While it’s still (barely) summer according to the calendar, a new cohort of early-career and graduate-level students pursuing an education in clinical research will soon set their sights on professionally rewarding experiences that will open up to them next spring and later in 2026, thanks to the generosity of supporters of ACRP Rally4Researchers cyclers who completed their latest action-packed ride last Friday (September 12).
The six-day, 355-mile cycling journey from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Washington, D.C., raises funds for the ACRP Access for Students to Clinical Research Training (ASCRT) Scholarship Program and educational grants so that researchers can benefit from gold-standard education and professional networking at the ACRP Annual Conference. Interested individuals may apply now for scholarships and grants for ASCRT career entry or professional growth scholarships, a new certification scholarship for individuals pursuing one of ACRP’s flagship certifications (ACRP-CP®, CCRA®, CCRC®, and CPI®), or continuing education grants, with the 2026 recipients being selected by the ACRP Diversity Advisory Council after the December 2 application deadline.
The Rally4Researchers riders this year were Scott Chatterton, Vice President for Business Development with Javara; Kyle Ashe, Head of Business Development for Acclinate; and David Morin, MD, FACP, CPI, FACRP, Director of Research for Holston Medical Group. Their ride included time on the Great Allegheny Passage trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Md., and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath Trail from Cumberland to the nation’s capital.
“I am deeply thankful for the support of donors, teammates, and the ACRP community that make this possible,” said Chatterton before the ride got underway. “Even with the physical and mental challenge ahead, I am determined to push through because I know this ride symbolizes the persistence needed in clinical research itself. My hope this year is that the ride not only raises funds but also builds awareness of the critical role clinical researchers play in advancing health. Thank you for cheering me and the team on, supporting the mission, and believing in the power of research. Together, we can pedal toward progress.”
On the third day of the ride, Ashe reported on LinkedIn: “The first 10 miles today was a steady climb into a headwind and reminded me of similar challenges we face in the business world. However, for every climb there is a descent. The next 22 miles past the Continental Divide were steadily downhill, where we reaped the rewards of our climb. Similarly, for headwinds and climbs we face in industry, there are periods we are descending and we use these times to rest, recharge, and get ready for the next hill. Here’s to the next hill!”
“I’m happy to say this is my third consecutive year as a cyclist for the ACRP Rally4Researchers,” Morin said in a video prepared before the ride began. “We appreciate your donations and support of this worthy cause, either as an individual or as a corporate donation.” In a later LinkedIn post about the ride, he added: “We averaged 60 miles a day on bikes loaded with gear and at least four liters of water. It’s an exercise in endurance and mindset. The bikes are heavy (up to 65 pounds) and the terrain can be challenging, but it’s very scenic and full of history. Thankfully, the weather gods were with us and our bikes performed almost flawlessly.“
This year’s Rally4Researchers is sponsored by Javara (Platinum level), Acclinate (Gold level), RealTime eClinical Solutions (Gold level), Florence Healthcare (Silver level), and Holston Medical Group (Silver level). As of September 15, more than $21,000 of the $75,000 goal had been raised through nearly 60 individual and corporate donations, with contributions still being accepted through September 30.
“Every donation fuels both the ride and the mission—opening doors for students, advancing research, and building a stronger clinical research community,” Chatterton posted on LinkedIn on the ride’s final day. “Together, we can bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity—one mile, one student, one discovery at a time.”
From 2021 to before the current fundraising period, the event has raised nearly $250,000. In 2024, ACRP awarded six $5,000 scholarships to students from underrepresented groups who were enrolled in a community college, four-year college, or master’s-level program in clinical research.
Edited by Gary Cramer
