Clinical Research Is Still a People Business: What SCOPE 2026 Revealed About Technology, Trust, and Time for Patients
By Laura Warwick, SVP Commercial
Reflecting on this year’s SCOPE Summit in Florida, it’s refreshing to be a part of a conference that continues to evolve in a way that complements the clinical research industry’s transformation. The forum continues to curate content which expands and deepens its reach to all the stakeholders who impact the industry—sponsors, CROs, sites, technology innovators, and investors—so together we can confront shared challenges and explore the breakthroughs redefining drug development.
At SCOPE 2026, momentum was unmistakable. The AI track drew standing-room-only crowds, reflecting the industry’s urgency to operationalize intelligent tools. The expanding investor track underscored a market focused on synergy, efficiency, and consolidation. Meanwhile, a packed exhibit hall showcased solutions already improving study execution and accelerating timelines.
Therapeutically aligned innovations remained hot with discussion—oncology and neuroscience research continue to lead many sessions, alongside metabolic disease, particularly obesity, which shows no sign of slowing. Sponsors are actively seeking new sites and broader patient access beyond the traditional GLP-1 research hubs, signaling the need for expanded site networks and community-based reach.
Among many compelling discussions, two themes emerged as especially defining for the future of clinical research:
From AI Buzz to AI Integration: The Rise of Interoperability
This year marked a decisive shift from AI exploration to AI implementation. There are effective solutions that now support nearly every stage of study execution—from workflow automations and accelerative tools to improve productivity, to data connectivity and integrations to gain operational insights.
AI is no longer a theoretical advantage. When implemented securely and strategically, it enables sites and CROs to operate more efficiently while freeing teams to focus on what technology cannot replace: relationships, patient engagement, and trust-building.
What stood out was not the number of tools available, but the growing emphasis on interoperability. Stakeholders engaged in collaborative discussions about end-to-end data workflows, working to understand shared challenges and eliminate fragmentation. This openness is laying the groundwork for thoughtful innovation that connects systems, reduces friction, and enhances decision-making.
Technology Enables. Relationships Deliver.
In parallel to technological advancements, a consistent message surfaced across panels and conversations: clinical trials remain fundamentally human.
Patients, investigators, research teams, sponsors, CROs, and vendors form the ecosystem that drives progress. Multiple panelists posed a simple but powerful question: Have we forgotten to pick up the phone?
In an era of digital transformation, relationships remain irreplaceable.
During a decentralized trial panel, Megan Sniecinski, Chief Operating Officer of Praxis Precision Medicines, described their approach which designed their phase 3 trial around patients, by bringing technology to them. Their guiding principle: Solve for time for patients—because one day matters.
Praxis operationalizes this principle by convening all partners in person very early to map the study end-to-end and challenge every possible assumption. When execution inevitably diverges from plan, aligned partners can adapt quickly because the shared priority is clear: solving for time, reducing burden, and accelerating access for patients.
This model reinforces a critical truth: strong partnerships enable agility, and agility allows the team to solve for every patient.
The Path Forward: Innovation with Intention
SCOPE 2026 made one point clear: the future of clinical research will not be defined by technology alone, but by how intentionally it is used to support people and partnerships.
AI is moving from promise to proof. Interoperability is becoming essential. Innovation is increasingly measured by real-world impact rather than hype.
Yet the most powerful driver of progress remains human connection—aligning partners, building trust, and solving for time with patients at the center.
As the industry looks ahead, the opportunity is clear: balance disciplined strategy with empathy, ensuring every advancement helps trials run better, faster, and with humans–because ultimately, we are developing life changing medicines, for people.