Clinical Trial Ambassador Project
This social co-creation project aims to improve public understanding of drug development and create an environment where people can more easily access and engage with clinical trials. Through collaboration among industry, researchers, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and members of the public, the project develops and supports Clinical Trial Ambassadors who help promote awareness and understanding of clinical research. The project represents an open innovation approach to Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in medicines development, bringing together diverse stakeholders to learn, collaborate, and take action.
The core program of the project, the Clinical Trial Ambassador Training Program, is open to anyone interested in learning more about drug development and clinical trials. Since 2025, participants have included not only patients, family members, patient advocates, and representatives of patient organizations, but also healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry representatives. The program has become a unique space for learning and dialogue across different perspectives and backgrounds. Graduates of the training program, known as Clinical Trial Ambassadors, also contribute as lecturers and tutors, helping to support and inspire new participants.
Clinical Trial Ambassador Project
Clinical Trial Ambassador Training Cohort 6
February-July 2026
Training Participant Feedback
I felt this was a truly unique initiative. It was great to be part of a project that brings to-gether multiple stake-holders and enables two-way dialogue bet-ween patients and industry.
The training provided a very clear and thorough explanation of how clinical trials work, along with the related know-ledge. I hope more people will gain a better understanding of clinical trials.
By having ambassadors share information with those who are unfami-liar with clinical trials, I hope we can help re-duce anxiety and con-cerns.
I hope that the activities of Clinical Trial Amba-ssadors will increase participation in clinical trials and ultimately help bring better medicines to patients more quickly.
The Made with Patients Awards
In 2025, the Clinical Trial Ambassador Project was selected as a finalist in the Initiative category. While we did not take home the award, being recognized on the global stage as a transformative initiative was a tremendous honor—and a powerful affirmation of our mission. The journey we are shaping is just beginning, and we invite you to follow what lies ahead.
Publications
Yagi N. What is "meaningful" engagement? Clinical Evaluation 2025; 53(2):244.
Kasai Y, Nozaki K, Yagi N, Omuro S, Omomo K, Matsuyama K. Patient Training Initiatives on Drug Development and Future Chall-enges: Developing a Social Infrastructure for Patient Engagement in Drug Development. Clinical Pharmacology 2023;54(4):173-180.
Matsuyama K, Tsutsumi N, Inoue K, Iwaya N, Imamura K. Patient and public involvement (PPI) and pharmaceutical development through open innovation processes: Recent activities. In: Kurihara C, Greco D, Dhai M, editors. Ethical innovation for global health. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore; 2023. p. 297-312.