About

To catalyze and sustain an environment in which clinical and translational research and researchers will thrive and advance human health and well-being for all.

The mission of the Clinical Research Forum is to advocate for, promote, partner, and bring about positive change in clinical and translational research that supports academic health centers and researchers by:

• Supporting research leadership at academic health centers
• Strengthening the national research infrastructure
• Championing health equity and inclusive research practices
• Sharing best practices that elevate research quality and collaboration
• Celebrating high‑impact scientific achievements
• Enhancing public understanding of clinical and translational research

Founded in 1996, the Clinical Research Forum was created to unite senior leaders from the nation’s top academic health systems to address shared challenges in clinical research. Over nearly three decades, the organization has built a powerful network of institutions and experts committed to advancing clinical and translational science.

Today, the Clinical Research Forum is recognized nationwide for:

• Convening influential research leadership networks
• Facilitating cross-sector collaboration
• Providing a platform for national dialogue on research policy and funding
• Elevating excellence through the Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards
• Driving initiatives that strengthen the U.S. clinical research enterprise

The Clinical Research Forum advances clinical and translational research through a strategic set of programs and initiatives that support leadership, collaboration and national impact.

Leadership Convenings

Annual meetings, senior leadership programs and roundtables bring together academic, industry, government and IT leaders to address emerging trends, research infrastructure needs and shared challenges across the clinical research ecosystem.

The Leadership Academy, launching soon, is a new program designed to nurture, mentor and grow the next generation of clinical and translational leaders. Through an annual leadership workshop and monthly mentor meetings, the Academy will support successful academic health center researchers who are taking that next step into clinical and translational leadership, as well as those within their first few years of leadership.

Advocacy and Policy Leadership

The Clinical Research Forum champions federal policies that strengthen clinical and translational research, including support for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, research workforce development and national clinical research priorities.

Recognition of Scientific Excellence

The Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards highlight the most impactful clinical research studies of the year, demonstrating the value and outcomes of the nation’s research investment.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Partnerships with academic health centers, patient organizations, industry partners and technology leaders create opportunities to advance research innovation, align priorities and improve the national research infrastructure.

The Clinical Research Forum represents senior leaders across the clinical and translational research enterprise — including deans and institutional research leaders, NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) directors and strategic partners from industry and government.

Together, this community advances:

• Clinical research leadership
• Academic-industry collaboration
• National clinical research initiatives
• High‑impact clinical and translational science
• Best practices that drive research excellence