ECRIN - European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network
Connecting Europe
The European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) is a public, non-profit organisation that connects scientific partners and networks across Europe to support multinational clinical research. Since 2013, ECRIN has held the legal status of a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). By linking the resources and capacities of national networks, ECRIN helps expand access to patients, medical expertise, and collaborative research opportunities.
Headquartered in Paris, ECRIN operates through a network of European Correspondents (EuCos) and national clinical research networks, including clinical trial units (CTUs) and clinical research facilities (CRFs). It also works closely with a wide range of European and international stakeholders involved in clinical research.
ECRIN’s organisational model is based on country membership. Current members include the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Slovakia.
The SCTO is the Swiss ECRIN-ERIC node
The SCTO represents Switzerland in the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN). As the Swiss node of ECRIN-ERIC, the SCTO plays a key role in supporting and promoting multinational clinical trials. Switzerland is represented in ECRIN’s Assembly of Members by a delegate from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). As a Member Country, Switzerland has full access to ECRIN’s services.
Through our collaboration with ECRIN, we ensure that the SCTO remains internationally connected and serves as a reliable partner in multinational research. This enables Switzerland to actively participate in international clinical studies.
The SCTO also hosts ECRIN’s European Correspondent for Switzerland, who serves as the national point of contact for all ECRIN-related activities
Benefits for Swiss Researchers
As a member of ECRIN, Swiss researchers gain access to a wide range of specialised services for multinational clinical research, including study preparation, protocol evaluation and trial management support.
Clinical operation services under ECRIN:
Expert support in Horizon proposal development:
- Support in drafting the clinical work package and associated annexes for the Horizon call.
Budget planning and cost estimation:
- Rough cost estimates (based on available trial assumptions).
- Ensures appropriate costs (e.g., person-months, subcontracting, affiliated entities) are clearly allocated within the work package for the clinical study.
Strategic country selection:
- Advise on optimal country selection for trial participation (as per regulatory landscape, trial feasibility, and disease prevalence).
Streamlined contracting process:
- One contract with ECRIN.
- ECRIN manages all delegation agreements with national Clinical Research Centres (CRCs).
Central Coordination and Network Access:
- ECRIN is the main contact point across its European CRC Network.
If you would like support with your trial, please contact your national ECRIN Correspondent. c.huf@scto.ch
DKF Basel podcast: ECRIN support for multinational clinical trials
As a member of the SCTO Executive Office and in her role as ECRIN Correspondent, Christina Huf shares valuable insights on how Swiss researchers can successfully navigate and implement multinational clinical trials. Tune in to the podcast to hear her in conversation with Daniel Hammes from DKF Basel.
ECRIN Tools
ECRIN Trials and Projects
Contact Info
European Correspondent for Switzerland
Christina Huf, SCTO
ECRIN Representatives within the SCTO Network
- Deborah Studer, from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), acts as the official Swiss representative in the ECRIN Assembly of Members.
- Victoria Sarraf (Managing Director, SCTO) and Christina Huf (ECRIN European Correspondent, SCTO) represent the SCTO in matters pertaining to the organisational and strategic development of the ECRIN-ERIC node.
- Tatiana Terrot (Operations Head, Clinical Trial Unit EOC) and Anja Eskat (Quality Manager, Auditor, International Association Manager & Course Instructor, Clinical Trials Centre Zürich) serve as representatives of the Clinical Trial Centres.