Author: SOCRA

Shape the Future of Cancer Care: Attend the 2025 Oncology Clinical Trials Conference 

In the fight against cancer, every innovation, discovery, and connection matters. SOCRA’s 2025 Oncology Clinical Trials Conference brings together the brightest minds in oncology research on March 27-28, 2025, in Nashville, TN—a city known for its leading cancer research institutions and breakthroughs. If you’re passionate about advancing clinical trials and improving cancer care, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

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Oncology Clinical Trials Conference | March 27-28, 2025 | Nashville, TN 

As the spring season begins to bloom, an exciting opportunity awaits oncology clinical trial professionals. The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) is hosting its annual Oncology Clinical Trials Conference in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN, this March. Set for March 27-28, 2025, with preconference workshops on March 26, this event is a pivotal gathering for those involved in oncology research. This year’s conference will continue to serve as an essential platform for learning, networking, and professional growth. 

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SOCRA 2024 Year in Review & What to Expect in 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate another successful year of growth, collaboration, and education within the clinical research community. Join us in reflecting on this year’s milestones and looking ahead to the opportunities that 2025 will bring!

SOCRA 2024 Year in Review

In 2024, we continued our mission of providing accessible education, certification, and resources for clinical research professionals across the globe.

  • Certification Program: The Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP®) exam remains accessible through paper-and-pencil testing and computer-based testing, including home proctoring. These options allow candidates flexibility and convenience as they pursue certification. Learn more about the certification program here.
  • SOCRA Source Journal: The SOCRA Source journal is now available quarterly both electronically and in print, ensuring members can access its valuable content in their preferred format.
  • Membership Growth: SOCRA now proudly represents over 15,000 members and more than 11,000 certified professionals across 58 countries.
  • Educational Programs: This year, we hosted over 40 live educational programs in both virtual and in-person formats. We visited cities including Philadelphia, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Diego, reaching over 3,000 members through these programs.
  • Chapter Engagement: With more than 65 active chapters worldwide, our Chapter Program reached over 11,000 members in 2024, offering localized and accessible educational opportunities.
  • Expanded Reach: Our email blasts connected us with over 55,000 research professionals, while social media outreach engaged an audience of more than 37,000.

Annual Conference Success
The 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV, was a highlight of the year, offering eight educational tracks, preconference workshops, a peer-driven poster session, and opportunities for networking. With dynamic programming and record attendance, it showcased the best of our community’s innovation and collaboration. Read more about our 2024 milestones in the SOCRA Annual Report here.

What to Expect in 2025

The year ahead promises continued growth and innovation, with a mix of virtual and in-person programming designed to meet the evolving needs of clinical research professionals.

2025 Annual Conference

Mark your calendars! The 2025 SOCRA Annual Conference will take place September 26-28, 2025, in Chicago, IL, at the Hyatt Regency. This premier event will feature diverse educational tracks, networking opportunities, and a chance to connect with colleagues worldwide.

Educational Offerings

SOCRA is committed to offering a variety of learning formats to accommodate busy professionals:

Visit our Events Calendar here for details.

More Ways to Get Involved

Beyond conferences and webinars, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with SOCRA in 2025:

  • Chapter Program: Find or start a local chapter to connect with colleagues and earn CE credit.
  • Clinical Trials Day: Celebrate May 20, 2025, by recognizing clinical research professionals worldwide.
  • Speaking Opportunities: Share your expertise at the 2026 Annual Conference by submitting an abstract by July 31, 2025.
  • Publishing Opportunities: Submit your articles to the SOCRA Source journal or SOCRA blog to contribute to the field of clinical research.

Learn about all the ways you can volunteer and get involved here.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and invite you to join us as we continue to learn, connect, and grow together. Visit our website to learn how to become a SOCRA member and take advantage of the many benefits we offer. Contact our team or call 423.424.2814 to get started today!

Navigating the Critical Role of Quality Assurance in Clinical Trials: Best Practices, Challenges, and Emerging Trends

Viswakanth Makutam, Pharm D, Msc, ACRP-CP

The Role of Quality Assurance in Clinical Trials

Clinical Research Quality Assurance is a vital part of today’s successful clinical research, ensuring that research studies are run in compliance with regulatory requirements, following the guidelines that data integrity and patient safety are sustained. As new technologies and methodologies evolve in clinical trials every day, the role of Clinical QA becomes even more critical. In this blog, we will explore the essential aspects of Clinical QA, common challenges, some of the best practices, and evolving trends that define the scope of clinical research.

