The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) has released comprehensive findings from the first-ever workforce survey focused on the evolution of the clinical research enterprise.
The Transformation of the Clinical Research Enterprise survey asked ACRP’s membership and the broader clinical research community about the changes in clinical research over the past five to 10 years, the present situation, expectations for the next five to 10 years, and the opportunities to invest in improvements.
More than 735 respondents identified successes, setbacks, predictions, and areas for “bending the curve.” The survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 as part of ACRP’s commitment to advocate for—and amplify the voices of—all clinical research professionals.
“We wanted to design a survey with ACRP that really took everyone’s perspective up a level,” said Paul Ivsin, Executive Vice President for Clinical Trial Strategy at Continuum Clinical. “We asked [respondents] to look back the past five to 10 years and look forward into the next five to 10 years and think about the kind of macro trends that influence what’s going on and how that’s going to play out in the in the coming years.”
Voices from the Front Lines: Transforming the Clinical Research Enterprise—Past, Present, and Future
The survey paints a generally positive picture of progress, with 90% of respondents having high confidence in understanding their responsibilities within clinical research and in their level of training being sufficient to run their trials (86%). This remains a highly attractive career path, with 77% expressing confidence that they will continue to work in this area and find it a fulfilling career and 70% expecting to remain in the field for the next five to 10 years.
However, only 33% say that trial operations are efficient industry-wide while 31% report budgets are sufficient to support good operations in their studies. In addition, 52% say that hiring and retaining clinical research staff are worse today than five to 10 years ago.
By “bending the curve”—identifying solutions to accelerate progress and address persistent barriers— improvements may be achieved. It is encouraging that participants expect a high level of contributions to clinical research from stakeholders over the next five to 10 years, with greatest positive impacts forecast from technology providers (73%), individual clinical research professionals and trade groups (72%), and site networks and organizations (65%).
“What’s been missing from the discussion about the future of the clinical research enterprise is the voice of the clinical research professional, and that’s why we conducted the survey. What the workforce thinks matters, and that’s what the survey captures,” said Susan Landis, ACRP Chief Executive Officer. “I hope that you find the results surprising and uplifting and also results that can allow you to take action.”
In an industry that drives a market estimated at more than $27 billion in the U.S. and projects substantial growth in the coming years, the perspectives of professionals who run clinical research matter.
