Become a Principal Investigator Before the Age of 40
An initiative of the Clinical Research Support Centre at the Medical University of Gdańsk supporting early-career physicians and researchers in leading their own non-commercial clinical trials
About the initiative
Do you have a clinical question, a research idea or an observation worth investigating? The Clinical Research Support Centre at the Medical University of Gdańsk helps early-career physicians and researchers turn ideas into real clinical research projects.
Serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) is an important step in scientific and professional development. It provides an opportunity to build research independence, gain project management experience, develop collaborations with other centres and strengthen the skills needed for future grants, publications and clinical research initiatives.
Non-commercial clinical trials are particularly valuable for early-career investigators because they often address questions arising directly from clinical practice. CWBK provides organisational, regulatory and methodological support, ensuring that researchers are not left alone with administrative requirements.
Invitation for Early-Career Investigators
Do you have an idea for a clinical trial but are unsure where to start? Prof. Miłosz Jaguszewski invites physicians and researchers under the age of 40 to submit their own non-commercial clinical trial concepts and benefit from the support offered by CWBK GUMed.
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Prof. Miłosz Jaguszewski invites early-career investigators to submit their own clinical research ideas.
Who is a Principal Investigator (PI)?
A Principal Investigator is the individual responsible for the overall conduct of a clinical trial at a given study site. The PI oversees protocol implementation, makes scientific decisions, coordinates the research team, ensures participant safety and is accountable for study quality.
Being a PI is not only about responsibilities. Above all, it means having the opportunity to pursue your own research question, build a team, establish collaborations and influence the direction of clinical research.
In non-commercial clinical trials, the Principal Investigator is often also the initiator or co-author of the scientific concept. This provides an opportunity to develop a project based on a personal clinical observation, an unmet patient need or a gap in current knowledge.
Why Start Early?
Gaining experience before the age of 40 provides time to build a research portfolio, establish collaborative networks and gradually progress to more complex projects. Your first study as a PI can become the foundation for future grants, publications and multicentre collaborations.
Scientific Benefits
- independent research and publication record;
- experience in designing and conducting clinical trials;
- practical knowledge of GCP, regulatory processes and protocol implementation;
- stronger position when applying for future grants.
Professional Benefits
- greater visibility within the clinical and scientific community;
- experience in leading a research team;
- opportunities to build collaborations with other institutions;
- support for academic and professional career advancement.
How to Get Started? The Early-Career PI Pathway
CWBK supports investigators throughout the research process — from the first discussion of an idea to study preparation, launch and conduct.
1
Define Your Research Question
Your idea may arise from a clinical observation, a gap in the literature, an unmet patient need or a desire to compare different treatment approaches. CWBK can help assess whether the concept can be developed into a clinical research project.
2
Consult with CWBK
During an initial meeting, we will discuss available support, regulatory requirements, potential funding opportunities and the first steps needed to develop your project.
3
Build Your Project and Team
We support protocol development, study documentation, organisational planning and collaboration with research teams and partner institutions.
4
Prepare Approvals and Funding Applications
CWBK assists in preparing documentation for Ethics Committees, funding agencies and regulatory authorities, according to the requirements of the specific study type.
5
Conduct Your Study with Support
During study implementation, CWBK provides organisational, regulatory, documentation and monitoring support, allowing the PI to focus on scientific quality and participant safety.
Who Can Become a Principal Investigator?
The role of Principal Investigator is available to individuals with appropriate qualifications, clinical or scientific experience, and a willingness to take responsibility for a research project. Formal requirements depend on the type of study, its scope and sponsor requirements.
Core Requirements
- medical, healthcare or other relevant scientific education, depending on the study scope;
- completion of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training;
- affiliation with a research institution or study site;
- commitment to conducting the study responsibly and in accordance with the protocol.
Preferred Qualifications
- experience as a member of a research team;
- participation in scientific or clinical research projects;
- expertise in a specific disease area, procedure or patient population;
- a clinical question or research idea worth investigating.
Previous experience as a Principal Investigator is not required to start your own project. The level of support can be tailored to the investigator’s experience and the nature of the planned study.
What Does the Clinical Research Support Centre Offer?
CWBK GUMed provides support at different stages of clinical trial development and conduct — from the initial concept to study execution and dissemination of results.
- consultations during study concept development;
- support in preparing protocols and study documentation;
- guidance on regulatory and formal requirements;
- assistance with submissions to Ethics Committees and funding agencies;
- support in planning study organisation and team management;
- assistance with monitoring, documentation and quality management;
- training and consultations on GCP, methodology and practical aspects of clinical research;
- support in preparing results for publication and further scientific use.
Would You Like to Discuss Your Research Idea?
Contact the Clinical Research Support Centre at the Medical University of Gdańsk. Your first conversation does not require a completed protocol or full documentation — a research idea, clinical question or unmet clinical need is enough to start the discussion.
e-mail cwbk@gumed.edu.pl
website badaniakliniczne.gumed.edu.pl
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the type of study, protocol, sponsor and scope of responsibilities. In many projects, appropriate qualifications, clinical or scientific experience and the ability to conduct the study in accordance with regulatory requirements are the most important factors.
Yes. At an early stage, a research question, clinical observation or preliminary concept is sufficient. CWBK can help assess feasibility and identify the next steps needed to develop the project.
Funding opportunities depend on the study topic and scope. Potential sources include Medical Research Agency (MRA) calls, national grant programmes, university funding schemes and international funding opportunities. CWBK can help evaluate available options.
Yes. The Centre supports both single-centre and multicentre projects. The scope of support depends on the scale of the project, the role of the Medical University of Gdańsk and the structure of the research team.
No. While the PI is responsible for the conduct of the study, they work with a research team and can rely on organisational, regulatory and documentation support. One of CWBK’s key goals is to ensure that investigators do not have to navigate the entire process alone.
About the Initiative
target group
physicians and researchers under 40
focus area
non-commercial clinical trials
role
Principal Investigator (PI)
organiser
CWBK GUMed
Do You Have a Research Idea?
You do not need a completed protocol. A clinical question, an observation from practice or an initial project concept is enough to start the conversation.
first step
consultation with CWBK
what to prepare
a brief description of your idea or research question
goal of the meeting
assessment of feasibility and next steps
Contact
Clinical Research Support Centre
Medical University of Gdańsk
e-mail: cwbk@gumed.edu.pl
website: badaniakliniczne.gumed.edu.pl