Clinical Researcher

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.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become pervasive throughout different fields from agriculture to finance, and healthcare is no exception. While AI has several usages in clinical settings and public health, such as diagnostics, robot-assisted surgery, patient medication reminders, and COVID-19 case surge prediction, here we focus on areas in which AI tools can be used to facilitate clinical research.

This article explores the evolution of ethical standards in clinical research, emphasizing historical violations and contemporary challenges. With a focus on maintaining participant safety, autonomy, and trust, the article provides clinical research professionals with insights into the foundational principles of ethical conduct, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for safeguarding human subjects in modern research environments.

As a follow-up to Clinical Trials Day 2025, held on May 20 with the theme of being “Powered by Purpose,” a collection of industry thought leaders shared their perspectives with ACRP on their clinical research powers, and on what they see as being the greatest current challenges and opportunities for the enterprise.

In today's increasingly competitive clinical research landscape, maximizing existing resources is not just a good practice; it's a necessity. A leaner, more efficient approach to what we do allows for greater productivity, faster timelines, and ultimately, more impactful discoveries.