Posters
Explore innovative ideas, research findings, and best practices in clinical research through our engaging poster presentations. These visual summaries present key information in a clear, concise, and compelling way, and allow researchers to share their work, spark discussions, and inspire new approaches to clinical research challenges.
Authors will be available for in-person Q&A on Saturday and Sunday. We encourage attendees to view the posters during these times to engage with the presenters, better understand their projects, and share their experience with the poster presenters.
Addressing the CRC Workforce Crisis Through Job Design and Collaboration
This poster introduces a practical initiative to enhance motivation and engagement among clinical research coordinators (CRCs) by helping them reconnect with the meaning and value of their roles. As responsibilities become increasingly segmented, many CRCs struggle with decreased task identity and significance. Drawing on Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model, the presenter has designed a reciprocal exchange program: pharmaceutical staff visited hospitals to observe clinical care, while CRCs and other site professionals visited research labs and manufacturing facilities. These experiences, followed by structured dialogues, fostered mutual understanding and reinforced a shared commitment to patients. Importantly, these efforts represent a practical and inclusive deepening of patient centricity—not just focusing on patients, but also on the people who support them every day. This presentation will share how the program was designed and implemented, and how such cross-functional engagement can help sustain the clinical research workforce.
Author: Toshiko Ishibashi, Patient Centricity Lead, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd
AI-Driven Transformation: Shaping the Future of Clinical Trial Design, Conduct, and Operations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing every stage of clinical trial design, conduct, and operations. This poster will showcase cutting-edge AI applications that are transforming the way trials are designed and conducted, accelerating processes and making them more patient-centric. AI-powered algorithms are being used to analyze vast datasets and identify optimal patient populations in minutes, not months. Natural language processing is rapidly screening electronic health records, matching eligible patients to trials with speed and accuracy. Machine learning models continuously analyze incoming data to recommend protocol amendments in real time, improving both safety and efficacy outcomes. Digital twins--virtual replicas of patients--are being used to simulate trial scenarios, predict adverse events, and optimize dosing strategies prior to enrollment. Critical ethical and regulatory questions will be discussed, including how to ensure transparency, mitigate algorithmic bias, and build trust.
Author: Tony Succar, PhD, MScMed(OphthSc), Assistant Professor, Director, Master of Science in Clinical Trial Management, Associate Director, Regulatory Knowledge and Support, Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Southern California
Breaking Silos: Fostering Inclusivity in Clinical Trials Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
The persistent silo effect among contract research organizations (CROs), sponsors, and clinical trial sites continues to limit the representation of diverse populations in clinical trials. This divide—compounded by narrow perspectives across industry sectors—has excluded key groups and undermined the health equity goals that clinical research strives to achieve.
Outdated outreach to General Practitioners and limited engagement of Primary Care Physicians further hinders participation by clinically significant patients. Many providers, despite being trusted community voices, do not recommend trials due to lack of awareness, integration, or infrastructure to support referrals.
To close these gaps, the field must confront structural and relational barriers, prioritize meaningful community engagement, and adopt collaborative strategies that bridge trust and inclusivity. By breaking down silos and fostering alignment among CROs, sponsors, sites, and PCPs, we can advance an inclusive and effective clinical research ecosystem—one that strengthens access, equity, and outcomes for all patient populations
Author: Rosa Sweeney, MPH, Population Science Strategist, PPD a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Bridging the Operational Gap: How International Teams Can Align Clinical Sites and Sponsors for Better Trial Outcomes
This poster aims to identify common operational gaps between sponsors and clinical sites that impact trial efficiency and staff well-being. It discusses methods for applying effective communication strategies to foster collaboration and reduce misunderstandings between site teams and sponsors. It also addresses how to implement practical approaches for feasibility assessment and study start-up that align protocol demands with site capabilities. The audience will learn about feedback-driven tools to minimize protocol deviations and improve trial quality, and about incorporating culturally sensitive practices to enhance patient recruitment, retention, and engagement in diverse study populations.
Author: Mounica Reddy Komirelly, Clinical Research Coordinator, Ten20 Clinical Research
Democratizing Precision Medicine: Innovative Approaches to Decentralized Genomic Clinical Trials
This poster showcases an innovative decentralized model for genomic clinical trials designed to expand access for underserved populations while maintaining scientific rigor. Traditional trial structures often exclude rural and minority groups due to geographic and systemic barriers.
Our model integrates three core elements: (1) validated at-home biospecimen collection kits with 99% sample viability, (2) blockchain-based data management ensuring security and traceability, and (3) culturally tailored recruitment strategies led by local healthcare providers.
Piloted in a national rare disease genomics study, the approach enrolled over 2,000 participants across five states—42% from historically underrepresented groups—achieving a 95% retention rate. Data quality was comparable to traditional trials, and 84% of participants expressed a preference for the decentralized approach.
This session provides clinical researchers with practical tools and strategies to implement ethical, ICH E6(R3)-compliant, and inclusive genomic trial models—advancing equitable participation and helping democratize precision medicine across diverse patient populations.
Author: Monika Panwar, Student, New York University
FDA Meets AI: Who’s Regulating the Regulators?
