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10:30 AM | Harnessing Wisdom for Strategic Innovation Join us for an engaging panel discussion that delves into the pivotal role of wisdom within the clinical research industry. Our panel of industry stakeholders will discuss how accumulated knowledge, experience, and sound judgment contribute to making informed decisions, fostering innovation, and ultimately driving impactful clinical research outcomes. This panel aims to empower members of the clinical research community to make informed decisions, lead with confidence, and drive strategic innovation. Key discussion points will include:
• Aramy R. Forrest - Sr. Director Project Management and Clinical Affairs, Development Innovations - Sarah Cannon Research Institute • David Fryrear, MS - Chief Quality Officer - Astellas • Jennifer Sheller - Senior Vice President & Head of Global Clinical Trial Operations - Merck • Corey Alexander, MBA - Global Head, GCP Inspections and Process Quality, RDQ CQA - Novartis (Moderator) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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11:30 AM | Embracing Efficiency in Clinical Innovation Join us for a dynamic panel discussion focused on the theme of efficiency as the sunrise of clinical innovation. This session will explore how the principles of doing more with less, embraced by supporting innovation and optimizing clinical trial processes to enhance efficiency. Our panel of industry stakeholders will discuss strategies and best practices for optimizing clinical trial operations and quality, integrating lean methodologies, leveraging technology, and advancements in AI to streamline processes. We'll emphasize the importance of cross-functional collaboration to harness diverse perspectives and drive innovation, all while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centricity. Key discussion points will include:
• Dominic De Bellis, PhD - Executive Director, Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Operations Lead, Medical Writing & Disclosure | Global Clinical Trial Operations - Merck • Dawn East - Associate Vice President – Global Medicine Quality - Eli Lilly and Company • Gaurav Josan - Senior Vice President, Research & Development - Clario • Jill Johnston, CCRA, CPM - Chief Innovation Officer - WCG (Moderator) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:15 PM | A presentation of key findings from the 2025 Avoca Industry Survey, which is focused on understanding opinions and experiences from sponsors, providers, and sites related to the final ICH E6(R3) guidance. ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1:00 PM | Building the Foundation: Provider Qualification to Continuous Oversight for Effective Inspection Readiness Join us for an in-depth discussion on how the initial qualification stage sets the foundation for robust oversight while ensuring ongoing inspection readiness. This session will cover best practices in qualification and practical strategies for ongoing oversight with a focus on maintaining inspection readiness from the study start. • Katie Delaney, DHA, MBA - Subject Matter Expert, AQC - Avoca, A WCG Company • Keith Dorricott - Senior Consultant - AQC • Karen Harvey - Senior Director, Avoca Quality Consortium - Avoca, A WCG Company • Irene Michas, PhD, MSc - Senior Consultant - Avoca, A WCG Company • Trevor Cole, BHS, MBA-HCM-PM, CCRC, PMP, RN - Director - WCG • Nicos Zittis, MBA, CPM - Subject Matter Expert, Avoca Quality Consortium - Avoca, A WCG Company ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | The Future of Clinical Quality: Integrating Generative AI Join us for this session where we will utilize a case study to begin our journey of embedding AI into quality event tracking, trending, and management. • Sofija Krivokapić - Data Scientist - AstraZeneca • Kevin Richards - Head of Quality Investigations and Analytics - AstraZeneca • Mark Volk - Associate Director, Quality Investigations & Analytics, Clinical Operations, R&D - AstraZeneca ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:45 PM |
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10:10 AM | With her captivating presence and insightful perspective, hear Katie Doble's profound first-hand account of navigating clinical trials as a patient, preserving hope amidst daunting challenges, embracing humor, and the invaluable role of a supportive caregiver team ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:30 AM | Ensuring Adaptability and High-Quality Amidst an Evolving Clinical Trial Landscape Join us for a compelling panel discussion on resilience as the bedrock of sustainability in clinical trials. In an ever-evolving industry, maintaining adaptability and high-quality standards is crucial. We will delve into what resilience and sustainability mean to different stakeholders, including Sponsors, Providers, Sites, Participants and Regulatory bodies. Discover how robust foundations today enable future success and sustainability in clinical trials. Key discussion points will include:
• Rachel Dossman - Director, Clinical Process Compliance, Clinical Development Operations - AbbVie • Saubiya Kidwai - Vice President, Systems & Compliance - PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific • Carly Santer, PhD - Strategic Initiatives Project Leader & Sustainability Activator - Bayer • Paula Walker - Global Head of Risk Based Quality Management - Roche • Michelle Webb - Vice President, Avoca Quality Consortium - Avoca, A WCG Company (Moderator) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 AM | Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration Across Stakeholders Join us for an insightful panel discussion on integrity as the horizon of trust in clinical trials. This session will explore the vital role of transparency and collaboration in building and maintaining trust with trial participants, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Emphasizing the strategic priority of maintaining open and honest communication, our panel will discuss how effective stakeholder engagement is key to ensuring the credibility and success of clinical research. Leveraging the learnings from previous sessions on wisdom, efficiency, and resilience, our experts will integrate these themes into the discourse on integrity to provide a comprehensive view. We will explore strategies for fostering meaningful collaboration and clear communication channels among all parties involved in clinical trials. Key discussion points will include:
• Lauri Befus - Vice President of Operations - M3 Wake Research • Mitchell Katz, PhD - Senior Vice President, Global Clinical Operations - Kyowa Kirin • Kellie MacLeod - Executive Vice President, Global Quality Assurance - Worldwide Clinical Trials • Jean Sposaro - Director Global Drug Development : Clinical Trial ++ Industry Collaborations - Bristol Myer Squibb • Brant Nicks - Senior Vice President, Clinical Solutions & Strategic Partnering - WCG (Moderator) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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12:30 PM | The Intersection of E8(R1) and E6(R3) and Practical Solutions to Drive Efficient Implementation and Change Management ICH E6(R3) Good Clinical Practice builds on the key concepts in ICH E8(R1) General Considerations for Clinical Studies. With E6(R3) imminent implementation timelines, join us for an informative discussion where we will highlight how these two important guidance documents together enhance quality and efficiency in clinical trials. Additionally, we will outline practical strategies to support efficient implementation at your organization. Key Discussion Points:
• Keith Dorricott - Senior Consultant - AQC • Karen Harvey - Senior Director, Avoca Quality Consortium - Avoca, A WCG Company ![]() ![]() | Charting Successful Inspections: The Role of Collaboration and Partnership between Sites and Sponsors in Evidencing Trial Control in a Risk Proportionate Landscape In a dynamic regulatory environment, effective trial control and risk management are paramount to the success of clinical inspections. Join us for this engaging workshop where we will highlight the pivotal role of collaboration between Sites and Sponsors in achieving compliance and evidencing trial control. Key Discussion Points:
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1:30 PM |
More details to be announced