Chelsea roar

Not even the lengthening shadows from nearby Stamford Bridge could excitement of people attending the 24th International Clinical Researcher of the Year Awards. While it may have been a fruitless year for Chelsea FC, at least some people would be leaving the area with a trophy.

Friendly and familiar faces from our industry convened from across the continents at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel. And, as they entered the building, they were accompanied by a delightful aperitif of tinkly jazz but – make no mistake – the vibe was truly electric.

It proved to be an evening when all the right notes were struck, as the glitterati of pharma and CRO gurus grasped the rare opportunity to acknowledge each other and everyone around them. The usual expressions of maximum concentration, which so dominate the lives of those in attendance, gave way to explosive revelling of deafening proportions. It had been a challenging couple of years but, mercifully, the life sciences have routinely been making stunning breakthroughs and, on the odd occasion, saving the world. I’m not sure there had ever been a better reason to distribute some awards. No wonder as myriad glasses clinked, anticipatory nerves duly jangled.

Clinical research has without doubt entered a new era – flexing, innovating, recalibrating and high-fiving patients, while also realising the gamut of possibilities triggered by the digital age.

There were also the arenas of blissful collaboration, a greater appreciation of mental health and, perhaps most rewardingly, the opportunities to positively alter millions lives. And, as presenter for the evening, TV’s Dr Sarah Jarvis, so correctly pointed out “this is why you do it”.

The occasion was also a timely reminder that life-enhancing therapies are not created by the NHS, they’re not created by fairies at the bottom of the garden and they are not created by Boris Johnson. This was a gathering where the narrative was being reclaimed!

As the night unfolded, we collectively realised anew quite what a far-reaching and unique contribution that global clinical research provides. The awards were duly handed out among teams and individuals who spontaneously whooped and involuntarily screamed as dance music and abstract trophies – which seemed to feature a stretching disease-busting talon – were thrust skyward by ecstatic recipients.

These primal offerings were clear evidence, if anyone still needed proof, that these trailblazers – these 21st century pathfinders – are motivated by transformed patient experience and extended lives.

It was somewhat ironic that ‘voice of the balls’ Alan Dedicote introduced the winners in his magnificently resonant manner, because success in this game is as far from a lottery as you can imagine.

Clinical research teams work amid the minutiae of data, a mind-boggling array of biological conundrums and the fine margins that come with the most rigorous examinations of their craft. All this while igniting lasting relations with real, four-dimensional people.

Even if it was for one night alone, all the finalists from this unique corner of our industry were stars. From the tantalising tessellation of tables in the auditorium to the clear night sky in Chelsea, and everything in between, it had been a glorious event. An evening when the planets seemed to align in celebration of bold intrepidness.