A clinical trial is a structured research study involving human participants, designed to evaluate new tests, treatments, or interventions. Its purpose is to observe and assess health outcomes, providing critical evidence on safety and effectiveness.

Clinical trials are of paramount importance, serving as a crucial stage in translating laboratory findings into practical treatments that can improve patient care. For clinical trials, the matter of informed consent is a foundational prerequisite for handling a participant’s personal data. It requires the participants to be fully informed about the trial, including what personal data will be collected, how it will be used, protected and shared and who will have access to it.