Dr Sonja Khan is a leading academic and clinical strategist at the University of Galway, serving as the Director of the taught Masters in Clinical Research, Co-Director of the taught Masters in Applied Clinical Data Analytics and Head of Education at the Institute for Clinical Trials. Her work is defined by a commitment to driving excellence in the clinical research workforce and preparing the next generation of investigators to lead transformative, research-led initiatives.

Policy Leadership & Biobanking Advocacy Beyond her academic leadership, Dr Khan is a key figure in the development of biobanking legislation and policy change in Ireland. As a member of the National Biobank Working Group (NBWG) and Biobank na Gaillimhe (BnaG), she contributes her expertise to shaping the regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern human biological sampling. This work directly informs her teaching on core modules such as Biobank for Clinical Research and Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research, ensuring that students are equipped with the most current knowledge to navigate complex legal landscapes.

Research & Clinical Expertise Dr Khan’s foundational expertise is built on a PhD in Medicine and a Masters in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Galway. Her postdoctoral research, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, focused on cancer therapeutics and the impact of aspirin on breast cancer spread. Within the Clinical Research Facility Galway (CRFG), she has held significant operational roles, including Study Management Coordinator for international trials and acting CRFG Programme Manager, where she supported staff training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Strategic Alignment Dr Khan’s multifaceted role embodies the University’s Academic Strategy by bridging the gap between "knowing, acting, and being." Her involvement in national policy reflects the University's goal of achieving global impact and contributing to the public good. By integrating her work with the NBWG into the curriculum, she fosters "Education for the Future," developing graduates who possess both high-level academic expertise and the ethical standards required for global leadership in healthcare.

My research interests lie at the intersection of biobanking, clinical research governance, and regulatory frameworks, with a particular focus on advancing ethical and structured practices in these domains:Biobanking:I am deeply invested in the development and enhancement of biobanks, which serve as vital repositories of biological samples (e.g., blood, DNA, and tissue) and their associated clinical data. Biobanks are instrumental in advancing scientific discovery and driving the global movement toward more precise and personalized medicine. My work focuses on fostering structured governance, policy development, and ethical best practices for biobanking in Ireland, aiming to strengthen its role in cutting-edge research and healthcare innovation. Clinical Research Governance:I am particularly interested in exploring frameworks that uphold the integrity and ethical conduct of clinical research. This includes advancing governance structures that ensure compliance with regulatory standards, the protection of participant rights, and the delivery of high-quality research outcomes. Informed Consent and Regulatory Frameworks:My work also focuses on refining processes surrounding informed consent, ensuring that participants are fully aware of and agree to their involvement in research. I aim to contribute to the development of robust regulatory frameworks that facilitate ethical research while maintaining participant safety and data integrity. Through these research interests, I strive to contribute to the evolution of ethical and innovative practices in biobanking and clinical research, ensuring that they continue to serve as essential pillars in the advancement of science and medicine.

Teaching Philosophy & Strategic Alignment

My teaching practice is grounded in a commitment to inclusive, student-centred, and evidence-informed pedagogy. I view learning as an active, social, and developmental process, where students are empowered to build knowledge through enquiry, reflection, and real-world application. My approach aligns closely with the University’s Academic Strategy and the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, fostering a transformative "knowing, acting, and being" experience that prepares graduates for global impact. I prioritise the development of "Galway Graduate" attributes, specifically creativity, innovation, and ethical awareness, by integrating my scholarship in clinical research directly into the curriculum.

Core Modular Teaching & Methodology

I deliver a suite of specialised modules on the MSc in Clinical Research, designed to equip diverse cohorts of healthcare professionals and scientists with essential technical and professional skills. My teaching spans:

• Bio-Ethics (MD1600) and Biobanking Advanced Clinical Application (MD1601): Examining ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and practical applications for biobanked specimens.
• Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks (MD1602): Providing a foundation in the regulations guiding clinical research.
• Clinical Research Administration (MD517) & Site-Level Activities (MD1603): Focusing on project management, compliance, and operational activities like participant recruitment and protocol adherence.

To support these modules, I utilise blended and asynchronous distance learning methodologies, incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to ensure accessibility and flexibility for working professionals. My sessions are enriched by interactive elements, such as role-based experiential learning in MD1603, where students engage with authentic clinical materials like trial master files and study protocols.

Educational Leadership & Curriculum Innovation

As Programme Director of the MSc in Clinical Research and Co-Director of the MSc in Applied Clinical Data Analytics (ACDA), I lead strategic curriculum design and quality review processes. In the ACDA programme, I co-designed a spiral curriculum model to ensure that core concepts are revisited and developed progressively across modules. Furthermore, as Head of Education and Training at the Institute for Clinical Trials, I lead the Trialist Training programme (2023-present), a flagship initiative designed to strengthen the investigator-led trials ecosystem in the west of Ireland.