Clinical trials are a potent force for patient safety, argues Richard Lilford, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Head of the Division of Primary Care, Occupational & Public Health and Director of the Birmingham Clinical Research Academy. Only through epidemiological studies, he says, can we show the true value of treatments.

Formerly a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Leeds, Professor Lilford’s research interests now are in the methodology of clinical trials, patient safety, statistics and health economics.