Time to activation remains one of the most critical and challenging determinants of site performance in clinical research. Delays in startup don’t just slow enrollment; they impact investigator engagement, sponsor confidence, and long-term competitiveness. This session explores how organizational models, centralized, decentralized, and hybrid, shape activation timelines in real-world settings.
Drawing on practical examples, we’ll examine why activation delays rarely stem from a single step, but from fragmented workflows, limited visibility, and unclear accountability across feasibility, budgeting, contracting, and review processes. Participants will learn when centralization can drive clarity and consistency, where decentralization adds value, and how high-performing organizations intentionally design hybrid models to balance efficiency with local expertise.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the activation critical path, the role of parallel work, and the metrics that truly matter when building sustainable speed into study startup.
This session does not provide ACRP Contact Hours.
Speakers:
Shannon Chism, Education & Research Consulting Sr. Director, Huron Consulting Group
Mindy Muenich, Education & Research Sr. Director, Huron
