Children's Clinical Research Unit

Each year, more than 1,000 faculty and study coordinators at Duke enroll patients in clinical trials that involve medical treatment.

In 2008, a clinical research organization was created to ensure that these trials are ethically and efficiently managed with the ultimate goal of improving the overall quality of the patient care experience and providing the highest quality clinical research environment possible. 

In conjunction with the Duke Office of Clinical Research (DOCR), each academic department or therapeutic area established a Clinical Research Unit to oversee all clinical research requiring IRB approval.  The Children's Clinical Research Unit (CCRU) is specific for the Department of Pediatrics.

Each Clinical Research Unit (CRU) has specific key components including:

  • Faculty members in a particular therapeutic area who are enrolling Duke patients in clinical research studies that involve medical care
  • Study coordinators and research staff who are specifically aligned with this faculty group
  • A faculty advisory board
  • A director (usually a faculty member)
  • A research practice manager
  • A finance practice manager

However, because of the diverse nature of research at Duke, departments have defined individual operating models that work most effectively in their respective areas.  To ensure consistency and clarity of responsibilities and procedures within the Department of Pediatrics, a set of Guidelines, Forms, and Announcements for all pediatric clinical research investigators have been developed. [Note: Login is required to access this information.]

Clinical Trials

Duke University Medical Center has established a clinical trials network to ensure that patients have access to cutting edge medicines and therapies. Clinical trials take place under the most stringent guidelines, and participants benefit from closely supervised care.

To find current pediatric clinical trials, browse the list or select a category by specialty.

To learn more about participating in clinical trials at Duke, please visit Participating in a Clinical Trial or Study.

    eIRB News

    UPIRTSO Reporting
    Please note new IRB information regarding UPIRTSO reporting. This information is posted on the eIRB home page.

    MyResearchTeam

    MyResearchTeam is a collection of specialized groups that provide support across the research spectrum at Duke, and is primarily comprised of the 1) Research Support Services (RSS) team and 2) MyResearchNavigators (MRN). Together, these groups help expedite research by providing quick resolution of systems and software issues and connecting researcher teams to resources, educational opportunities, and collaborators.

    Research Support Services (RSS)

    Research Support Services (RSS) is the first-line contact for basic, translational, and clinical researchers at Duke. RSS supports a number of research systems and software, and relays other research needs to MyResearchNavigators. RSS is also has the ability to route requests to the DHTS service desk, MaestroCare Research Concierge or Academic Desktop Support for follow-up as appropriate. RSS is supported by the School of Medicine and housed under the Office of Research Informatics (ORI) and Duke Health Technology Services (DHTS).

    Accessing Research Support Services (RSS)
    RSS is accessible through the DHTS service desk at 919-684-2243, select option 4, during business hours (8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday). After hours calls are answered by the DHTS service desk which can create tickets in ServiceNow and/or triage to the on call RSS associate.

    MyResearchNavigators (MRN)

    MyResearchNavigators (MRN) is a team of people who answer research questions and guide researchers to resources, funding opportunities, collaborators, and educational programs. MRN includes contact options through RSS phone line, email, live chat, or in-person meetings. It is supported by Duke CTSA and housed within the Duke Translational Research Institute (DTRI).

    Accessing MyResearchNavigators (MRN)
    MyResearchNavigators can be reached by calling the RSS line above. An RSS team member can connect you with a navigator.  The navigators can also be reached directly at 919-668-7900 or by email at myresearchnavigators@duke.edu. In addition, MyResearchNavigators maintain a live chat online at https://www.dtmi.duke.edu/resources-for-duke-investigators.

    Overall Goals           

    • To increase volume of inquiries to RSS-MRN.
    • To enable RSS team to resolve software and systems issues.
    • To support navigators in facilitating research by connecting researchers to resources, collaborators opportunities, and funding.