Clinical trials in Europe

Europe hosts one of the largest clinical research communities in the world, with thousands of trials recruiting across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries and beyond. Studies run in university hospitals, specialist clinics and dedicated research sites in nearly every member state.

Clinical trials in the European Union are conducted under the Clinical Trials Regulation, with applications submitted through the centralised Clinical Trials Information System and assessed by national medicines agencies alongside independent ethics committees. The European Medicines Agency coordinates the scientific evaluation of new medicines across the EU.

Germany is Europe's largest clinical trial market, with hundreds of new studies each year at university hospitals such as Charite in Berlin and major centres in Munich, Heidelberg and Hamburg. Trials of medicines are overseen by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the Paul Ehrlich Institute for vaccines and biologics, with a strong tradition in oncology, cardiology and neurology research.

France is another leading destination, with a highly centralised research network built around university hospital groups such as AP-HP in Paris and comprehensive cancer centres including Gustave Roussy and Institut Curie. The Agence Nationale de Securite du Medicament (ANSM) authorises trials alongside regional ethics committees, and France is especially active in oncology, rare disease and vaccine research.

For participants, European trials offer access to international research programs with strong, harmonised protections. Study-related care is provided at no cost, informed consent requirements are strict, and personal data is protected under some of the world's most rigorous privacy laws.