By Torben Haugaard Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.
Photo: Department of Health Science and Technology, AAU

We know the uncertainty when we have to be vaccinated. Will I have side effects? Can I get sick from the vaccine?

Fortunately, in Denmark, we have strict rules for testing medicine thoroughly before use. Drugs go through many clinical trials and assessments before they are approved by the authorities.

Approval of new medicines requires scientific knowledge and expertise, and Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen, a pain researcher in the Department of Health Science and Technology at AAU, has exactly that.

The Minister of Health therefore appointed him to the Medical Research Ethics Committee that, in conjunction with the Danish Medicines Agency, is the gatekeeper for clinical trials of medicines and testing of medical devices in Denmark.

The experienced pain researcher is delighted with the appointment to this important body.

"The committee is essential for conducting medical research in Denmark. I have been privileged to be able to conduct research in Denmark for many years, and the appointment is an opportunity to give something back to society," says Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen. 

Important appointment for AAU

The Minister of Health appointed Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen based on his contribution to ensuring that research projects are carried out in a scientifically ethical manner.

According to Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen, the appointment is not only of great importance for medical research at Aalborg University, but also for the university's educational programmes.

"It is important to have a go-to person with a substantial understanding of administering the regulatory aspects of clinical trials. Most educational programmes at the Faculty of Medicine have compulsory courses in precisely these regulatory legal requirements. I lead several of the courses myself, and by joining the committee, I can strengthen my teaching within this area," says Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen.

Dean Lars Hvilsted Rasmussen of the Faculty of Medicine at AAU is both pleased and proud of the Minister of Health's appointment of Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen to the Medical Research Ethics Committee.

"With his exceptional knowledge, interest and dedication to research and ethics, I am sure that Kristian will contribute significantly to the committee’s work," says Lars Hvilsted Rasmussen.