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pilots artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ELSA and CDRH-GPT to assist with medical device review and internal policy, a critical question emerges: Who ensures these systems remain fair, transparent, and accountable? This poster introduces a concise, visual framework to evaluate ethical oversight in AI-assisted regulatory processes. Through compelling infographics, real-world parallels, and a visual scenario analysis, the poster invites attendees to explore both the promise and risks of AI in regulation, while offering practical tools to frame human checks and balances. Designed for professionals across clinical operations, regulatory strategy, and site leadership, the poster challenges viewers to rethink how we govern the next layer of oversight.
Author: Sahar Zahid, MD, Graduate Student, Arizona State University
Joint Task Force Training: Bridging the Competency Gap for Data Coordinating Center Professionals
The critical gap in structured training for clinical research professionals within data coordinating centers (DCCs) is concerning. Despite the 2022 inclusion of project management-relevant content in the Joint Task Force (JTF) Core Competency Framework, research on their application in DCCs is scarce. As clinical trials grow in complexity, the absence of targeted training and essential resources can lead to declining job self-efficacy and costly personnel turnover. Our research presents a 10-month didactic and interactive training program designed for 15 professionals at a multicenter DCC, overseeing more than 17 clinical trials. The program focuses on specific JTF Competency Domains, utilizing resource exercises, training events, and pre/post-test surveys for both clinical research professionals and their supervisors. Objective and subjective measures will assess changes in productivity, skill, knowledge, and attitude. This initiative aims to enhance professional competency and foster a more proficient workforce in a DCC.
Authors: Dr. Noelle Herzog, DCC Program Manager, University of Michigan / SABER; Gloria Morgan, MS, BS, Assistant Director of Project Management and Quality, University of Michigan / SABER; Dr. Cathie Spino, ScD, Research Professor of Biostatistics, SABER Director, MICHR Biostatistics Director, University of Michigan / SABER
Operationalizing Equity: A Student-Led Framework for Integrating Diversity Metrics into Clinical Trial Site Selection
As diversity becomes a regulatory mandate under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA’s) 2024 Guidance, site selection processes must evolve to embed equity from the start. This student-led project introduces a practical framework that uses local health disparity data, cultural competency evaluations, and community trust indicators to inform trial site feasibility. Piloted across maternal and chronic disease studies, the approach increased underrepresented participant enrollment to 40%, well above the 12% industry average, without delaying activation timelines. This poster equips attendees with actionable tools, including a customizable Diversity Feasibility Scorecard and FDA-aligned diversity planning templates. It demonstrates how early equity metrics integration can drive ethical research and operational efficiency. Designed for clinical operations professionals, the poster highlights the value of student innovation in addressing industry-wide inclusion challenges.
Author: Monika Panwar, Student, New York University
Practical Strategies for Diverse Patient Recruitment
Effective patient recruitment is one of the biggest challenges in clinical research, especially when it comes to enrolling diverse populations. This poster offers a practical, site-level perspective on how to build trust, improve communication, and increase participation among underrepresented communities. Drawing from real-world experience at a plastic surgery research center, the presentation will cover how to train front-line staff and volunteers to support recruitment, create a welcoming environment for potential participants, and implement culturally sensitive engagement strategies. The audience will leave with actionable tools to strengthen their own recruitment efforts, no matter the size or scope of their site.
Authors: Jeremy Chidester, Plastic Surgeon, The Plastics Clinic and Spa; KinCaid Fajardo, Director of Clinical Research, The Plastics Clinic and Spa
Practice Makes Ethical: Consent Simulation for Training and Compliance Excellence
Informed consent remains a cornerstone of ethical clinical research, yet its delivery is often inconsistent and misunderstood. Despite clear regulatory requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, studies reveal persistent gaps in participant understanding—only 54% of participants grasp randomization, and up to 70% believe trials are primarily for personal therapeutic benefit. Such misconceptions compromise informed decision-making and the ethical principle of respect for persons.
A key contributor is the lack of standardized, effective training for staff conducting consent discussions. Simulation-based training offers a promising solution by providing a controlled environment where research personnel can practice, receive feedback, and refine their communication strategies. By reinforcing core consent elements and improving clarity and empathy in conversations, simulation strengthens both ethical and legal compliance. Integrating these methods into training programs can enhance participant understanding, build trust, and promote consistently high-quality consent practices.
Authors: Ashley Bader, BA, BSN, RN, CCRP, CCRC, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Tampa General Hospital; Zoe Morris, PhD, CCRC, Clinical Research Education Specialist, Tampa General Hospital; Kimberly Smith, MS, RN, CCRP, Clinical Research Education Specialist, Tampa General Hospital
Staying Connected to Why: Approaches to Staff Retention and Engagement
This poster reviews strategies and methods for staff development, engagement, and retention at a small, fully remote, specialty contract research organization (CRO). Recruiting qualified staff is the first hurdle to any clinical research team--once they are hired, it is essential to create ways for them to grow in their careers on the team and to stay engaged with the company and team mission. It’s easy to lose qualified staff to other companies and fields, which hurts the remaining team members and increases rework. This poster describes the company's employee engagement program and details of its implementation for supporting an engaged and passionate team across departments and experience levels. The program includes continuing education, engagement with patient advocacy groups, learning about the lived experience of patients and caregivers, and working with key opinion leaders. The poster is applicable for site and CRO staff working as investigators, managers, and research coordinators.
Author: Mary Kotlarczyk, PhD, ACRP-CP, Associate Director of Clinical Solutions, TRiNDS