Course leaders Cecilia Lenander and Peter Svensson have all reasons to be happy about the number of applicants to the course in research coordination: 109 applicants, of which 74 first-hand applicants, shows that there is a high demand for education in the field.
Last fall, Lund University's first course in research coordination started at the Faculty of Medicine. The course aims to equip the course participants with the knowledge required to be able to manage clinical studies projects.
In-demand skills
In 2023 the Swedish government commissioned an investigation into how to strengthen clin Peter Asplund led an investigation into clinical trials. The investigation determined, among other things, that Sweden needs to invest in the provision of skills for research support personnel as part of the work to promote clinical trials.
"The course is a joint initiative from Region Skåne and Lund University as there is a shortage of staff with this competence", says course leader Peter Svensson.
What skills does the sector demand?
"Having the generic knowledge of how the research process works both in academia and in industry", continues Peter.
Katarina Maddox, project manager and now also research coordinator at Folktandvården Skåne, is one of the students who took the course last fall. On a daily basis, she leads projects and works in the research and development unit as well as with the management group for specialist dental care and research.
Why did you apply for the course?
"My manager told me about the course. Our (Folktandvården Skåne's) goal is to be a leading knowledge-driven health actor in Sweden, including research. We have recently expanded our organization with a clinical research coordinator and a research and operations strategist. There, as a research coordinator, I fit in as an important part of the strategic research area", explains Maddox.
"I have worked as a project manager for a long time at Region Skåne, Skåne Care and Astra Zeneca. With this course, I got the opportunity to both broaden and sharpen my skill set."
What parts of the course did you like best?
"I liked the lecturers, they are knowledgeable in their field and good lecturers, which keeps the interest in the subject up. Also, the course leaders Cecilia and Peter’s enthusiasm for how important research coordination.