Addressing the Clinical Research Workforce Crisis: A Call for Collective Action

This white paper, published in March 2025, builds on previous ACRP clinical research workforce publications—but with a strong focus on solutions. It sets out a vision of how to integrate a constellation of solutions into a coherent, holistic framework, comprising a blueprint for collaborative effort.

Significant foundational work has already been done, tactical models have been piloted, and momentum is building. The opportunity is ripe for industry stakeholders to join forces and get on board, for the benefit of the entire clinical research enterprise.

“The solutions laid out in this paper are informed and recommended by some of the leading clinical research professionals in our industry, members of ACRP’s Partners Advancing the Clinical Research Workforce,” said Susan Landis, ACRP Executive Director. “No matter where trials are conducted, recruiting and retaining research-ready staff is at the top of every worry card for those responsible for talent management and clinical operations for our global enterprise.

This paper calls upon all of those invested in conducting clinical research responsibly to support efforts focused on building a supply chain of talent to feed the clinical research enterprise. We want everyone to get on board to have our profession officially recognized, to build a standard pathway into clinical research as a career, and to better understand the economic contribution the clinical research workforce makes to the device and drug development industry.”

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