The fear many people feel upon hearing the phrase “clinical trials” remains one of the biggest barriers to their development in Greece. Responses like “Clinical trials? I didn’t even know what they were…” or “I wasn’t sure… I was afraid” reflect spontaneous reactions from patients. A widespread lack of accurate information, deep-rooted anxiety, and low public trust prevent Greece from achieving high participation rates in international clinical trials—leaving valuable scientific—and, more importantly, therapeutic—opportunities untapped for patients themselves.
Knowledge as the Antidote to Fear
Patients who initially hesitated often describe access to reliable, science-based information as a turning point. Clear explanations and expert medical guidance ultimately reassured them, proving that knowledge is the most powerful antidote to fear.
The Birth of the Alliance and a New Awareness Campaign
To fundamentally shift this perception through trustworthy communication, the Alliance for Advancing the Value of Clinical Trials was launched. This strategic coalition brings together key stakeholders in the healthcare sector: the Hellenic Patients’ Association (ENASEL), the Hellenic Association of Contract Research Organizations (HACRO), and the Medical Society of Athens (IEA).
The Alliance’s mission is to foster a new culture of understanding around clinical research in Greece—through coordinated education and awareness initiatives targeting both the general public and specialized groups, including patient associations, healthcare professionals, and journalists.
As its first formal initiative, the Alliance has announced a major nationwide awareness campaign titled “I Participate Because I Have… Knowledge – Benefit – Trust.”
Official Launch in September
The campaign operates under the official support and patronage of Greece’s Ministry of Health, with its official launch scheduled for next September. It focuses on three core pillars:
- Public and professional education—clarifying the objective value and rigorous safety protocols governing clinical trials;
- Countering misinformation and prejudice—to strengthen confidence in the safety and effectiveness of innovative treatments;
- Empowering patients—so they fully understand their rights and can engage consciously and actively in modern medical research.
Below, watch an interview with Evangelia Koraki, President of HACRO, on Health Talks by iatropedia.gr, where she explains why “Clinical trials bring tomorrow’s treatments to Greece.”
Greece’s Clinical Trial Landscape: Past, Present, and Future
Until recently, bureaucratic inertia and the absence of centralized planning placed Greece among the lowest-performing countries in Europe in attracting clinical trial funding. A significant shift has since begun—but sustained progress depends on public understanding, institutional coordination, and continued policy support.