Monaco is set to strengthen its role in clinical research with the launch of M-CRIN, a new platform connecting local researchers to international networks.
On Friday 7th February, Monaco Life attended the official signing of a strategic agreement between the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) and the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) at the Ministry of State.
The agreement marks the creation of the Monaco Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (M-CRIN), a platform aimed at strengthening clinical research in the Principality, while aligning Monaco’s efforts with France’s F-CRIN, a national network supporting research into conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and rare illnesses.
Established in 2012, F-CRIN facilitates large-scale clinical trials, promotes collaboration between research networks and provides support in legal, regulatory and quality assurance matters. By integrating with this structure, the new M-CRIN platform will allow Monaco-based researchers and medical professionals to contribute to internationally recognised studies while benefiting from established expertise.
Strengthening Monaco’s role in clinical research
The collaboration is expected to improve compliance with regulatory frameworks and streamline clinical trials in Monaco. Monaco’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino acknowledged that while research studies have been conducted in the Principality’s healthcare institutions, challenges remained in protocol validation and trial promotion.
“M-CRIN will allow us to better structure clinical research in Monaco, ensuring that studies meet international standards and are properly supported,” he told Monaco Life.
Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the CSM, highlighted the establishment’s expansion into biomedical research over the past 15 years, particularly in translational and clinical studies, saying, “The establishment of M-CRIN will enhance coordination and professionalism in local research while allowing Monaco’s scientific and medical professionals to take part in major international programmes.”
A monitoring committee composed of representatives from CSM, INSERM and F-CRIN will oversee the collaboration, reviewing progress annually.
Professor Didier Samuel, the CEO of INSERM, noted the strategic benefits, stating, “By integrating Monaco into the F-CRIN ecosystem, we are expanding our research networks, ensuring that more institutions can contribute to high-level clinical studies.”
He added that the initiative would also attract new talent, creating a dynamic research environment that benefits both healthcare professionals and patients.
Robino concluded, “The ability to participate in clinical trials of this scale is essential for our healthcare professionals. It provides them with the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research, which ultimately benefits patients in Monaco and beyond.”
For Monaco, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand its influence in the medical research sector while providing local researchers with access to established international frameworks. For INSERM and F-CRIN, the integration of Monaco’s institutions adds a new dimension to their research ecosystem.
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Left to right: Prof. Patrick Rampal, President of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco; Lionel Beffre, Monaco’s Minister of the Interior; Prof. Didier Sameul, CEO of INSERM; Christophe Robino, Monaco’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health; and Prof. Patrick Rossignol, President of M-CRIN . Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department