Clinical sites get their own industry group

A new trade organisation intended to give clinical research sites a voice was launched at industry event earlier this week.

The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) - which was unveiled during the 7th Annual Site Solutions Summit - was founded as a trade organization to represent the voice of clinical research sites within the clinical research sector.

Co-founder Christine Pierre aims to provide clinical sites with resources, mentoring and new ideas through a membership organization dedicated to providing sites both a voice and community.

"Sites have a major role to play in the clinical trials process, and for too long, they have been the silent partner in the research enterprise, but they will no longer be passive participants. Now is the time for sites to become active partners in the dialogues and solutions through the voice of SCRS."

The initiative is supported by Janet Woodcock, director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who suggested that SCRS can have a positive impact on pharmaceutical development.

"This is a significant advancement for the clinical research community" Woodcock said, adding that "having a voice for clinical research sites will contribute to the development of innovative clinical studies to gain important information more quickly, and, ultimately, to bring promising drugs to patients in need."

The aims of the new organisation are as follows:

- To foster collegiality and appropriate sharing of information and insights.

- Advocate by vocalizing and disseminating the clinical research sites' positions on critical issues and educating other stakeholders regarding those positions.

- Promote opportunities for the investigative site community to connect and learn from fellow sites and other critical stakeholders.

- To educate and mentor sites to ensure success and the continuation of a legacy of excellence.