Clinical Trials in Romania: Education and Competitiveness
Academic and Institutional Dialogue for Strengthening Clinical Research
On 16 May 2025, the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Health Innovation Hub, hosted the event “Clinical Trials in Romania: Education and Competitiveness” at the Romanian Parliament. The event aimed to foster strategic reflection and interinstitutional dialogue on the future of clinical research in Romania. The gathering brought together academic leaders, policymakers in public health, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, patient organisations, and health policy experts. Discussions focused on analysing the national and European context and identifying sustainable opportunities for the development of the clinical research sector.
Opening Session
The opening session featured remarks from:
- Prof Dr Alexandru Rafila, Minister of Health, who emphasised the integration of clinical research into public health and innovation strategies.
- Prof Dr Mircea Beuran, President of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, highlighting the Academy’s historic and ongoing role in advancing Romanian medical research.
- Pharm Dr Răzvan Prisada, President of the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, analysing Romania’s competitive positioning in European clinical research.
- Prof Dr Dan Ionuț Gheonea, Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova & President of the G6-UMF Alliance, underlining academia’s role in training and supporting clinical research professionals.
- Iulia Arif-Percă, Executive Director of the Local American Working Group (LAWG), presenting the Hub’s vision for maximising Romania’s strategic potential in clinical trials.
The session was moderated by Prof Dr Doina Drăgănescu, President of the National Ethics Committee for Medicines and Medical Devices, and Dr Teodor Blidaru, Manager of the Health Innovation Hub.
Panel I – Enhancing Romania’s Competitiveness in Clinical Research
This panel examined Romania’s potential as a regional hub for clinical research excellence, offering insights into European best practices, strategies for attracting international investment, and the importance of public-private collaboration.
Panel contributors included:
- Dr Alexandru Ciolan, Honorary Advisor to the Minister of Health
- Nona Chiriac, Country Value, Access & Public Affairs Head at Novartis, LAWG Working Group Lead
- George Tănăseanu, President of the Romanian Association of CROs (ACCSCR) & Country Manager at PSI CRO AG Romania
- Radu Gănescu, President of the Coalition of Patients with Chronic Diseases
- Andrada Moica, IQVIA, presenting European best practices
Panel II – Education and Human Resource Development in Clinical Research
This session explored academic and professional dimensions of workforce development in clinical research, with contributions from university leaders, industry experts, and patient advocacy organisations:
- Prof Dr Viorel Jinga, Rector of UMF Carol Davila, Bucharest
- Prof Dr Dragoș Vinereanu, President of the Senate, UMF Carol Davila
- Rozalina Lăpădatu, President of the Autoimmune Diseases Patients Association
- Cristina Pentiuc, Health & Value Lead, Pfizer, Co-Lead of the LAWG Hub Working Group
- Dr Laurențiu Dașcă, ACCSCR
During the discussions, Dr Laurențiu Dașcă emphasised the strong collaboration with the Avantyo Institute of Clinical Research in the training and professional development of clinical research personnel. He highlighted Avantyo’s educational platform, which provides specialised courses and international certification programmes, supporting the continuous formation of investigators and support staff.
Dr Cristina Florescu Moraid, CEO, and Diana-Carmen Lupu, Director of Marketing and Communications, represented Avantyo Institute of Clinical Research at the event, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to supporting a high-performing workforce capable of contributing to the quality and competitiveness of Romania’s clinical research ecosystem.
The event concluded with a synthesis of discussions and a networking lunch, allowing participants to continue exchanging ideas in an informal setting. The gathering demonstrated a shared commitment across sectors to building a robust, ethical, and innovation-driven environment for clinical research in Romania.
