Singapore, Mar 18, 2010: To promote clinical research training and continuing professional development for clinical researchers across Asia (from the Middle-East through to Japan), Pan-Asian Clinical Research Association (PACRA) was launched in Singapore. PACRA will provide a focal point throughout Asia for clinical research professionals.

Steve Bukvic, Chairman of PACRA, a non-profit organization, said, "clinical research in Asia is continuing to grow quickly and a professional association like PACRA will help to disseminate up to date information to its members to foster their knowledge and improve clinical research practices.”

PACRA presents an opportunity for researchers in the Asia Pacific region to collaborate and will provide more impetus to improve the quality of clinical research in the region. Establishing a regional clinical research group that will ultimately offer standardized training will enhance professional development as well as the potential for opening up new career pathways in clinical research.

PACRA is a collaborative effort of several prominent academic and industry personnel, with a broad range of professional experience spanning a variety of disciplines within clinical research. These researchers recognize the immense potential of having a clinical research association in Asia and one that is run by members living and working in the region. "We want to be able to share first hand information to our members and disseminate important information to the community at large,” said Bukvic.

Dr Timothy Low, Director PACRA noted that affordable membership to PACRA is currently open to anyone who is involved directly or indirectly in clinical research.

PACRA’s main objectives are to keep members current with best practices, ensure training is up to date, develop clinical research careers, and offer a hub for clinical researchers in this region. PACRA aims to accomplish these goals by offering a reliable place for high quality training and producing an e-journal to eventually be published every month. The PACRA e-journal will include useful, informative articles on clinical research and will play a leading role in the development of education and clinical research interests.