Parexel, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based global clinical development partner, announced it would lead discussions on site activation and engagement and recognize emerging research sites at the 2026 Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Global Site Solutions Summit, held October 15–18 in Orlando, Florida.
“Sites are essential partners in clinical trials, expanding access to research and helping bring new medicines to patients faster,” said Rob Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of Parexel. “As sites face growing complexity and operational pressures, Parexel works alongside them to develop targeted solutions that make their day-to-day management of the site easier, improve efficiency and ultimately strengthen study execution.”
Sessions on Site-CRO Partnership
Parexel’s program at the summit included a workshop at the Site Partnership Symposium, “Building Resilient Site-CRO Partnerships: Working Together in the Era of Innovation,” and two expert panels:
- “From Feasibility to First Choice: What Sponsors Really Want,” featuring Shanna Nixon, Senior Director, Site Alliance, which explored what drives site selection beyond enrollment numbers and therapeutic experience.
- “Care by Design: Integrating Oncology & Clinical Trials Into Site Strategy,” featuring Mireille Carrillo, Senior Site Alliance Manager, which examined how sites can align patient identification, physician engagement, and portfolio selection with modern care delivery.
Supporting the Next Generation of Research Sites
Parexel hosted a breakfast honoring recipients of the 2026 Parexel Emerging Site Scholarship and sponsored the summit’s Site Appreciation Reception for the fourth consecutive year. At the Eagle Award Gala, the company also planned to present its inaugural Next Up Award, recognizing early-career professionals creating meaningful change at the site level.
Now in its third year and expanding globally, the Emerging Site Scholarship Program offers recipients:
- Mentorship from experienced research site leaders
- Dedicated support from Parexel site experts
- A one-year SCRS membership and complimentary registration to an SCRS Site Solutions Summit
- Professional development and educational opportunities
“Parexel is deeply committed to supporting sites’ success through programs like our Site Activation Center of Excellence, Emerging Site Scholarship Program and collaborative research forums,” said Marta León Montagut, Senior Vice President, Site Activation Center of Excellence. “Our global team of nearly 1,000 site activation professionals across 41 countries provides the expertise and support needed to accelerate trial startup and patient enrollment.”
The Site Alliance Network
Parexel’s Site Alliance Network includes more than 300 alliance sites and 16,000 investigators globally, with expertise spanning oncology and hematology, rare disease, ophthalmology, neuroscience, immunology, and infectious disease. According to Parexel, alliance sites move from activation to first patient first visit 40% faster than non-alliance sites and enroll 48% more patients per site on average.
About Parexel
Parexel is a Raleigh-based global clinical development partner providing clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry. Its 22,000-plus employees work with biopharmaceutical companies, emerging innovators, and research sites to design and deliver clinical trials.
