Membership to ASTN is free and available to anyone who is a current SSA member. Currently we have over 200 members, representing 61 research centres in Australia and New Zealand and strong collaborations with international Investigators interested in clinical trial participation.
Commercially Sponsored Trials
Our key role is the liaison between Sponsor organisations and our member sites in the Australasian region, facilitating effective communication and a coordinated strategy for the selection and ongoing support of member sites.
On behalf of members, the ASTN provides a thorough review of trial protocol and an assessment of feasibility of the study in the region. Projects considered to have scientific integrity and merit are endorsed by the ASTN and are advertised to all ASN members, providing an opportunity for members to express interest in being involved. Our aim is to assist emerging clinical research centres to build trials experience through involvement.
Where relevant, ASTN will work with the sponsor on behalf of selected sites to prepare and negotiate the per patient study budget.
Investigator Initiated Trials
ASTN members who are the chief investigator of an investigator initiated clinical trial, are able to submit their trial for review by the ASTN executive committee free of charge. Non-members who would like to engage the services of ASTN are asked to pay a small fee.
The review includes the same thorough review of the trial protocol and assessment of feasibility. ASTN endorsed trials are advertised to the membership, increasing exposure of your study, and providing opportunity for involvement.
ASTN endorsed trials are showcased on the website and at relevant stroke conferences, enabling an opportunity for investigators to provide an update on their trial, and a platform to seek additional sites if required.
As a member of ASTN you are agreeing to work within our collaborative framework. If you are approached directly by a Sponsor, to provide feasibility information, please refer these enquiries to the ASTN administrator at your earliest convenience to help this this a centralised streamline process for all members.
If you have a protocol that you would like reviewed, or would like further information, please contact admin@astn.edu.au
If you have used ASTN before and are familiar with our process you can access the review application form here. Please submit your completed application and any other supporting documents to admin@astn.edu.au
Grant Protocol Review
This is a new service offered to all ASTN members. The grant protocol review service is designed to support clinical trial investigators in their application for competitive grant funding. The ASTN will provide feedback regarding the design of your protocol and provide support (ASTN endorsement) for the grant application. Members are invited to submit new protocols for a thorough review and assessment of trial feasibility. A small fee applies per review and is available to members only.
Education and Training
Over the years ASTN have held regular training workshops and meetings, often associated with other regular stroke meetings.
Our goal is to encourage and support emerging stroke research units by encouraging mentorship within the network and a sharing of resources. This includes free access to certification modules commonly required by trials staff.
How do I become a member?
To become a member of ASTN you will need to be a current SSA member.
If you would like to become an SSA member click here. When you sign up as an SSA member, please indicate your intention to also be an ASTN member. (no additional cost)
If you are already an SSA member, and would like to become an ASTN member click here or contact admin@astn.net.au