OUR TEAM

Cara has been in healthcare since 2011 and worked in various positions in clinical research since 2018.

Her work caring for cancer patients during her time at Cambridge University Hospitals ignited her passion to transition in clinical research and contribute to make a difference in developing better treatments for patients and alleviate the burden of  disease, witnessing breakthrough results and development of  positive outcomes fueled her  commitment to evolve  in the clinical research space, engaging in multi therapy research practice.

Achievements:

* UK NIHR Cancer Research Awardee 2020

* Led the establishment and  management of 1st commercial psychedelic trial-focused facility in Europe 

*She has led a multitude of clinical trial portfolios within NHS and SMOs, which put her team in the Top 3 recruiter status for several trials with some surpassing recruitment targets

*Pioneered the initiation of critical systems for site operationalisation and safety- CTMS, SOPs, feasibility process and study set up framework

* Managed and mentored staff at the site operations level and  developed high-performing teams

Expertise: 

• Clinical Operations
• Leadership and Clinical Excellence
•  Patient Engagement and Recruitment
• Business Development
•  Regulatory and Sponsor Affairs
•  Training and Education

Previous Affiliations:

• Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust- Cambridge Cancer  Trials Centre, Panthera Biopartners, Clerkenwell Health

 Alexandra has been in the healthcare industry since 2001. Her research journey started in 2009 in various positions with equally valuable experiences that led to her current role as COO at Ascend Clinical Research.

Her passion in research is anchored on her belief that she is helping to make a difference. 

She said: “I may not see the results of these clinical trials I am involved with but knowing that I am a part of something great that will better the health of the  next generation, I can say I have done my part!” 

Achievements:

* NIHR GCP Facilitator

*Led multi - therapeutic research portfolios in the NHS and commercial SMO

Expertise: 

• Clinical Operational Compliance 
•  Oncology Research
• Driving Regulatory Adherence 
•  Cross-Functional Collaboration in EMEA region
• Leadership and Excellence

Previous Affiliations: 

• Imperial College NHS Trust
• Royal Marsden NHS Trust
• Panthera Biopartners
•  Impact Futures

 Zane focused on some of the most challenging, underfunded, and historically overlooked areas in clinical research.

Most of my career has been spent in CNS—conditions rooted in how the brain and mind function. Schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, addiction.

Zane supported more than 100 clinical programs that led to FDA approvals—working across nearly every phase of development in this space.