History

The Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care of the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, the Netherlands, was founded in 1996 as an autonomous division of the UMC Utrecht, as a result of the merger of the departments of Epidemiology and Public Health with Clinical Epidemiology. The center combines the expertise of the disciplines of epidemiology, public health, general practice, biostatistics and medical technology assessment. Since its establishment, Julius Center has been actively involved in the design, conduct and reporting of phase III-IV clinical trials and is a leader in acquiring and disseminating knowledge in health sciences and primary care, engaging in groundbreaking research in cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, oncology, genetics and mental health. The Julius Center’s research activities are supported by extensive, integrated research services and data management teams, and have direct access to a number of large research populations. Furthermore, the Julius Center has close ties with all departments of UMC Utrecht. The Julius Center is active throughout Europe, with a particular focus on the emerging nations in Eastern Europe.
 
In 2008, Julius Clinical Research was established as a spin-off company of the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, to further promote world class phase II-IV drug research by combining academic excellence with industry benchmark performance in management and execution of large clinical trials. Julius Clinical Research makes full use of the academic leadership at the Julius Center and other divisions of the UMC Utrecht and its partners in the Academic Alliance for Clinical Trials (AACT), to liaise with pharmaceutical companies in the optimal design and international execution of pivotal trials in phase II-IV drug research.