Blog

Results of clinical trials are only as good as the data upon which they rest. This is especially true in terms of diversity—if most people in a trial are from a certain race or socioeconomic group, then the results may not be broadly applicable. This form of potential bias is not a novel concept, but a group of researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago that includes an ACRP Student member as well as colleagues from other institutions has identified a potential hidden source of bias: electronic health records.

The June issue of ACRP’s Clinical Researcher journal will feature submissions with a variety of perspectives on where big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are taking us, and how research participants fit into the big picture.

With three of its most high-profile annual events happening hot on each other’s heels in springtime, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) has again this year captured attention for its educational and outreach initiatives from a variety of industry and social media platforms.

A new associate clinical research associate (ACRA) professional development program at Merck, known as MSD outside of the US and Canada, aims to increase and diversify the clinical research workforce. The program welcomes and trains new employees who do not have a CRA background but have transferable skills.

In this fifth blog in a series observing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, three members of ACRP’s Northern California Chapter offer their thoughts on improving inclusion of these populations in clinical research.