4th LSHTM Trials Day: Key Insights, Conversations and Reflections

Ellen Chiyindiko

11 hours ago

2 min read

On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the 4th LSHTM Trials Day brought together 125 participants – 85 in person in Harare and 40 online – under the theme Better Trials. Better Evidence. Better Health.

Hosted by LSHTM, THRU-ZIM and the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI), the event explored outcome measurement, trial design, outbreak preparedness, research operations, community engagement and ethics.

Contributors included Claire Calderwood, Sarah Bernays and Sam Gnanapragasam, who examined measuring outcomes in complex interventions; while keynote speakers Armel Zemsi, Nyasha Dzavakwa and Eugene Ruzagira shared lessons on outbreak preparedness and trial readiness.

Abstract and poster presentations showcased work spanning regulatory coordination, pharmacy operations, community co-design, trial methodology and research communication.

What stayed with participants?

THRU-ZIM Co-Director Katharina Kranzer emphasised that outbreak readiness cannot be built in a hurry, and that getting outcomes right shapes everything that follows.

James Hargreaves, Professor of Epidemiology and Evaluation at LSHTM, challenged researchers to focus on the most important questions and the best feasible mix of methods to answer them.

For Lorna Atimango, Master's Research Fellow at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, two key takeaways were the importance of validating outcome measurement tools in local settings and ensuring accountability for what participants and communities receive after a trial ends.

THRU-ZIM/BRTI Junior Social Scientist Linnet Zvoushe presented work on trust in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of honest and accessible communication about scientific uncertainty.

The closing panel, moderated by Rashida Ferrand, with Charles Weijer, Paul Ndebele and Sarah Bernays, brought these conversations together through discussions on equipoise, post-trial access and trials of complex interventions.

The message was clear: better trials need robust science, meaningful community involvement, ethical accountability and equitable partnerships.

Thank you to all speakers, presenters and participants for a valuable day of learning and exchange