Celebrating Clinical Trials

On 29 January, Norway’s first national award for outstanding achievement in clinical trials was presented in Oslo.

Åslaug Helland was named Clinical Trials Champion of the Year at the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Trials. Helland is a consultant oncologist and Head of Research at the Cancer Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, and a Professor at the University of Oslo. Photo: LMI

This text is an AI translation from Norwegian. The Norwegian article can be found if you change the language on the top right.

For the very first time, the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Trials was presented at a gala ceremony held at the Grand Hotel in Oslo on 29 January 2025. In total, six awards and one honorary prize were presented during the evening. The event brought together 190 participants from across the clinical trials value chain and was opened by the Minister of Health and Care Services, Jan Christian Vestre.

The award has been established by CONNECT, LMI, Melanor, Inven2, NorCRIN and NorTrials, to highlight and recognise those who make a decisive contribution to clinical research in Norway.

“It is very positive that we come together to celebrate research, so thank you to everyone who has contributed to establishing this awards ceremony,” said Vestre in his opening address.

The event was opened by the Minister of Health and Care Services, Jan Christian Vestre. Photo: LMI

The Minister underlined the importance of clinical trials as an integral part of patient care and of collaboration between the health service and industry. He emphasised that such cooperation creates value for society, for patients and for Norway’s health industry, and helps ensure that Norway remains at the forefront of innovation and the development of new treatment methods.

The ceremony, hosted by Signe Fretland of NorTrials and Hege Edvardsen of CONNECT, became a celebration of dedicated professional communities, researchers, healthcare professionals and partners who every day make an enormous effort—often far beyond what is expected.

“Looking at the public debate around clinical trials, it can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle for those of us working to increase Norway’s attractiveness as a destination for studies. It is therefore encouraging to share the latest figures for notified medicinal product trials from the Norwegian Medical Products Agency, which show an increase of 31.2% from 2024 to 2025. However, we have not yet reached our goal, and it is therefore important that work on the national action plan for clinical trials continues, with its launch expected just around the corner,” said Hege Edvardsen, Chair of CONNECT, from the stage.

Hege Edvardsen, Chair of CONNECT, was pleased to share the latest figures for notified medicinal product trials from the Norwegian Medical Products Agency. Photo: GSK

The awards ceremony brought together researchers, clinicians, public authorities, industry representatives and the wider ecosystem in a joint celebration of the importance of clinical trials. The evening featured a professional and cultural programme, award presentations, networking opportunities and a tribute to everyone working in the field of clinical trials.

Through an open nomination process in autumn 2025, the jury received more than 100 nominations across six categories, in addition to the honorary award. The jury comprised representatives from academia, funding bodies, patient organisations and industry associations, and faced the demanding task of selecting this year’s winners.

The winners

Centre of the Year: Oslo Myeloma Centre The centre distinguished itself through high scientific quality, impressive execution capability and sustainable organisation, serving as a role model for how Norwegian study centres can compete internationally.

Researcher-Initiated Study of the Year: OVERLORD-MS, led by Øivind Torkildsen The study has combined patient and societal benefits outstandingly and strengthened Norway’s position in multiple sclerosis research.

Industry-Initiated Study of the Year: Quintessential-2, led by Mash Hamid (BMS Norway) and Ingerid Abrahamsen (Oslo University Hospital)

The study focuses on a new CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma and is central to the development of new treatments for both Norwegian and international patients.

Innovative Environment of the Year: The project group behind the AI-MIND study, led by Professor Ira Haraldsen

The group has been pioneering in the use of artificial intelligence as a clinical method for the early identification of dementia and has established strong national and international collaboration.

Young Researcher of the Year: Peder Langeland Myhre

Myhre has excelled in clinical practice, teaching and research, with more than 120 publications, and leads NorTrials’ cardiovascular initiative.

Clinical Trials Champion of the Year: Åslaug Helland

For many years, Helland has worked purposefully to bring more clinical trials to cancer patients—particularly in lung cancer—and has been instrumental in broad national recruitment of both patients and studies.

Honorary Award: Professor Tore Kvien

The prize was awarded to Kvien in recognition of his many years of dedication and leadership in clinical research, and for leaving a lasting mark on the development of the field.

Professor Tore Kvien received this year’s honorary award. Photo: LMI

The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Trials has been established to showcase and honour all those who contribute to the development of new treatment methods, strengthen research and ensure better healthcare for patients. At the same time, work continues on a new national action plan for clinical trials, due to be launched in the first quarter of 2026. The Government has clearly signalled its ambition to increase both the number and the quality of clinical trials in the years ahead.