The Clinical Research Investigator Group, CRIG, has an excellent and recognized trajectory of more than 30 years in conducting clinical studies. This execution in the area of research places us among the best research clinics in Puerto Rico. The unit's staff are highly specialized in the area of clinical research among which are three (3) coordinators with master's degrees in different areas of research and epidemiology, one (1) research pharmacist, one (1) community outreach coordinator, one (1) one (1) one Data Manager, one (1) Principal Investigator/Director of the Research Center with a Master's degree in Research and two (2) research nurses. In addition, there are co-researchers and collaborators in the area of endocrinology, ophthalmology, psychology, pediatrics, radiology, pediatric gastroenterology, gynecology, obstetrics, audiology, among others.

This research group has its roots in the Hematology/Oncology Section of the Municipal Hospital of San Juan, when in 1987, under the direction of Eleanor Jiménez, MD, began providing treatment and follow-up to children infected with HIV. In 1988 the Pediatric Clinical Research Group (GRUPEDIC) was created to begin with patient participation in pediatric HIV/AIDS research studies. At its inception, most of these clinical studies were offered to pregnant women and their infants, children, adolescents and young adults infected or affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Over the years, GRUPEDIC has evolved and created CRIG to offer and impact the population of Puerto Rico through novel vaccine studies and innovative treatments. Currently, we have a range of studies from the pharmaceutical industry, academic institutions and the U.S. government focused on a variety of health issues including diabetes, obesity, HIV, microbiome, and health care.Preparations for Generating Acquired Immunity against Disease(vaccines) such as pneumococcus. Funds in full comes from grants provided by the National Institute of Health, NIH, global academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

CRIG is only dedicated to research through clinical trials and does not offer primary care to participants. Participation of subjects in clinical trials is entirely voluntary through informed consent. All studies conducted at the center are approved by an Institutional Review Board, IRB. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversees human research. The purpose of the Institutional Review Board is to evaluate all clinical trials involving humans to confirm that they conform to ethical guidelines. In addition, the Board oversees ongoing investigations and audits investigators regularly, ensuring that all research conducted is legal and ethical. Clinical trials conducted at CRIG comply with all federal regulations 45 CFR 46 and 21 CFR 50. Clinical trials involving new treatments, drugs, and dosages are evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). LFDA approval means that the benefits of the approved product outweigh its potential risks.Most clinical trials are multicenter with participation from multiple countries.

Thanks to the participation of volunteers and our rigorous implementation of clinical trials, immeasurable knowledge has been provided to develop advances in medicine and new drug therapies. These advances have been reviewed in articles published in worldwide medical journals.