PCMG26 Call for Abstracts

The PCMG Annual Assembly will feature an open Call for Abstracts. We are inviting proposals for oral presentations that will shape the programme for PCMG26 in Berlin, 16-17 June 2026.

The PCMG Assembly is unique in bringing together professionals from across pharma, biotech, and service providers to share perspectives on clinical outsourcing. This call offers an opportunity to put your ideas on the stage, foster discussion, and contribute to the only conference that unites both sides of the outsourcing relationship.

Submission deadline: 17th November 2025

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Please carefully read the abstract submissions guidelines before beginning the submission form. We welcome submissions from sponsor companies, biotechs, CROs, and service providers.

Presentations must be delivered in person at the PCMG26 Assembly. Abstracts for remote presentations will not be accepted.

Language
Number of Presenters
Number of Abstracts

You can submit more than one abstract either as lead, or part of another team. Should more than one oral abstract be accepted, we will ensure the presentations are scheduled to ensure there are no time conflicts.

Please do not submit the same abstract more than once.
Abstract Selection
Abstracts will be assessed on:

Relevance to the clinical outsourcing community.

Fresh insights or lessons learned.

Potential to spark dialogue across different stakeholder groups.

Creativity in approach and format.

We encourage presenters to consider interactive elements in oral sessions to make them engaging and participatory.
Length
Speaker Information

Prospective speaker headshots (not AI Generated or edited, at least 400×400 pixels) and short bios (80-150 words) will be required at the time an abstract is submitted. Oral abstracts without supporting information will not be considered.

Submissions must also include information about how the proposed presentation or session will be structured to encourage audience interaction, as directed in the form. Creative approaches to interaction are strongly encouraged.

Review & Selection

All abstracts will be reviewed by the PCMG Steering Group. Selection will be based on content, originality, and contribution to shared learning. Everyone who submits an abstract will hear back from the PCMG26 Admin team once the review process is complete.

Please note: submitting an abstract is a commitment to present if selected. Presenters will be required to register for the Assembly and engage with the PCMG team to ensure sessions run smoothly.

Suggested Themes

We invite abstracts that reflect creative, practical, and innovative approaches to clinical outsourcing. The following list is not exhaustive and is simply meant to serve as inspiration.

Strategy

Acceleration of Clinical Development
Topics: Speed vs. cost, operational acceleration (white space reduction), biotech vs. large pharma case studies, sourcing implications.

Strategies for reducing development timelines (“white space” reduction).

Balancing speed vs. cost in outsourcing and development decisions.

Case studies from biotechs and large pharma (contrasting perspectives).

Practical examples over theoretical frameworks to show real impact.
Patient Advocacy & Recruitment
Topics: Role of patient advocacy groups (PAGs), recruitment acceleration, mixed sponsor experiences, AI-enabled recruitment tools.

Role of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) in study design and recruitment.

Mixed evidence: some sponsors report limited impact.

AI and data-driven approaches to patient recruitment (link to acceleration/AI topics).

Need for case studies showing real success (otherwise keep exploratory/back-up).
Financial & Global Perspectives
Topics: Financial environment’s impact on outsourcing, regional/global differences in sourcing models.

Impact of current financial environment on outsourcing decisions.

Regional/global differences in outsourcing practices and partnerships.

How market conditions shape sponsor–CRO collaboration strategies

Clinical Operations

Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Development
Topics: Practical applications, adoption challenges, sourcing evaluation, high project failure rate, hype vs. reality.

Current status: rapid evolution but high failure rate (~90% of AI clinical projects unsuccessful so far).

Applications in efficiency, data management, trial design, and sourcing.

Evaluating AI tools: adoption challenges, sourcing/outsourcing implications.

Debate-style session suggested (contrasting hype vs. real outcomes).
Outsourcing & Contracting Models
Topics: Evolution of models (value-based, cost-based, FSP, T&M), current complexity, CRO vs. pharma perspectives, future direction.

Evolution of outsourcing models (time & materials, FSP, outcomes/value-based).

Current challenges: complexity, comparability of bids, reinvention of processes.

Future direction: reducing complexity, aligning pharma/CRO perspectives.

Potentially interactive/controversial session to engage audience
Regulatory Oversight (ICH E6 R3)
Topics: Sponsor–CRO shared responsibilities, inspection readiness, quality–operations collaboration, practical oversight approaches.

Updates on regulatory expectations for sponsor–CRO oversight.

Shared responsibility between sponsors and CROs for inspection readiness.

Importance of quality–operations collaboration to enable speed and compliance.

Making the session interactive (case studies, polls, inspector + sponsor + CRO dialogue).
Sustainability in Clinical Outsourcing
Topics: ESG/CSR definitions, impact on CRO/vendor selection, practical measures (travel reduction, supply chain efficiencies).

Role in CRO/vendor selection (increasingly a requirement, especially in EU).

Defining terms: ESG vs. CSR vs. sustainability in clinical operations.

Practical examples: reducing travel, reusable supply chain materials, monitoring efficiencies.

Suggested as a shorter update session (rather than deep dive).

Submit your PCMG26 Abstract

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