CTU Market Analysis

The University of Hertfordshire (UH) is home to the Clinical Trials Support Network (CTSN), which has been operating since 2018 and is now seeking to transition into a fully registered Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) under the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC). The CTSN has developed a strong reputation for supporting complex intervention trials, particularly in non-traditional and non-NHS settings, such as public health and social care. Unlike many CTUs that focus on pharmaceutical or chemical trials, CTSN's niche lies in non-chemical, psychosocial, and behavioural intervention research. However, CTSN also supports Phase IV trials involving investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs), especially those focused on real-world effectiveness and safety. This broader remit allows CTSN to contribute to a wider range of clinical research, including studies that bridge traditional and non-traditional trial methodologies. To support strategic planning, investment, and positioning of the CTSN as a nationally recognised CTU, UH is commissioning a comprehensive market analysis.