PPCR Site Center at Data4Life Berlin
The Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) is a global, hybrid training program in clinical research, offered by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Founded and directed by Prof. Dr. Felipe Fregni, PPCR combines live, interactive sessions broadcast from Boston with in-person learning at international site centers worldwide.
This unique format connects a global community of researchers, clinicians, and students through both online and on-site participation — creating a highly collaborative and practice-oriented learning experience.
By hosting a local Site Center in Berlin, we contribute to the education of researchers while strengthening the connection between research methodology and modern data ecosystems.
About PPCR
PPCR is designed for both beginners entering the field of clinical research and experienced professionals seeking to deepen their methodological expertise. Participants range from early-stage medical students to clinicians, researchers, and data scientists working in academia, healthcare, and industry.
The program covers the full spectrum of clinical research, from formulating research questions and study design to statistical analysis, real-world data, and scientific publication.
Through a collaborative, case-based learning approach, participants develop practical skills while working on real research projects and building an international professional network.
The program combines weekly interactive sessions with case-based learning and global collaboration across site centers.
Participants join from around the world, forming a global network of clinicians and researchers working to improve the quality and impact of clinical research.
Why we are a Site Center
At Data4Life, our work focuses on enabling high-quality, data-driven research through digital infrastructure and collaboration.
Supporting PPCR as a Site Center reflects this mission. The program addresses many of the same challenges we work on in practice:
- how to design robust studies
- how to ensure data quality
- how to translate data into meaningful evidence
History
The Berlin PPCR Site Center has a long-standing history.
It was first established in 2013 at Charité by Data4Life's CEO Ben Illigens, following the launch of the first German site in Dresden in 2012 together with Prof. Siepmann.
With its reopening at Data4Life, the Berlin Site Center continues this initiative and connects it to today’s challenges in digital health and data-driven research.
What is the PPCR program and who is it for?
PPCR is designed for a broad audience — from students and early-career researchers to experienced clinicians and professionals.
Participants include:
Medical and PhD students
Early-career researchers entering clinical research
Clinicians and healthcare professionals
Experienced researchers expanding their methodological expertise
No prior advanced experience in clinical research is required.
Hybrid learning experience
PPCR combines live lectures from Harvard in Boston with interactive participation across a global network of site centers and remote learners.
Participants can join:
On-site, together with peers at international site centers (e.g. Berlin, Boston, São Paulo)
Online, via live web-based access
Weekly sessions are complemented by group work, discussions, and a final in-person immersion course. This blended format ensures both global connectivity and local interaction.
Academic Leadership
The program is led by Prof. Dr. Felipe Fregni, Founder and Director of PPCR and Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School.
Since its launch in 2007/2008, the program has trained a global network of over 5,000 clinical researchers and continues to be one of the leading international training programs in clinical research.
What does it mean to be a PPCR Site Center?
A PPCR Site Center is a local hub where participants join the program together and engage in weekly interactive sessions. Site Centers provide an environment for discussion, collaboration, and peer learning, complementing the global online format of the program.
How does Data4Life’s involvement in PPCR relate to its mission?
At Data4Life, our mission is to improve health outcomes by enabling better research through data and digital infrastructure. Supporting the PPCR program is a natural extension of this work.
Clinical research depends on high-quality data, robust study design, and the ability to translate findings into practice. These are the same challenges we address through our solutions and programs.
By contributing to the education of researchers and supporting a global learning network, we aim to strengthen the foundations of data-driven clinical research and help bridge the gap between data, evidence, and real-world impact.
Why is clinical research training important for data-driven healthcare?
High-quality clinical research is essential for generating reliable evidence in healthcare. As the use of real-world data and digital tools increases, strong methodological foundations become even more important. Training programs like PPCR help ensure that data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted correctly, ultimately improving research outcomes and patient care.
