Australian Scientists Stranded After Cyberattack on Clinical Trial Registry
Australian scientists are facing a major setback as a cyberattack has crippled the nation’s primary clinical trial registry, leaving researchers unable to proceed with their experiments. The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) website has been offline for a week since February 28, following a “cyber security incident” reported by the University of Sydney, which manages the registry.
Importance of ANZCTR in Scientific Research
The ANZCTR plays a crucial role in Australia’s scientific community by serving as the most popular clinical trials registry. It promotes transparency and reduces publication bias by encouraging researchers to publicly register their trials in advance. The registry publishes vital information about trial aims and methods, ensuring ethical standards and compliance with international norms.
Impact on Researchers and Ethical Standards
According to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans, all human research must be registered on a publicly accessible platform that meets international standards, such as the ANZCTR. Without access to the registry, researchers are unable to fulfill their ethical obligations and proceed with patient enrollment for their trials. This disruption poses significant challenges for researchers like Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz, who rely on the ANZCTR for registration confirmation before initiating their studies.
- United of Wollongong senior research fellow Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz is awaiting confirmation of his trial’s registration on the ANZCTR.
- Researchers may need to consider alternative registries if the ANZCTR remains offline for an extended period.
Efforts to Restore ANZCTR and Lack of Communication
The University of Sydney has stated that they are working to restore the ANZCTR website promptly, but there has been limited communication with affected users and the public. Despite assurances of updates, no specific timeframe has been provided for the registry’s return to operation. Researchers are left in limbo, uncertain about the future of their trials and the potential repercussions of the cyberattack.
Conclusion
The cyberattack on the ANZCTR has created a significant obstacle for Australian scientists, hindering the progress of vital research and jeopardizing ethical standards in clinical trials. As researchers await the restoration of the registry, uncertainty looms over the future of their studies and the impact on patient care and scientific advancement.
FAQs
1. What is the role of the ANZCTR in Australian scientific research?
The ANZCTR serves as the primary clinical trials registry in Australia, promoting transparency and ethical standards in research by allowing researchers to publicly register their trials.
2. How are researchers affected by the cyberattack on the ANZCTR?
Researchers are unable to proceed with their experiments or enroll patients in trials due to the offline status of the ANZCTR, impacting the progress of scientific research in Australia.