Trust, Training, and Technology – Reflections from Basel Innovation Day

Basel Innovation Day was more than just another conference; it was a deeply human experience. As the clinical research community gathered in Switzerland, what unfolded was a celebration of purpose, progress, and people. From keynote moments to spontaneous conversations, the day was a reminder of why we do what we do: to power education and smarter treatments for improvements in healthcare and research access.

Among the many standout voices was Dr Kunal D Patel, Medical Director at iheed, whose insights resonated deeply. On stage, Dr Patel reminded us that clinical research is not just about data and protocols, it’s about trust. The trust that healthcare workers build with their patients is sacred, and it’s this trust that must be honoured and leveraged when designing and delivering clinical trials.

However,  trust alone isn’t enough. Dr. Patel emphasised the importance of structured training, such as our University of Warwick online Master's programme in Clinical Research, to equip professionals with the tools they need to lead in this space. When trust and training come together, they form the foundation for accelerating clinical trial site development, especially in regions and communities that have historically been underrepresented in research.

He also spoke passionately about the role of novel technologies in creating a more engaging and inclusive “research experience.” These innovations don’t just streamline processes; they help bring research to life for patients who might never have considered participating in a trial. When aligned with broader public health strategies, they can transform how we think about access, equity, and impact.

The day was filled with powerful moments, from live demos and fireside chats to the electric energy of speakers like Laura André-Boyet. But what lingered most was the sense of community. People came not just to learn, but to share to amplify a mission that feels more urgent than ever: a belief that when trust, training, and technology converge, we can truly change lives.

Images courtesy of Medidata.