[The Clinical Investigation Centers in France: Whatzat? What for? How does it work?]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Healthcare Management

Context:

• French university hospitals have undergone significant changes in biomedical research over 15 years.
• Conducting multidisciplinary and technically complex research in clinical units has become challenging.
• Dedicated platforms with specialized staff, known as Clinical Investigation Centers (CICs), have been implemented to address these challenges.

Purpose:

• To enhance the efficiency and quality of biomedical research conducted in French university hospitals.
• To provide a structured environment for complex, multidisciplinary research projects.
• To support both academic and industrial investigators in clinical research.

Summary:

• Clinical Investigation Centers (CICs) facilitate high-quality, secure clinical research for academic and industrial investigators.
• These centers are integrated with university hospital research programs and support fundamental research teams.
• CICs offer specialized platforms and expertise for conducting patient and healthy volunteer studies.

Impact:

• Improved quality, good clinical practice, and security in biomedical research.
• Facilitation of complex, multidisciplinary research projects.
• Enhanced efficiency and a more open research environment for investigators within and outside institutions.