Enhancing Sports Research: Successful Workshop on Good Clinical Practice Held in New Delhi
Workshop on Good Clinical Practice at Indira Gandhi Stadium
A successful workshop focusing on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) was held at the Return to Play Division of Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. This event was organized in a hybrid format by the Sports Science Division of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The workshop aimed to unite researchers, support personnel, and key figures in sports and clinical research to deepen their understanding of the ethical and regulatory frameworks that govern human studies, as stated in a press release.
Experts from ICMR led scientific sessions that addressed vital topics, including ICH-GCP (E6) principles, ICMR Ethical Guidelines, the provisions of NDCTR 2019, and the responsibilities of investigators and Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs). They also discussed informed consent processes and the management of serious adverse events (SAEs).
Dr. Stuti Bhargava, Scientist-E at ICMR, highlighted the significance of Good Clinical Practice, stating, “GCP is an international ethical and scientific quality standard for the design, conduct, recording, and reporting of clinical trials involving human subjects. It safeguards the rights, safety, and well-being of participants while ensuring the credibility and integrity of trial data. Adhering to these standards is crucial for regulatory submissions and compliance with globally recognized guidelines.”
Brig. (Dr) Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Executive Director of the Sports Science Division at SAI, emphasized the importance of such capacity-building efforts. He remarked, “As sports science research increasingly incorporates advanced interventions and athlete-focused studies, following Good Clinical Practice is not just a regulatory obligation but a moral duty. Upholding ethical standards, ensuring participant safety, and maintaining data integrity are essential for fostering trust and producing credible, high-quality evidence that enhances athlete performance and well-being.”
He further noted that these initiatives are crucial for educating researchers and practitioners about global best practices, thereby strengthening the sports science research landscape in India.
Dr. Jugal Kishore, a Professor of Community Medicine at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, and Chairperson of the SAI NCSSR Ethics Committee, stressed the importance of ethical oversight in research.
The workshop highlighted the urgent need to align sports research in India with internationally recognized ethical standards. It reaffirmed the commitment to participant safety, regulatory compliance, and the credibility of scientific findings, while promoting a culture of responsible and ethical research within the sports community.
The program concluded with an engaging valedictory session, characterized by active participation and a collective commitment to ongoing learning and enhancing clinical research governance.