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SOCRA’s 2024 Annual Conference: Connection, Inspiration, and Innovation in Clinical Research

From September 27-29, 2024, clinical research professionals from around the world gathered in Las Vegas, NV for the SOCRA Annual Conference, a premier event dedicated to advancing knowledge and connections within our industry. Led by SOCRA Board President Laura Holtz, the conference offered attendees an immersive experience with highlights ranging from skill-building sessions to networking events and engaging keynote presentations. In reflecting on the event, Laura shared insights into the standout moments and key innovations that made this year’s conference a memorable and impactful gathering. 

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REDCap Project Building: A Tool for the Distribution and Management of Research Surveys and Databases

Picture of Emily Navarreto, Clinical Research Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University.

Emily Navarreto, BS

Clinical Research Coordinator

Thomas Jefferson University

Abstract: REDCap is a secure web application that was designed for building and managing online surveys and databases. This article focuses on the many benefits of REDCap for collecting research data. Topics covered include how to build a project, survey distribution, exporting data securely, and analyzing results. The variety of projects that can be built on the platform and how to effectively manage both individual and mass data collection are highlighted.

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The Crucial Skills That All CRAs (Monitors) Need

Picture of AGA Finlayson, MA, MSc, Founder and Director of the White Wisteria Academy.

AGA Finlayson, MA, MSc

Found and Director

White Wisteria Academy

Abstract: In the heavily regulated world of clinical research, clinical research associates (CRAs) are generally receiving all of the training in hard skills that they need to understand their role. What is often missing is training in the soft skills that will help them deal with the demands of the job, increase each CRA’s job satisfaction, and reduce churn (staff turnover), while allowing CRAs to have a healthy work-life balance. Examples of crucial soft skills include assertiveness, listening, and task efficiency. This article describes two pictures of a CRA’s life: one without these soft skills and one with soft skills training. This will illustrate the importance of paying attention to soft skills and offering CRAs appropriate training in soft skills along with training in hard skills.

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Celebrating Clinical Research Excellence with 2024 President’s Award Winner Dan Redline, BA, CCRP 

The global clinical research community will gather in Las Vegas from September 27-29, 2024, for the SOCRA Annual Conference. This year, we’re pleased to honor Dan Redline with the President’s Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions and dedication to advancing clinical research. 

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Finding Success and Belonging at the SOCRA Annual Conference: A First Time Attendee’s Experience 

Holly Crandall

BSN, RN, CCRP

Indiana University School of Medicine

This time last year, I was unsure if traveling to Montreal for the SOCRA Annual Conference would be a worthwhile investment in my career. As a research nurse, I’ve attended several conferences specific to my clinical field, which provided valuable knowledge about the disease states I work with. However, the SOCRA Annual Conference was different. It offered new tools and ways of thinking about my daily work. Entering a poster into the Poster Program also gave me a greater sense of involvement. I left energized by the passion of the other participants and excited for this year’s conference in Las Vegas. 

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Strategies to Promote Inclusion and Decrease Language Barriers in Spanish Speaking Participants

Ariana Berrios, EMT, Thomas Jefferson University

Picture of Emily Navarreto, BS, Thomas Jefferson University.

Emily Navarreto, BS

Thomas Jefferson University

Picture of Nancy A. Wintering, LCSW, CCRP, Thomas Jefferson University.

Nancy A. Wintering, LCSW, CCRP

Thomas Jefferson University

Abstract: This paper was developed from our discussions about inclusion of non-English speakers in clinical research. We presented a poster on this topic at the 2022 SOCRA Annual Conference. We believe that Spanish-speaking individuals are often excluded from clinical research studies because of language barriers. While some language services have been established for clinical use, those services are often unavailable and are generally not standardized for clinical research purposes. This paper calls attention to current language barriers and provides an overview of the shortcomings of Spanish language services in clinical research. The authors propose strategies to promote research that is inclusive of Spanish-speaking participants. While the emphasis of this paper is focused on improving inclusion of Spanish-speaking participants in clinical research; the solutions we propose could be applied to other participants whose first language is not English.

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