An international research, training, and collaboration hub that will improve health through methodological advances in clinical trials.
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating healthcare interventions. Penn’s Center for Clinical Trials Innovation is dedicated to advancing trial methodology and implementing the latest innovations in trial design and analysis to support world-class and large-scale pragmatic RCTs at Penn Medicine and with external partners.
Our mission is to improve health by advancing the methodology of clinical trials. To accomplish this, we develop, evaluate, and implement innovations that enhance the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of RCTs.
Our vision is to build a healthcare research ecosystem that drives meaningful, actionable improvements in clinical care. In this ecosystem:
Trials reflect real-world conditions and diverse patient populations
Methodological innovations make research efficient, cost-effective, and relevant
Health systems actively partner in generating evidence through embedded trials
Trial results are clear, actionable, and readily translated into clinical practice
Drs. Nadir Yehya and Michael Harhay received a 5-year R01 grant from NICHD to lead the PARMA trial, a study advancing treatment strategies for pediatric ARDS.
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Stay informed with the latest research findings, news, and events from CCTI.
Congratulations to Michael Harhay on being selected for the 2026–27 Penn Fellows cohort, recognizing his leadership and contributions as a mid-career faculty member.
Kenneth M. Lee, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics whose work centers on palliative care and statistical methods for cluster-randomized trials. In this Q&A, he reflects on the motivations behind his research and his experience within the DBEI community.
Michael Harhay, PhD, MPH, leads the newly launched Center for Clinical Trials Innovation, a hub dedicated to advancing clinical trial methods and improving research outcomes worldwide.
Drs. Nadir Yehya and Michael Harhay received a 5-year R01 grant from NICHD to lead the PARMA trial, a study advancing treatment strategies for pediatric ARDS.
Associate Professor,
Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics;
Director, Center for Clinical Trials Innovation
📧 Email: mharhay@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Office Address:
304 Blockley Hall
423 Guardian Dr.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6116