Clinical Trial Ambassador Project
This is a social co-creation project aimed at enhancing understanding of pharmaceutical development in collaboration with patients and the public, and fostering an environment that improves access to clinical trials. It represents an open innovation initiative in patient and public involvement (PPI) in drug development, where companies, researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations work together to train clinical trial ambassadors and engage in collaborative activities.
The core program of this project, the “Clinical Trial Ambassador Training,” is open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of pharmaceutical development and clinical trials. Since 2025, participation has expanded beyond patients, family members, caregivers, and patient organizations to include healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry representatives, creating a space for cross-sector learning and dialogue.
Graduates of the program (Clinical Trial Ambassadors) also take on roles as lecturers and tutors.
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.
In 2026, we are stepping forward once again and have re-entered the awards. The winners will be announced in June at Patient Engagement Open Forum (Sevilla, Spain).
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.