UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network

The UK DCTN is a dermatology clinical trials network open to anyone with an interest in applied dermatological research. The Network was developed in 2002 by Professor Hywel Williams and a group of academic and clinical colleagues in response to the growing need for high quality evidence to inform dermatology clinical practice. The UK DCTN has now developed into a collaborative, national network of dermatologists, nurses, health service researchers and patient representatives.

The aim of the Network is simple – to conduct independent, high quality, randomised, controlled multi-centre clinical trials for the treatment or prevention of skin disease. Priority is given to trials that address questions of importance to clinicians, patients and the NHS.

The UK DCTN is a registered charity with the main infrastructure being co-ordinated from CEBD. All trial suggestions are submitted by Network members and then put through a predefined trial development process and a crucial role of the co-ordinating centre is to support this process. Funding for individual trials then comes from National Institute for Health Research funding streams and partner bodies including medical research charities.

Membership of the Network is free and further details of the UK DCTN and its activities can be found at www.ukdctn.org.