10 Must-Attend Sessions for Clinical Trial Innovators at Scope Summit

Sifting through a 98-page program makes narrowing down your schedule to maximize your time at the Scope Summit feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you—curating the 10 must-attend sessions every clinical trial innovator needs to mark on their calendar. From patient-centric trial design to leveraging AI for operational efficiency, these sessions highlight the latest advancements shaping the future of clinical research.

1. AI in Clinical Trials—Case Studies & Lessons From Real Implementations, Featuring a Fireside Chat with Eli Lilly

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the clinical trial landscape,and this session offers an exclusive look at its transformative potential through real-world case studies.

Wed, Feb 5 at 9:55 am

What you'll learn

  • Proven Use Cases: Discover the top AI applications driving measurable improvements in clinical trial operations.
  • Lessons From Industry Leaders: Hear directly from Eli Lilly’s experts about how they’ve leveraged AI to create digital full-time equivalent (FTE) capacity, transforming clinical development processes.
  • Navigating Challenges: Learn about the potential risks of AI adoption and how to overcome them effectively.

Featured Speakers

Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Life Sciences AI Leader, PwC

Lora Todd, VP of Emerging Tech and Information Management, Eli Lilly

Mike Luker, VP of Data & Analytics, Clinical Development, Eli Lilly

2. Opportunities for AI, RWD, and People to Power Trial Optimization

AI and real-world data (RWD) are transforming trial feasibility assessments. Learn how these tools integrate into trial optimization and foster cross-functional collaboration.

Tues, Feb. 4 at 11:35 am

What you'll learn

  • How to integrate AI and real-world data (RWD) for optimizing trial feasibility assessments.
  • Practical steps for using AI alongside RWD to streamline processes.
  • Strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration to innovate trial feasibility.

Featured Speakers

Desiree Abu-Odeh, PhD, MPH, Senior Scientist, Global Trial Optimization, Merck

Dana Wheeler, Associate Principal Scientist, Global Trial Optimization, Merck

3. Panel Discussion: Redesigning Site Contract and Budget Negotiations to Accelerate Study Start-Up

Streamlining contract and budget negotiations is key to accelerating study start-up. This session provides actionable strategies to simplify these critical processes.

Tues, Feb. 4 at 11:35 am

What you'll learn

  • Best practices for faster contract and budget negotiations.
  • Collaborative approaches to balancing sponsor and site needs.
  • Strategies for aligning budgets with trial goals to reduce delays.

Featured Speakers

Jennifer Sydney Goldman, Consultant, Clinical Business Operations

Jenn Hill, Director, Clinical Site Contracting and Payments, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Erik Sokolowski, Senior Director, Global Trial Optimization, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Serpil Tutan, Director, Clinical Research, Baylor College of Medicine

Moderator: Debora Sobral, Director, Site Budget Management, Kyowa Kirin

4. Keynote: Fostering Clinical Innovation in a Large Pharmaceutical Organization

How can pharma giants stay agile and innovative? April Lewis offers a roadmap focusing on four key areas for fostering creativity and building a culture of innovation within large organizations.

Wed, Feb 5 at 2:37 pm

What you'll learn

  • Building infrastructure and teams to support creativity in clinical trials.
  • Driving patient-centricity through innovative research methods.
  • Aligning organizational goals with groundbreaking healthcare outcomes.

Featured Speaker

April Lewis, Head, Innovative Health, Global Development, Johnson & Johnson

5. Future of Medicine Community Health Screening: A Revolutionary Approach to Enrolling Clinical Trials

Recruitment challenges remain a major hurdle in clinical trials. This session showcases a groundbreaking “always-on” pre-screening model to improve recruitment and connect patients to multiple trials simultaneously.

Wed, Feb 5 at 12:25 pm

What you'll learn

  • How the "always-on" pre-screening approach transforms recruitment economics.
  • The role of community health screenings in improving education and access to clinical research.
  • How you can help bring Future of Medicine to communities around the world

Featured Speaker

Ralph Passarella, Co-Founder, Care Access

6. Accelerating Drug Development through Clinical Trial Delivery Innovation

Hybrid and decentralized trials are the future. Learn how innovative research methods are reshaping patient engagement and reducing investigator burden.

Tues, Feb. 4 at 11:05 am

What you'll learn

  • Key lessons from decentralized and hybrid trial strategies.
  • Reducing patient and investigator burden through innovative methods.
  • Examples of successful implementation and their future applications.

Featured Speaker

Kim O'Day, Senior Director, Emerging Technology Operations, Eli Lilly

7. Workshop: Efficient Importation of Biological Materials into the U.S.

Importing biological materials into the U.S. can be a logistical minefield. This workshop offers insights into navigating regulations and ensuring smooth importation.

Mon, Feb. 3 at 1 pm

What you'll learn

  • Navigating the regulatory landscape for importing biological materials.
  • Best practices for streamlining the importation process.
  • Collaborative strategies to overcome logistical challenges.

Instructors

Jessica Hammes, Branch Chief, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Jennifer Merriman, Senior Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb Co.

8. Leveraging RBQM Technologies to Achieve Diversity Action Plan Goal

Diversity is a cornerstone of modern trials. This session highlights how RBQM technologies can help implement and monitor Diversity Action Plans.

Wed, Feb 5 at 9:15 am

What you'll learn

  • Using RBQM technologies to develop and execute Diversity Action Plans.
  • Insights from case studies on diversity-focused monitoring.
  • Strategies for inclusive trial oversight and execution.

Featured Speakers

Damalie Akuamoah, Diversity Program Lead, Merck

Naveen KK, Vice President, Fortrea

Lydia Matombo, Director, Merck & Co.

9. Panel Discussion: Scaling CGT – Cracking the Supply Chain Code

Scaling cell and gene therapies is a complex but essential challenge. Learn how to build a robust supply chain without compromising product integrity.

Wed, Feb 5 at 12:25 pm

What you'll learn

  • Overcoming scaling challenges in the CGT supply chain.
  • Maintaining cell viability and quality during production.
  • Collaborative strategies across stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

Featured Speakers

Christine M. Fernandez, Consultant, Cell & Gene Therapy

Michael Mehler, Director, Cell Therapy Operations, AstraZeneca

Cara Woodruff, Director, IQVIA Technologies

Moderator: Lee Buckler, Senior Vice President, Blood Centers of America

10. LUNCHEON PRESENTATION: Future of Medicine: Community Health Screenings and Research Education Across America

This presentation will highlight how a community-driven approach is fostering greater diversity in research while bringing advanced health screenings and study opportunities to underserved populations nationwide.

Wed, Feb 5 at 1:30 pm

What you'll learn

  • Insights into how community health screenings increase access to clinical trials and research education.
  • Real-world examples of the program’s success in making clinical trials more inclusive.
  • Opportunities to explore how this innovative model can be applied in your organization.

Featured Speaker

Jennifer Hillner, Vice President, Strategic Accounts, Care Access

The future of clinical trials is being written by the innovators who ask bold questions and embrace transformative solutions. These sessions bring together the best minds in clinical research, offering a unique space to share ideas, tackle challenges, and create a brighter future for clinical trials. Join the conversation, challenge the status quo, and help drive real progress in patient care and research efficiency.

See you there!

Stop by the Care Access booth 503 at the SCOPE Summit. You could win exciting prizes while learning about our innovative solutions. Exhibit Hall Floor Map.