University of Kelaniya Selected for Membership in WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum

The University of Kelaniya has been granted membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Clinical Trials Forum, marking a significant institutional milestone and international recognition of the University’s leadership in clinical research.

The WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum is a selective global network that brings together governments, regulators, academic institutions, and research organizations to strengthen coordination, quality, and capacity in clinical trials worldwide. The Forum aims to promote the implementation of WHO guidance, support ethical and transparent research systems, and expand meaningful participation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in global health research.

The University’s selection reflects the international standing and sustained contributions of its Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at the Faculty of Medicine, which has conducted high-quality, impactful clinical research for over 20 years. The CTU has extensive experience in designing, conducting, and disseminating clinical trials across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, cardiometabolic conditions, and renal disease, and is widely recognised as a centre of excellence in clinical research.

Through strong national and international collaborations, the CTU focuses on developing scalable and cost-effective solutions to major public health challenges. Notably, its recent work to improve blood pressure control through an innovative triple-medicine single-pill formulation, developed in collaboration with the George Institute for Global Health, has received international recognition and contributed to changes in global treatment guidelines.

In addition to its research activities, the CTU plays a key role in strengthening institutional and national clinical research systems by supporting training, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and collaborative partnerships. These efforts closely align with the objectives of the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum to strengthen global clinical trial ecosystems and improve coordination across countries.

The WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum includes several leading international research institutions such as the International Vaccine Institute, The George Institute for Global Health, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and centres of excellence including University College London, Oxford, Duke-NUS, Johns Hopkins, and McMaster universities.

Selection for membership in the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum provides the University of Kelaniya with opportunities to contribute to global initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical trial capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income country settings. It also enables participation in shared learning platforms, the exchange of good practices, and collaborative initiatives to improve research standards and governance. This engagement supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop sustainable clinical trial infrastructure and reinforces the University of Kelaniya’s role as a regional leader in clinical research.

The University of Kelaniya is extremely proud of the outstanding work of the Clinical Trials Unit at the Faculty of Medicine and extends its best wishes for the Unit’s continued success and contributions on the global stage.

Current list of GCTF members

WHO weblink: https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-clinical-trials-forum

Members: https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-clinical-trials-forum/membership/gctf-members