New Trade Organization Launched With Goal Of Creating A Voice For Research Sites

The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) was unveiled during the 7th Annual Site Solutions Summit on October 13, 2012. SCRS was founded in response to the growing need for a trade organization to represent the voice of clinical research sites within the clinical research enterprise. The Society's mission is to Unify and amplify the voice of the global clinical research site community.

Christine Pierre, founder of the Site Solutions Summit, was motivated, along with other experienced research professionals, to provide sites with resources, mentorship, and new ideas through a membership organization dedicated to providing sites both a voice and community. She explains, "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."

Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, has been supportive of a stronger voice for clinical research sites. "This is a significant advancement for the clinical research community," Dr. Woodcock said. "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."

With SCRS a reality, the ability to make a positive difference for the clinical research sites and their industry partners can be realized. Pierre describes what SCRS offers to achieve its mission:
SCRS will…Establish a trade organization whose member companies' 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.
Connect by promoting opportunities for the investigative site community to connect and learn from fellow sites and other critical stakeholders.
Educate & Mentor sites to ensure success and the continuation of a legacy of excellence.

Ultimately, through supporting its mission, SCRS will help improve the development of safe, effective timely treatments for patients. SCRS looks forward to collaborating with other organizations that have shared vision and recognition of the importance of all stakeholders in the discussion about bringing operational excellence to the clinical research enterprise.

Recognizing the value of all industry stakeholders, any company involved in clinical research may participate as a member of SCRS. Membership in SCRS is open to individual clinical research sites, site networks, and companies that sponsor or support the work conducted at sites. Accordingly, membership dues are set at a sliding scale with a range of benefits. Visit www.mySCRS.org for more information.