JOIN US!
The MRCT Center is proud to invite clinical research stakeholders—including professionals, patient participants, and advocates—to the 2024 Annual Symposium, a complimentary event celebrating 15 years of advancing ethical, actionable, and practical solutions for clinical trials. This symposium will bring together diverse voices to explore cutting-edge advancements, regulatory updates, and participant-centered approaches shaping the future of clinical research.
Event Details:
- Date: November 14–15, 2024
- Location: Gordon Hall & Countway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. A virtual option is also available.
- Cost: Free to all registrants
Featured Keynote:
We are honored to welcome Dr. Khair ElZarrad, Director, Office of Medical Policy, FDA, as our keynote speaker. Dr. ElZarrad will share perspectives on current trends and future developments in clinical research and regulation.
Highlighted Panels:
- Panel 1: Post-trial, Continued Access to Investigational Medicines and Devices
This panel will address the complexities of ensuring post-trial access to investigational interventions, spotlighting practical solutions and ongoing challenges.
- Panel 2: The Impact of AI-Driven Digital Twins on Clinical Research
Explore how AI-driven digital twins are transforming the landscape of clinical trials by creating virtual simulations of patient outcomes. This session will cover the technical, ethical, and practical considerations of this game-changing technology.
- Panel 3, Breakout 2: A Conversation with Participant Advocates: The Future of Participant-Centered Clinical Research
Participant/advocates will share their personal experiences and discuss how participant-centered clinical research can better address participant needs.
- Panel 4: Accessibility in Decentralized Trials
This panel will focus on the importance of inclusive trial design, emphasizing how decentralized trial components can be made accessible to all participants, particularly those with disabilities, through universal design principles.
Additional Highlights:
- Networking opportunities, including lunch and a cocktail reception
- Vivli/MRCT Center Annual Meeting on Friday, November 15: Symposium registrants are invited to join the Annual Meeting at the Harvard Faculty Club, which will include:
- Keynote by Steffen Thirstrup, CMO, European Medicines Agency, on the future of data sharing and the European Health Data Space
- Panel Discussions on data sharing, Health Information Exchanges (HIE), and the opportunities and risks of AI in clinical research
Help advance solutions that lead to meaningful change in clinical trials and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Join us in Boston to help foster collaboration and drive the implementation of strategies that deliver tangible results for both patients and the wider research community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the schedule?
I am attending in person. What do I need to know?
The Annual Symposium will take place in two locations:
- Thursday, November 14, 8:00 AM – 6:15 PM: Gordon Hall, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Friday, November 15, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Harvard Faculty Club, 20 Quincy Street
You will need a photo ID to enter both locations.
There is no charge to attend the MRCT Center Annual Meeting.
On Thursday, a continental breakfast, lunch, and cocktails/appetizers are offered. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions.
On Friday, a continental breakfast and lunch are offered.
Meeting slides and related resources will be shared with all registrants after the meeting.
Please share the registration information with others in your network.
For your convenience, we have included information about hotels in Harvard Square and near the Harvard Medical School.
Parking is available for a fee. Click here for detailed Parking Information and links.
Harvard Faculty Club parking information
Parking is available at paid public parking in Harvard Square, including the Harvard Square Parking Garage (65 JFK Street), Charles Square Garage (1 Bennett Street), Propark Church Street Lot (41 Church Street) and University Place Garage (124 Mt. Auburn Street).
I am attending virtually. What do I need to know?
There are two separate Zoom coordinates, one for Thursday’s program and one for Friday’s program. Those coordinates will be shared one week in advance via email.
Can I attend some events in-person and others virtually?
Yes! While in-person attendance is preferred, virtual participation – either entirely or in part – is welcome. Please indicate which events you will attend in-person or remotely on the registration form. Note: cocktails on Thursday, November 14 is only open to in-person attendees for Thursday’s meetings.
Do I need to register separately for the Vivli/Mrct center meeting on Friday, November 15?
No, you can register for all events from the same registration form.