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Clinical Trials Day

Join the movement and make a difference on Clinical Trials Day - support medical research and help save lives!

Thursday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to honor the amazing medical professionals and volunteers who make clinical trials possible on Clinical Trials Day on May 20! This day commemorates the first recorded clinical trial in history, conducted by James Lind in 1747. Since then, clinical trials have played a crucial role in advancing medical research and improving healthcare for people all around the world. It's also a day to acknowledge and thank those who have participated in clinical trials, as their bravery and contribution has led to countless breakthroughs and treatments. So let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible impact of clinical trials on our health and well-being.

TIMELINE

Clinical Trials Day Timeline

First Recorded Clinical Trial

James Lind conducted the first documented clinical trial, investigating treatments for scurvy among sailors..

Birth of Modern Clinical Trials

The antibiotic streptomycin was tested in a clinical trial, marking the start of modern randomized controlled trials.

FDA Requires Clinical Trials

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to mandate regulated scientific trials for drugs seeking approval.

FDA Modernization Act

The FDA Modernization Act was passed, introducing significant changes to the regulation of medical products, enhancing FDA's ability to oversee clinical trials.

Launch of ClinicalTrials.gov

The online database ClinicalTrials.gov was launched to provide the public with easy access to information about clinical studies.

First Clinical Trials Day

The first Clinical Trials Day was celebrated on May 20th, 2016 to honor those who participate in and conduct clinical trials.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Clinical Trials Day

Participate in a clinical trial

The best way to celebrate Clinical Trials Day is to participate in a clinical trial! Not only will you be helping advance medical research, but you may also benefit from new treatments and therapies.

ATTEND

Attend a clinical trial awareness event

Many organizations and hospitals host events to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials. Attend one of these events to learn more about how clinical trials impact medical advancement and how you can get involved.

THANK

Thank a clinical trial participant or researcher

Clinical trials wouldn't be possible without the participation of patients and the dedication of researchers. Take the time to thank someone who has been involved in a clinical trial or is currently conducting one.

Share your clinical trial experience

If you have participated in a clinical trial, share your story on social media or with friends and family. This will help spread awareness and may encourage others to get involved in clinical trials.

DONATE

Donate to a clinical trial organization

Consider making a donation to an organization that supports clinical trials and medical research. Your contribution can help fund important studies and potentially save lives.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Clinical Trials Day is Important

It promotes education and awareness

Through events and media coverage, Clinical Trials Day helps educate the public about the importance of clinical trials in advancing medicine. It also brings attention to the need for volunteers to participate in these studies, ultimately helping to save lives in the future.

It advances medical research and treatments

Clinical trials allow for the development of new and potentially life-changing treatments for various conditions and diseases. Without these trials, progress in the medical field would be greatly hindered, making Clinical Trials Day an important reminder of the impact of these studies.

It gives patients access to cutting-edge treatments

Participating in clinical trials can give patients access to treatments that are not yet available on the market. This provides them with potential life-saving options and could greatly improve their quality of life.

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