SCOPE Summit 2026: Putting Representation First

Data-Informed Site Selection Is Essential

A major track at SCOPE was Data-Informed Feasibility and Site Selection. The debate is no longer whether site placement should be strategic. It is how to do it effectively.

Patient and site-centric practices, changing regulations and DEI initiatives are reshaping traditional feasibility approaches. Real-world data, advanced analytics, and digital and decentralised models are accelerating that shift.

Across discussions the message was clear: sustained community engagement and strategic site positioning are key levers for improving trial representation.

There was strong emphasis on real-world data and predictive analytics, aligning directly with our LASER participant location intelligence tool. LASER analyses target populations and determines optimal site placement based on patient access.

When sessions discussed aligning site capabilities with protocol requirements and reaching underrepresented populations, the solution became clear. If sites are not accessible, representation strategies remain theoretical.

Community-Based Sites: The Missing Piece

Bianca Green, Clinical Program Diversity Head at UCB, led a panel on Diversity in Clinical Trials and what the future could look like for ensuring representation. The discussion touched on the importance of being more engaged with each community, improving health literacy, and selecting trial-naïve sites. They also explored the importance of embedding community stakeholders in the process.

Panellist Angel Akinbinu, Director, Trial Equity & Representation at Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. shared her perspective on community engagement:

 "not just digital campaigns, even though that's great and there is a place for it, but boots on the ground, actually showing up in communities.”

At EMS Healthcare, we build sustainable research infrastructure within communities. Sites are positioned based on patient geography. Partnerships allow this model to scale across therapeutic areas. Infrastructure supports accelerated recruitment and improved retention - delivering trials where people live, work and play.

What's Working and What's Next

The summit reinforced what we see consistently: trials closer to patients improve recruitment timelines, strengthen retention, and make representation metrics achievable rather than aspirational.

Conversations were practical. They focused on moving from pilots to systematic deployment and ensuring feasibility is backed by real data, not assumptions.

This is the work we are doing at EMS Healthcare: building data-informed infrastructure that makes patient-centric research scalable and operationally robust.

Let's Talk

Sponsors seeing success are those willing to rethink where and how research is conducted. Reach out to explore how community-based site infrastructure and location intelligence can accelerate trial timelines, expand access, and strengthen measurable representation outcomes.

Andy Morris, Associate Director, Clinical Research, EMS Healthcare