnership with Macquarie University, adding, “This partnership with Macquarie University, our local university, is invaluable. Collaborations like these strengthen our community and enhance the quality of healthcare services we provide.”
Gilbert emphasised the growing importance of clinical trials in developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes, saying, “The importance of clinical trials cannot be overstated. They are essential for developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.”
The NORTH Foundation’s continued support for these scholarships is proof of its commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the field of clinical trials.
