In fall 2001, in response to a recommendation from the NIH calling for initiatives to address a national shortage of adequately trained clinical researchers, NYUCD established the Graduate Program in Clinical Research, offering both a Master of Science Degree and a Certificate in Clinical Research. The program’s goal is to prepare individuals from various scientific and medical backgrounds to design, conduct and evaluate clinical research according to the highest scientific, ethical and regulatory standards, which can be applicable to a broad array of industrial and academic fields.

Now, five years later, under the inspired leadership of Dr. Ananda P. Dasanayake, Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion, the programs have more than met their goal. Commenting on the fifth anniversary, Dr. Dasanayake said, “In 2001, we had just two students and a few dedicated faculty members who taught courses in their offices, and very limited resources, but we had an administration that was unusually supportive. Over the next few years, ideas were generated, resources were allocated and we started to grow.”

To date, 20 students have graduated from the MS Program and 16 from the Certificate Program. They have found jobs in industry and academic health centers or have enrolled in other higher education programs to further enhance their career prospects. NYUCD congratulates Dr. Dasanayake, his program faculty and, above all, the graduates, who are helping to meet a critical national need that shows no signs of abating.