Clinical Researcher—December 2025 (Volume 39, Issue 6)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MESSAGE
Susan P. Landis, CEO of ACRP
Congratulations, you made it! We are about to cross the finish line to what has been, I think, one of the most challenging years in our industry, with decrees and decisions that will shape the drug development industry and patient treatment for years to come. Some of us may not want to look back; it has been rough. Funding recalled, research halted, jobs lost. As one member said to me recently as we shared a cab to the airport after attending a conference, our predicament is “just bonkers.” There are real consequences to things occurring that we cannot control. The impact on our emotional well-being cannot be understated. I hope you are taking the time to take care of yourself.
In my travels and meetings this year, I also have heard two hopeful themes. Both draw upon universal truths that hold important lessons to lean on in these times, even though we may be tempted to dismiss them. First, we truly are all in this together. There have been days that I have been renewed by your resilience and restored by your resolve—there are no challenges that our ACRP community cannot conquer together. Thank you for being there for each other. I hope you have felt it too.
Second, there is a fundamental truth that from devastation comes growth—the forest that has burned will see new life spring up in due course. The image of the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes carries an important message in these times. Among the broadcasts of bad news that we hear almost every day, I have heard whispers of hope. “We may not be able to talk about it, but we continue to do the important work of improving representation in clinical research.” And, “Yes, we are having to do more with less, but we know how to do this, and the work continues.” Adapting does not eliminate the challenge, but on some days, it allows action to dilute despair.
As we enter what I suspect will be another challenging year, I am doubling down on committing to activities that result in action. As ACRP gets ready to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026, we are ready to help ensure that our members are prepared for what’s next in clinical research. We are shaping your expertise into an education-packed conference and ensuring that our training is accurate, relevant, and career-building. We are exploring how artificial intelligence may (or will) alter the traditional roles in clinical research and continuing to drive workforce development initiatives. In other words, we have the tools we need as we continue to do our important work to support you. I know that you, the members of our amazing ACRP clinical research community, will continue, in turn, to support each other.
From all of us on the ACRP staff and our volunteer leaders to you and yours, thank you for all that you do and all that we will continue to do together to ensure excellence in our profession and to support patients in receiving care.
**ACRP**
