From surviving her “sink or swim” introduction to clinical trials to leading major studies and multiorganizational research efforts, Jeri Burr, RN, PED-BC, MS, CCRC, FACRP, Program Director of the HEAL Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network, Data Coordinating Resource Center, at the University of Utah School of Medicine, has experienced the clinical research enterprise from more angles than she ever expected—both as a professional and as a parent and grandparent.
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) has opened the window of opportunity for members of the clinical research community to submit educational proposals for sessions to be presented at ACRP 2026 in Orlando, Fla., and advisors for the event emphasize that it aims to enhance the relevant workforce’s competencies, skills, professional development, and knowledge.
“If we avoid the things we are scared of, they will continue to be a problem,” says David Burrow, a Director in the FDA's Office of Scientific Investigations and forthcoming ACRP Webinar presenter. “We can all work to manage our fears, to ‘face everything and rise.’ Working together, we can cocreate solutions to reimagine clinical research and overcome barriers to innovation.”
A customer service approach is used to ensure that the Clinical Research Center (CRC) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center meets the needs of investigators and staff to ensure study timelines are met and that their recruited participants are satisfied with the research experience. The CRC had already been using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) for data capture, but thanks to staff innovation, it was determined that many of their antiquated workflows could be efficiently improved by using this tool.
To address ongoing challenges related to principal investigator shortages and broader clinical research staffing, the field needs innovative and practical solutions. Early intervention programs, already effective in increasing the number of physicians in rural areas, could potentially be adapted to provide early practical exposure to careers in clinical research.