Insights

Clinical research complexity continues to rise, but collaboration between research stakeholders is not keeping pace. This was one of several findings that came to light in a recent survey of more than 200 clinical research professionals across the enterprise, revealing disconnects that could hinder trial execution in 2025 and beyond. 

Sure, annual conference gatherings like the one coming your way this April in the form of ACRP 2025 in New Orleans, La., are trustworthy providers of a multitude of continuing education opportunities through sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations, but let’s not forget the value they bring in terms of basic human contact in these times of remote and hybrid work. First-time attendees to an ACRP conference may be surprised by how much the networking moments available in the meeting rooms, corridors, exhibit hall, and special event spaces will add to their overall conference experience in both the short and long term—so some veterans of attending such functions advise newcomers to be prepared. 

Critical thinking—which is essentially careful thinking directed to a goal—is key to optimizing clinical research processes. Relying on independent and interdependent decision making, critical thinking also involves elements such as questioning, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, inference, inductive and deductive reasoning, intuition, application, and creativity.