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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Underserved Communities in Clinical Research

We’re incredibly excited to share some big news: Clueo Clinical has been recognised as the “Most Innovative Clinical Research Training Enterprise 2024—Australia” by Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Magazine, UK. This award means the world to us because it highlights what drives everything we do: creating opportunities for people and communities that are often overlooked.

For me, this mission is deeply personal.

Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen at the Dalby Regional Community Hospital

A Personal Journey of Overcoming Adversity

Before I tell you more about the award, I want to take you back to where it all started—back to my childhood, when I was living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. My family was poor, and I mean really poor. Three generations lived in a small home with a roof that would blow off whenever it rained, flooding half the house. The kind of conditions that make you wonder how anyone could survive, let alone thrive.

I lived with my mum, my grandmother, and my two older brothers. My father had left when I was just six months old because of the Vietnam War, which tore families apart. So, it was just us trying to make the best of a tough situation.

In Vietnam, primary school education is free, but once you reach Grade 6, you need to pass a national exam to continue your education. If I didn’t score 80% or higher, my schooling would end right there. And without education, I didn’t know how I could ever escape the cycle of poverty.

I was just 10 years old when I faced one of the most difficult moments of my life: the national exam. I remember feeling hopeless after the math portion. I was so unsure of my answers on two major questions, and I thought I had failed. For weeks, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat—I felt like my future was over.

I didn’t want to go check my results. I was too scared to face the truth. But a neighbour convinced me to go, and when I did, I found out something incredible. Not only had I passed, but I had actually gotten the highest score in my entire school, and I became the top student—the Dux of my school. That same year, I was inducted into the Le Quy Don Hall of Fame for gifted children, which is awarded to only 126 students in all of Vietnam. The little school in my village suddenly became famous for producing a top student.

That was the moment I realised that education can change everything. It changed my life, and it’s why I’m so passionate about providing opportunity to people who don’t have the same advantages.

Changing Lives, One Opportunity at a Time

At Clueo Clinical, we’re all about empowering people. But not just any people—those who are often overlooked. We believe that innovation is not just about new drugs or technology; it’s about finding fresh ways to solve problems and giving people the tools they need to thrive.

Through our flagship Industry-Bridging Program (IBP), we equip STEM-qualified professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become Clinical Research Associates (CRAs)—even if they’ve never had experience in clinical research. We don’t just focus on filling industry gaps; we change lives by providing training to underserved communities, including those in regional, rural, and remote areas like Western Downs, North Queensland, and regional Western Australia.

We’ve also expanded our efforts globally, reaching out to developing countries and professionals from culturally diverse backgrounds, including those from war-torn regions who often struggle to get their foot in the door. We’re dedicated to lifting up those who feel invisible in society, helping them overcome hidden biases, and giving them a real chance to succeed.

The Power of Untapped Potential

It’s heartbreaking to see so many talented individuals who are underestimated or passed over because of where they come from, what language they speak, or what struggles they’ve faced in life. But at Clueo Clinical, we see things differently. We see potential—untapped, overlooked potential.

When we invest in these people, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re changing the trajectory of lives. We’re empowering individuals to realise their dreams and become leaders in clinical research. And we’re doing it in a way that helps the entire industry thrive by addressing workforce shortages with highly skilled, diverse professionals.

A Ripple Effect for Future Generations

This award means a lot to us because it confirms what we’ve always known: innovation doesn’t just come from new inventions—it comes from people. When we invest in people, especially those who are often overlooked, we create change that lasts.

We’ve only just begun our journey, but we’re committed to continuing this mission until every corner of the world knows that opportunities should be open to everyone. No more hidden biases. No more discrimination in recruitment. Everyone deserves a chance to prove their worth, no matter their background or where they come from.At Clueo Clinical, we believe in ripple effects. By empowering one person, we inspire change in the entire clinical research industry. The work we’re doing today will set the foundation for future generations of clinical researchers who will carry the torch forward.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

We’re so proud of this recognition, but we’re just getting started. The journey we’re on is bigger than any award—it’s about changing lives, breaking barriers, and creating a future where everyone, no matter their background, has an equal opportunity to succeed.

If you want to be part of this change, or if you’re someone who has faced challenges and is looking for a way to break into the clinical research industry, we’re here for you. Reach out to us, and let’s see how we can help you realise your full potential.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative future for clinical research. Everyone deserves a chance.

Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen, PhD

Sue is the founder and CEO of Clueo Clinical Pty Ltd. She has over 17 years of combined experience in clinical and pre-clinical research and development, training and management. She is passionate about patient-centric science, clinical research, education, and helping others find their career passion and succeed in life.
She is an avid learner, an authentic networker and wants to empower the next generation to reach their fullest potential in Australia and around the world.

Clueo Clinical