In this podcast, Daniel Hammes from DKF Basel speaks with Christina Huf, ECRIN Correspondent and member of the SCTO Executive Office, about how Swiss researchers can successfully conduct multinational clinical trials.

The SCTO serves as the Swiss ECRIN (European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network) ERIC node, linking Switzerland to the pan-European clinical research infrastructure and allowing Swiss investigators to access ECRIN’s network and services. Together, they discuss the role and structure of ECRIN, a European nonprofit research infrastructure that connects 13 member countries and more than 130 Clinical Trial Units across Europe.

Christina highlights common challenges faced by Swiss investigators, such as fragmented regulatory frameworks, varying ethics procedures, language differences, and complex international contracting requirements.

The episode also explains how ECRIN can strengthen Horizon Europe proposals through strategic country selection, realistic budgeting, and carefully designed clinical trial work packages. It outlines the role of the Swiss EuCo, which provides early guidance during proposal development and supports operational coordination throughout the entire study lifecycle.

Listeners gain practical insight into when to get in touch, what costs to anticipate, and how ECRIN services can be integrated into Horizon Europe budgets. The podcast further illustrates how the SCTO and Swiss CTUs work closely with ECRIN to ensure high-quality trial conduct in Switzerland.

Overall, the conversation clearly demonstrates the tangible benefits of Switzerland’s ECRIN membership, particularly for academic investigator-initiated trials and Horizon Europe applications.

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ECRIN website

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