The 2025 SCOPE Summit’s fireside chat focused on how companies are preparing and upskilling their clinical trial workforce to innovate in the AI landscape. Industry leaders discussed the transformative impact of AI on clinical research, emphasizing the need for new skills and collaboration between sponsors and CROs. The session highlighted AI’s role in enhancing productivity and efficiency, urging companies to embrace this technology to stay competitive.
The Role of AI in Clinical Research
AI is revolutionizing clinical research by reshaping job roles and responsibilities. Solomon Babani from Syneos Health shared insights from his experience with a startup CRO that integrated AI into clinical operations. Initially, the team faced resistance due to unfamiliarity with AI technologies. However, the company fostered a culture of experimentation and learning by organizing weekly meetings where team members shared their AI usage experiences. This approach helped demystify AI and demonstrated its potential to enhance productivity and efficiency in clinical operations. Wanda Shoer from Sanofi emphasized that AI assists in decision-making by quickly synthesizing information, allowing professionals to focus on strategic tasks. This shift from administrative duties to more innovative thinking significantly changes job roles as AI takes over routine tasks. The panelists agreed that AI is not a job threat but a tool that can dramatically enhance work, leading to more efficient and effective clinical research processes.
Essential Skills for AI Integration
Developing specific skills is crucial for effectively integrating AI into daily work. Wanda Shoer identified the need for a foundational understanding of AI tools and their applications, including knowing when and how to use different AI technologies. Beyond technical skills, she stressed the importance of human skills such as self-awareness, judgment, and collaboration. These skills are crucial for evaluating AI-generated information and making informed decisions based on professional expertise. Jimmy Bechtel from the Society for Clinical Research Sites added that effective prompting is critical for maximizing AI’s potential. He shared his learning journey of interacting with AI tools like ChatGPT to obtain more accurate and valuable outputs. By refining his approach to prompting, he enhanced the quality of information received from AI, demonstrating the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the AI landscape.
The Dynamics Between Sponsors and CROs
The evolving dynamic between sponsors and CROs in AI adoption was a significant theme. Solomon Babani noted that historically, CROs have waited for sponsors to lead innovation. However, the advent of AI presents an opportunity for CROs to take the initiative and optimize clinical operations independently. This shift could redefine traditional industry roles as CROs leverage AI to enhance service offerings and drive efficiencies. Rosalie Filling from Endo Pharmaceuticals emphasized the importance of collaboration between sponsors and CROs. She urged sponsors to partner with CROs to benefit from their broader experience with AI technologies. By working together, sponsors and CROs can accelerate the integration of AI into clinical research, ultimately leading to more efficient and practical trials.
Success Stories and Future Directions
Success stories shared by the panelists illustrated the tangible benefits of AI in clinical research. Rosalie Filling described how her company implemented an AI tool for medical writing, significantly reducing the time and cost of creating clinical study reports. This example emphasized the potential for AI to streamline processes and deliver substantial returns on investment, even for mid-sized pharmaceutical companies. Wanda Shoer discussed Sanofi’s comprehensive approach to AI investment, spanning various departments, including HR and supply chain management. This strategy demonstrates the wide-ranging applications of AI and its potential to transform multiple facets of the pharmaceutical industry. By aggregating internal data, Sanofi aims to make more informed decisions and improve operational efficiency across the board.
Summary
The SCOPE Summit’s discussion on AI integration in clinical research highlights its critical role in shaping the industry’s future. Companies can enhance productivity and efficiency by embracing AI technologies and fostering collaboration between sponsors and CROs. The broader implications of AI adoption highlight the need for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that the industry remains competitive and innovative despite rapid technological advancements.
Moe Alsumidaie is Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Moe also serves as Head of Research at CliniBiz and Chief Data Scientist at Annex Clinical Corporation.
