33 GHP Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2025 across key operational areas that include data entry, document control, participant engagement, and coordination support. Their involvement is closely supervised by TREAD Research’s core clinical staff to ensure complete compliance with Good Clinical Practice and protocol standards. This model has not only expanded the organisation’s functional site capacity but also reflects a broader initiative in the private sector to support academic transition into the industry. By providing interns with a combination of real-world exposure and practical training, TREAD Research is directly contributing to workforce development and enhancing the pipeline of qualified professionals in the field of clinical research. This approach represents a mutually beneficial bridge between academic training and industry readiness, and TREAD Research is proud to lead the capacity-building charge in South Africa’s clinical research sector. Looking ahead, TREAD Research remains focused on strengthening clinical trial capacity through education and mentorship. The current cohort of four interns, all recent graduates in microbiology and biotechnology, are receiving hands-on training across core aspects of trial operations. This initiative is designed to equip them for seamless integration into the clinical research field, supporting both workforce development and the long-term sustainability of trial sites in South Africa. With its strong ethical foundation, diverse therapeutic expertise, and a commitment to capacity-building, TREAD Research continues to play a vital role in advancing clinical trials in South Africa. Its continued investment in people, process, and quality reflects a forward-thinking approach to clinical research. By combining operational rigour with meaningful training and collaboration, TREAD Research has positioned itself as a leader in the field, and well-deserving of its recognition as South Africa’s Clinical Trials Unit of the Year 2025. Contact: Professor Lesley Burgess Company: TREAD Research (PTY) Web Address: www.tread.co.za ounded in 1998, TREAD Research is an organisation that conducts pharmaceutically sponsored contract clinical research across a wide range of medical fields, including Cardiology and Cardiology Risk Factors, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Osteoarthritis, Gastroenterology, and Vaccines. Based in Cape Town, the organisation operates from Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa’s second-largest hospital. It is operated by Professor Lesley Burgess, a qualified medical doctor who has been involved in clinical trials since 1992 and continues to lead the team with a focus on scientific integrity and operational excellence. At the heart of TREAD Research’s work is a commitment to ethical practice and participant welfare. The organisation prioritises the rights, privacy, and safety of individuals who take part in clinical trials, ensuring that every participant is fully informed and able to give voluntary consent. TREAD Research fosters a culture of respect and transparency, carefully weighing the risks and benefits of each study and maintaining close collaboration with sponsors, CROs, monitors, and its internal team to uphold the highest standards of responsible research. Despite its strong ethical framework, TREAD Research operates in a demanding and rapidly evolving environment. Adapting to sponsor requirements, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies requires constant vigilance. Recruiting and retaining eligible participants – particularly from underserved communities – remains a persistent challenge, alongside staffing shortages and budget constraints. The shift toward hybrid and virtual models adds further complexity. Through ongoing dialogue with regulators and a commitment to process refinement, TREAD Research continues to meet those challenges while maintaining the integrity and quality of its research. In spite of these challenges, TREAD Research has not only survived but thrived – earning recognition for its excellence and resilience. The organisation has undergone successful audits by the FDA, SAHPRA, and multiple international sponsors and CROs. In 2016, it became the first African research site to receive accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Most recently, TREAD Research was honoured with the CorporateLivewire Innovation and Excellence Award 2025 for Clinical Trial Specialist of the year, affirming its continued leadership in the field. Building on this foundation of excellence, TREAD Research has also taken steps to support the next generation of clinical professionals. Since 2024, the organisation has incorporated graduate interns with backgrounds in BSc and BSc Biotechnology into its operations. These interns are engaged in meaningful roles Clinical research plays a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare. Its success depends on precision, ethical oversight, and the ability to adapt in rapidly evolving global landscape. TREAD Research is a specialist clinical trial unit with a longstanding presence in South Africa’s healthcare sector, known for its structured approach and therapeutic range. We took a closer look at this trusted partner in industry-led research below, as TREAD Research is named in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2025. Clinical Trials Unit of the Year 2025 – South Africa F AIM-Jul25373
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3