- David Jones
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
COG: CRO Summit Europe 2025 Meeting Review
The inaugural CRO Summit Europe took place on the 16th & 17th September, at the Novotel Amsterdam City, Netherlands. This two-day event brought together industry leaders from Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and service providers to address the evolving landscape of clinical research in Europe.
Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration
The summit emphasised the critical importance of strategic alliances in today's clinical research environment. Gaia Kiru from Imperial College London's ICTU Unit demonstrated how CROs can leverage complementary partnerships to deliver specialised capabilities and operational efficiency. The theme resonated throughout multiple sessions, with speakers highlighting how traditional vendor relationships are evolving into strategic partnerships that combine operational knowledge with specialised expertise.
Aixial Group's keynote was delivered by Jonas Möller presenting "Transforming Challenges Into Breakthroughs: Strategic Partnership for Clinical Excellence." Jonas outlined proven strategies for converting clinical development obstacles into breakthrough opportunities through transparent milestone-driven planning and sound operational frameworks. His presentation emphasised how strategic partnerships can support both sponsors and investors in achieving superior clinical outcomes while managing funding complexities and regulatory demands.
AI and Technology Integration
Artificial Intelligence emerged as a transformative force across all operational areas. Maryna Todoriuk from MEDSIR showcased how AI is revolutionising trial architecture development, from early feasibility modelling to site selection and stakeholder mapping. The technology sessions revealed practical implementations including automated anomaly detection systems, machine learning algorithms for database lock processes, and AI-driven data quality enhancement tools.
TRIALT's Yuri Kartashov and Yaroslav Sud demonstrated advanced AI/ML applications in biometrics, showing how automated systems can identify data quality issues before they impact statistical analyses. Their presentation highlighted achieving up to 90% reduction in data extraction time and 45% faster issue resolution.
Internal Operations Excellence
Resource planning and employee engagement featured prominently as critical success factors. Christel Slot from Syneos addressed the challenge of forecasting and fulfilling personnel needs while maintaining quality standards. The focus on integrating resource forecasting with engagement strategies reflected the industry's recognition that operational excellence depends on building motivated, high-performing teams.
eClinical Solutions presented compelling data showing how modern clinical data platforms enable CROs to achieve significant efficiency gains - including 90% reduction in data extraction time and 25% faster progression from last patient visit to database lock.
European Market Positioning
A significant portion of discussions centred on enhancing Europe's competitiveness in global clinical research. The C-Suite panel examined regulatory harmonisation efforts and strategies to compete more effectively with established markets like the US and emerging powerhouses like China and Australia.
Gülden Ortaç from KlinAR CRO highlighted emerging opportunities in Türkiye as Europe's gateway for clinical research, demonstrating the country's European-aligned regulatory frameworks combined with unique patient recruitment advantages.
Innovation in Patient Access
The summit addressed evolving approaches to patient recruitment and retention. Nicolas Thevenet from Euraxi Pharma and patient expert Dominique Hamerlijnck challenged traditional site-centric models, presenting innovative home-based clinical services that expand research footprints across Europe. Their session on decentralized research approaches demonstrated how bringing trials to patients can dramatically improve enrolment timelines and diversity.
We extend our gratitude to all speakers who contributed their expertise across the two days, including those highlighted in this report: Catherine Tyner (AG Mednet), Andreas Lysandropoulos (Parexel), Carol Alexandre and Lisette Wagenaar (IQVIA), Maryna Todoriuk (MEDSIR), Rob Masson (The DPO Centre Group), Victoria Watts (Premier Research), Roberta Guarrera (FTR Advisor), Gaia Kiru (Imperial College London), Yuri Kartashov and Yaroslav Sud (TRIALT), Milen Barijanian (NoyMed), Christel Slot (Syneos), Achilleas Zaras (eClinical Solutions), Matt Cooper (Worldwide Clinical Trials), Jonas Möller (Aixial Group), Nicolas Thevenet (Euraxi Pharma), Dominique Hamerlijnck (Patient Expert), Nikhil Khadabadi (Eclevar Medtech), Gülden Ortaç (KlinAR CRO), Jitske Beukema (Research Drive), Andreas Moschos (NEXT CRO), and Sverre Bengtsson (Digital Trial Consultants) who served as conference chair.
Conclusion & Audience Breakdown
COG: CRO Summit Europe 2025 brought together key stakeholders from across the region's CROs and service providers to address pressing challenges facing the industry today. Through a diverse program of keynotes, panel discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions, attendees gained valuable insights and practical strategies for optimising clinical trial management, technology, and internal operations.
This event highlighted the Europe's importance as a hub for clinical research.
COG: CRO Summit 2025 welcomed an audience of CRO executives (over 70% of total) from across Europe.
Looking Forward
Given the overwhelming response to this inaugural event, the PBC Group have already announced plans for a 2026 summit. The success of this first gathering has established the COG: CRO Summit Europe as what promises to be an essential annual event in the clinical research calendar.
When: September, 2026
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
How to get involved:
Present on the Programme – David Jones (djo@thepbcgroup.com)
Sponsorship & Exhibiting – Alexander O'Leary (aol@thepbcgroup.com)
Register to Attend - www.thepbcgroup.com/crosummit-registration
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