ClinTec International, a global clinical research organization, announced the opening of its Global Academy of Clinical Research Excellence (ACRE), at the 2010 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Middle East conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The academy is focused on training clinical professionals in the emerging markets.

The ACRE training courses, accredited by the Dubai Health Authority, have admitted the first students for training, according to the International Conference on Harmonization/ WHO Good Clinical Practice standards. The academy is set to provide the Middle East and North African (MENA) region with a significant resource for training and educating professionals in clinical research techniques, methods and practices. ACRE’s mission is to accelerate knowledge growth and to increase the level and quality of clinical research carried out in Middle East.

ClinTec has individually recruited and selected the academy’s staff. With plans to roll-out academies in other emerging markets such as India, China and Latin America, staff at ACRE have been selected for their local knowledge and understanding of the local clinical research market and its specific needs.

Dr Rabinder Buttar, CEO of ClinTec International, said: “A major healthcare challenge in the MENA region has been the capacity to develop the knowledge of local investigators to levels in which they fully understand the complex nuances required in international clinical trials. The most effective way to make clinical research more meaningful is to have a thorough knowledge of the processes and procedures involved in research. Our experience has shown that cultivating a learning curve is imperative for professional success.”