Clinical research ethics for all students in Gothenburg’s new medical program
Starting in February 2026, a mandatory course in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) will be introduced in semester 10 of the new medical program at the University of Gothenburg. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with Gothia Forum.
Through this course, all future physicians will gain a shared, foundational understanding of how clinical research is conducted in an ethical and methodologically sound manner, before entering clinical practice.
The course is part of the program’s ambition to strengthen students’ scientific approach early on. As part of the transition to a six-year medical program, a clear need has emerged: healthcare requires more physicians with basic knowledge of clinical studies and the regulatory frameworks that govern them.
Links between clinical care and research
“On clinics with on-call services, patients sometimes need to be included in studies during evenings and weekends. For this to work in practice, more physicians must have basic GCP knowledge. By placing the course in semester 10, all students receive the same foundation before entering clinical practice,” says Sofia Moverare Skrtic, Professor and Course Director for semester 10 in the new medical program at the University of Gothenburg.
The central aim of the initiative is to make clinical research a natural part of everyday clinical work. Students gain a realistic understanding of how research and clinical care are interconnected, and of the role they themselves can play in this interaction.
At the same time, the course reflects how the role of the researcher has evolved over time. Whereas clinical studies were previously often driven by individual enthusiasts, today’s research is more regulated and inherently collaborative, involving multiple professional groups. Modern clinical research requires teamwork: no one is expected to do everything alone, but everyone needs to understand the different components that together shape a clinical trial—from ethics and regulatory frameworks to implementation and follow-up.
Prepares for the future of healthcare
The GCP course is delivered in collaboration with Gothia Forum, which has long provided support for clinical research in the Västra Götaland region and contributes extensive practical experience.
“For us, the collaboration with Gothia Forum is both natural and valuable. They were early in offering organized research support to clinical settings, following a model that was later developed at the national level. Their long-standing experience in clinical studies allows us to ensure a high-quality course,” says Per-Anders Jansson, Professor at the University of Gothenburg, Deputy Course Director for semester 10, and Medical Advisor at Gothia Forum.
By encountering research methodologies early in their education, students gain tools to participate in development work, quality improvement initiatives, and future studies. The ambition is to strengthen both everyday clinical practice and the long-term development of healthcare.
“The task of students is not to repeat yesterday’s ways of working, but to help make tomorrow’s healthcare better. In that respect, research is essential,” concludes Sofia Moverare Skrtic.
Text: Zandra Florin (Gothia Forum) / Elin LIndström