Celebrating the Clinical Research Workforce
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) today announced the launch of Research Rising, the theme for the 2026 Clinical Trials Day campaign, an annual celebration organized and championed by ACRP since 2014.
Research Rising celebrates scientific progress, clinical research professionals, and the people at the center of every study—the patients who place their trust in research, the families who hold onto possibility, and the future generations who depend on better therapies and await brighter outcomes.
“Leading the celebrations for Clinical Trials Day aligns closely with ACRP’s advocacy to elevate, support, and amplify the clinical research workforce—professionals whose dedication advances patient care, drives scientific advances, and improves health outcomes across the globe,” emphasized Susan Landis, Chief Executive Officer, ACRP. “Their daily work is what lifts research forward. Please join ACRP and its incredible group of Official Sponsors who share in our dedication to recognize clinical research professionals worldwide for their immense contribution to improving patient health.”
This year, ACRP is partnering with four organizations across the clinical research enterprise that are committed to supporting the clinical research workforce: HCA Healthcare (Official Sites Organization Sponsor), Sanofi (Official Pharma/Biotech Sponsor), Tempus (Official Technology Sponsor), and Thermo Fisher Scientific (Official CRO Sponsor). ACRP also acknowledges Merck as a Supporting Sponsor of Clinical Trials Day 2026.
“On Clinical Trials Day, we celebrate the boldness and resilience of our research professionals who make innovation possible,” said Michelle Rowe, RN, Vice President, HCA Healthcare Research. “At HCA Healthcare Research Institute, we are deeply committed to investing in and empowering our people—because it is their expertise and dedication, alongside the partnership of our physicians and the trust of our patients, that advances medicine and drives better outcomes. Together, we are moving innovation forward through research.”
“Research is rising because of our incredible partnerships between scientists, patient communities, study sites, and the dedicated people around the world who make our trials possible,” noted Vicky DiBiaso, Head of Patient Driven Medicines Development, Sanofi. “This is the fuel that powers our progress—propelling us forward to develop medicines that reflect patient priorities and to advocate for increased access. We’re grateful to everyone who guides us on this journey and are excited for what’s ahead.”
“Tempus is proud to join forces with ACRP for Clinical Trials Day and support the spirit of Research Rising,” remarked Noelle Gaskill, MBA, ACRP-CP, Vice President and General Manager, TIME Network, Tempus. “We are committed to supporting the research community by providing AI-enabled tools and an expansive clinical trial network that help accelerate trial enrollment and enable broader patient access to clinical trials.”
“Clinical Trials Day is a moment to thank the participants and professionals who move science forward,” added Cris Nieto, President of Clinical Development Services, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific is pleased to join ACRP in honoring its work, and we remain committed as a patient-centric contract research organization to expanding access and advancing therapies that benefit patients worldwide.”
Designed to bring the global research community together, ACRP makes it simple for professionals and organizations to share campaign assets on and around May 20 and elevate the stories that reflect the skill, compassion, and integrity at the heart of clinical research. Toolkits with social media graphics, talking points, and activation ideas are available at Celebrate Online — Clinical Trials Day.
Participants are encouraged to tag ACRP and use the official campaign hashtags: #ClinicalTrialsDay, #CTD2026, and #ResearchRising in their communications across social media. In addition, clinical research professionals can celebrate in-person at the ACRP Annual Conference (ACRP 2026), April 24–27, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, where ACRP will honor the people who move research forward with a special experiential activation, giveaways, and meaningful connections.
New in 2026, ACRP is asking its membership to support its efforts to have May 20 officially recognized through Governor and Mayor Proclamations across the country. Learn more at State Proclamations — Clinical Trials Day. These ceremonial declarations help the public better understand the importance of clinical trials, celebrate the workforce, and reinforce the message that clinical research is fundamental to medical progress.
ACRP and Clinical Trials Day’s Official Sponsors are united in advancing a representative, resilient workforce—one composed of clinical research professionals who meet challenges with purpose and help bring hope to patients and families worldwide.
About the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
With more than 20,000 members, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is the only non-profit solely dedicated to representing, supporting, and advocating for clinical research professionals. ACRP supports individuals and life science organizations globally by providing community, education, and credentialing programs. Founded in 1976, ACRP is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to promote excellence in clinical research and whose vision is that clinical research is performed ethically, responsibly, and professionally everywhere in the world. Learn more at acrpnet.org.
