Alexandria, VA — The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) today announced a milestone year for its scholarships and grants portfolio, reporting the largest applicant pool in the organization’s history and the highest level of funding awarded to date. This engagement reflects ACRP’s enduring commitment to advancing representation and access within the global clinical research workforce as the organization commemorates its 50th Anniversary.
In the current cycle, ACRP received 170 applications across three programs: 42 ASCRT Scholarships, 50 Continuing Education Grants, and 78 ACRP Certification Scholarships—reflecting a 68% increase over the last year. From this exceptional pool, 24 awards were granted: 4 ASCRT Scholarships, 10 Continuing Education Grants, and 10 ACRP Certification Scholarships. Applicants represented more than 20 countries—including Singapore, Pakistan, and Nigeria—underscoring the growing global reach and impact of ACRP’s workforce development initiatives.
“Expanding access to specialized training is an imperative for building the clinical research workforce of the future. ACRP Scholarships and Grants level the playing field and allow talented people to pursue careers in clinical research, helping to build a larger, more diversified workforce that reflects the communities they serve. We are thankful for our funders and supporters who are helping ACRP build a strong and sustainable clinical research workforce,” said Susan Landis, Chief Executive Officer of ACRP.
Now in its third year, the ACRP Access for Students to Clinical Research Training (ASCRT) Scholarship empowers students at the earliest stages of their clinical research careers—whether pursuing associate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees—to access the education and training needed to enter the workforce. ASCRT awards $5,000 scholarships to students from historically underrepresented groups enrolled in community college, four‑year college, or master’s‑level clinical research programs.
The ACRP Continuing Education Grant, launched in 2023, provides funding for clinical research professionals to attend the ACRP Annual Conference (April 24–27, 2026, Orlando), the leading clinical research event where gold-standard education meets forward-thinking, real-world innovation. These grants expand access to cutting‑edge learning, leadership insights, and peer networks essential to professional advancement.
To further broaden access to career‑defining credentials, ACRP introduced the ACRP Certification Scholarship in 2025—supporting candidates pursuing their ACRP‑CP®, CCRA®, CCRC®, or CPI® credentials. ACRP Certification remains the industry’s most recognized and respected demonstration of professional competency in safe, ethical, ICH‑aligned clinical research practice.
Recipients were selected through a comprehensive review led by ACRP’s Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), a volunteer body of industry leaders that advises on strategies to recruit, support, and retain outstanding clinical research professionals from historically underrepresented groups. Together, ACRP’s scholarships and grants provide a coherent pathway across multiple career stages—from academic entry through continuing education and certification—strengthening the pipeline of a representative, research‑ready workforce.
50 for 50: Expanding Opportunity in ACRP’s Anniversary Year
In honor of ACRP’s 50th Anniversary, the organization has launched the “50 for 50” campaign to raise $50,000 in support of grants and scholarships that expand access to education and advancement in clinical research. A representative, well‑trained workforce enhances study quality, improves patient trust, and ensures that emerging therapies serve diverse populations. To contribute, visit acrpat50.org/50-for-50.
Applications for the 2026–27 scholarships and grants will open in Fall 2026. For program details and eligibility, visit acrpnet.org/scholarships-and-grants.
