I turned to clinical research because it allows me to remain in the field of research whilst working in a more practical setting that is much closer to patient care, in a hospital, with a direct link to healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, and patients.
Lola de Vasconcelos, former student of the OHNU Master’s programme, clinical research technician (Nantes Université Hospital)

Clinical research for the benefit of health: turning today’s knowledge into tomorrow’s treatments

Clinical research refers to all research conducted in humans with the aim of improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases by evaluating the efficacy and safety of therapeutic approaches (medicines, medical devices, care pathways).

RC P et I
Promotion and investigation: two inseparable pillars

A clinical trial is based on two complementary and inseparable responsibilities: promotion and research. These always go hand in hand, with a shared objective: the safety, well-being and best interests of the patient.

Promotion: in collaboration with a doctor
The project is sponsored by a natural or legal person who assumes legal, scientific and financial responsibility for the biomedical research.

  • Setting up clinical trials in hospitals and clinics in coordination with the regulatory authorities.
  • Monitoring and ensuring the scientific, technical and regulatory quality of clinical research projects for which the institution is the sponsor

Investigation
Clinical investigation involves the practical implementation of field research by a research team comprising a doctor, a clinical research technician (CRT) and a clinical research coordinator (CRC).
Responsibilities: enrolling patients in the trial, collecting and recording clinical data at healthcare settings, whilst ensuring data quality and patient safety.

You will learn about:

  • the key players in clinical research (TEC, ARC, CEC)
  • the different types of clinical research
  • French and European regulations
  • the various regulatory stages prior to the launch of a clinical research project
  • the landscape of commercialisation in clinical research


The courses enable students to acquire transferable skills that can be applied to many areas of research, such as:T

  • Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Haematology (OHNU Master’s Programme)
  • Immunology and Immunotherapy (I3 Master’s Programme)
  • Innovation in cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory diseases (InnoCARE Master’s Programme)
  • Gut-brain-microbiota-food (MICAS Master’s Programme)
  • Regenerative medicine (M4R Master’s Programme)

Disciplines in Master 1st year

  • Introduction to Clinical Research
  • Practical Aspects of Clinical Research
  • Biostatistics for Clinical Research
  • Scientific English
  • Genome Manipulation
  • Big Data 1.1
  • Big Data 1.2
  • Introduction to Omics Technologies
  • Interdisciplinary Project
  • Master’s-specific modules

Disciplines in Master 2nd Year

  • Design, implementation and conduct of a clinical trial
  • Methodology: methodology for epidemiology and public health, OR introduction to modelling in biostatistics
  • Interdisciplinary research project
  • Master’s-specific modules

After a Master degree 

  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA) – Monitoring
  • Clinical Trial Technician (CTT)
  • Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC)
  • Project Manager – Marketing or Research
  • Business Development Manager
  • Quality Manager
  • Information and Research Project Manager

After a PhD

  • Translational Project Manager
  • Medical Writer

 
  • University Hospital (CHU Nantes)
  • Clinical research organisation (CRO)
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Professional societies

Job opportunities https://www.emploi.leem.org/

Updated on 28 April 2026.