DFA is establishing a National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) to stimulate Australian multicentre diabetic foot disease clinical research of national and international significance; as per similar National Clinical Trials Networks (http://www.clinicaltrialsalliance.org.au/). The major aims of the DFA NCTN will be to increase diabetic foot disease national research collaborations, clinical research activity, patient recruitment opportunities, and the rapid translation of clinical research outcomes targeting the reduction of avoidable amputations into clinical practice. Over the past year it has become apparent that international companies have been actively investigating Australia’s potential to provide ‘new’ patient recruitment opportunities to research the safety and effectiveness of their diabetic foot disease therapies and devices. Furthermore in discussions with co-investigators it is clear that interstate diabetic foot disease centres are performing similar studies unbeknownst to each other. Thus, the need to provide coordination of research infrastructure and investment into a national clinical trials network is compelling.

It is hoped that the NCTN will become the ‘one-stop-shop’ for all researchers, commercial and non-commercial organisations looking to initiate multicentre diabetic foot disease research in Australia. The DFA NCTN will act to enhance the global reputation of existing Australian clinical research centres, build the capability of new clinical research centres via the provision of training and infrastructure and importantly support Australian PhD programs, grant applications and clinical research. This will provide the Australian patient community with rapid access, and thus benefit, to the latest global treatments available. Furthermore it is hoped the DFA NCTN can provide expert support to WMI CRC in coordinating their diabetic foot disease research agenda.