Monaco Clinical Research Infrastructure Network: extensive collaboration between CSM and INSERM formalised

De gauche à droite sur la photo – au 1er plan : Pr. Patrick RAMPAL, Président du Centre Scientifique de Monaco ; Pr. Didier SAMUEL, PDG de l’INSERM ; Pr. Patrick ROSSIGNOL, Président du M-CRIN. Au 2nd plan : M. Lionel BEFFRE, Conseiller de Gouvernement – Ministre de l’Intérieur et M. Christophe ROBINO, Conseiller de Gouvernement Ministre des Affaires Sociales et de la Santé. ©Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali

On Friday 7 February 2025, the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM) and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) formalised their collaboration by signing a strategic memorandum of understanding at the Ministry of State. The signing was attended by Mr Christophe Robino, Minister of Health and Social Affairs; Mr Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior; Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the CSM, and Professor Didier Samuel, CEO of INSERM.

By signing this agreement, the CSM and INSERM are bringing together their expertise to lead a world-class clinical research project.

The French Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, F-CRIN, established in 2012 and led by INSERM, has become a key player in clinical research in France thanks to its extensive network of experts and partners. The goal of this outstanding organisation is to make French clinical research more competitive on the international stage, identify and certify research networks, facilitate the setting up of academic or industrial clinical trials and build the expertise of researchers by pooling skills, objectives and resources. Its area of research focuses on diseases of broad international concern, such as Parkinson’s, severe asthma, thrombosis, multiple sclerosis, retinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiology and stroke, to name but a few, as well as rare diseases and medical devices.

A true model of an integrative organisation unlike any other in France or Europe, F-CRIN acts both as an incubator, enabling clinical research networks to reach full maturity, and as a driving force, creating a community committed to a collaborative approach to science. F-CRIN also facilitates the multinational clinical trials run by the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, ECRIN, thus boosting the impact of European research.

The Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM), founded by Prince Rainier III in 1960, is a public institution which is internationally renowned for the quality of the scientific research, both pure and applied, that it has conducted through its three cutting-edge departments, as well as for the scientific papers published by its researchers. This centre of excellence takes a unique multidisciplinary and cross-cutting approach across its Marine Biology, Polar Biology and Medical Biology departments, centred on the overall theme of protecting human health and the health of the environment.

The partnership between INSERM and the CSM seeks to strengthen clinical research in Monaco by establishing the Monaco Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, M-CRIN, which will provide new links to F-CRIN-certified thematic networks.

This Monegasque association is hosted by the CSM and brings together researchers and doctors in the Principality who would like to expand their clinical research work by collaborating with F-CRIN.

The strategic agreement aims to:

• Foster dynamic collaboration, promoting ambitious and innovative projects in the field of human health.
• Put M-CRIN researchers in touch with F-CRIN-certified networks to share expertise and common practices.
• Offer high-quality support via F-CRIN’s shared services, including legal expertise, quality assurance, communication and training.
• Facilitate regulatory compliance by research projects, particularly in relation to clinical promotion efforts.

A shared commitment to scientific excellence
The memorandum is based on a shared vision: integrating Monegasque medical teams as part of an ambitious, collective scientific approach, and enabling them to take part in international clinical research.
A monitoring committee, comprising members from the three partners, will ensure that collaboration develops smoothly. This committee will meet annually to assess progress and establish new guidelines.

The opportunity offered by this partnership is twofold: it will help Monaco to strengthen its role in clinical research and scientific innovation, drawing on the acknowledged resources and expertise of a research infrastructure and, in turn, it will allow F-CRIN to integrate new centres and new teams into its certified networks.

Professor Samuel welcomed the signature of this agreement and was delighted to see the establishment of M-CRIN, “which will help to advance clinical research, as F-CRIN does by playing a key role in French research and in promoting this research across Europe through its partner network E-CRIN.” He also emphasised that “these networks are dedicated to optimising and providing a structure for clinical research, and this is a significant lever for improving our competitiveness.”

Minister of Health and Social Affairs Christophe Robino explained that “to date, numerous studies have been carried out in Monaco’s healthcare facilities, but there were still issues around promotion and validation of protocols. This collaboration between the CSM and INSERM will facilitate this through M-CRIN.” He then thanked Professor Patrick Rampal for his contribution, as President of the Monaco Scientific Centre, to the development of clinical research in the Principality, which had enabled M-CRIN to be established. He had been able to discuss this issue with the professor during his career as a doctor.
“This agreement is vital. It is a major step since it is something that, in addition to the advantage of promoting progress in medicine, creates an incentive for doctors to come and work in facilities that are conducting clinical research. As such, M-CRIN will make the Principality’s medical sector more attractive.”

Professor Rampal concluded by reiterating that over the last 15 years, the CSM had diversified “in the biomedical field, by developing two areas: translational research and clinical research by creating a hospital clinical research programme. M-CRIN will improve coordination and professionalisation in the field of local clinical research, and will also enable scientists and doctors in Monaco to participate in international research programmes.”

For more information, see: https://www.fcrin.org/