Abstract
Objective: To describe the development, evolution and philosophy of a clinical research unit.
Method: The 20-year history of clinical psychiatric research in Christchurch is described. The variety of influences which have impacted upon the studies undertaken is acknowledged, as are the personal histories of key staff.
Conclusions: Clinical research is potentially endangered. The maintenance and development of clinical research requires a mix of individual inquisitiveness and determination, local opportunity and political will. Despite a political desire for evidence-based medicine; most political policies and practices impede the development of new knowledge and the collection of new evidence.