SCT Representation, Inclusion, Support & Engagement (RISE) Emerging Leader Award

The Society for Clinical Trials (SCT) RISE Committee is established to foster representation, inclusion, support and engagement as imperatives in all aspects of the operations of the Society, including in membership, meeting planning, leadership, advocacy, and in matters related to the SCT journal (currently Clinical Trials).

Purpose of the Award: To recognize and support outstanding early-career professionals who demonstrate remarkable potential in clinical trials methodology, development, conduct, or dissemination, and a strong commitment to expanding engagement and representation.

All awardees will be recognized during the Business Session as part of SCT's Annual Meeting. Each awardee receives complimentary meeting registration, one-year membership, and a $1,600 grant for travel and hotel expenses to attend the Annual Meeting.

We welcome applicants involved in any aspect of clinical trials methodology, development, conduct or dissemination including but not limited to:

• behavioral sciences
• ethics
• systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• health economics
• health professionals
• information systems/data management
• mixed methods
• patient advocacy
• qualitative research
• biostatistics
• trial management
• quality assurance/monitoring

The award will be presented across multiple professional tracks. The following two tracks are currently proposed, with the potential to expand in future years:

• Public Health and Clinical Research Track (e.g., biostatisticians/statisticians, epidemiologists, physician-scientists, nurse investigators, other clinician researchers)
  
  Note: This track is designed for individuals engaged in the design, analysis, and interpretation of research studies aimed at improving patient and population health.


• Study Coordination and Operations Track (e.g., study coordinators, project managers, data managers, IT programmers)
  
  Note: This track is intended for individuals involved in the planning, execution, and oversight of clinical and population health research.

Eligibility and Application Criteria:

• Applicants must be early career individuals. Early career is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Within 5 years of beginning a career in the clinical trials profession.
  • Within 5 years of completion of postgraduate training (e.g., residency or fellowship) after a terminal degree or within 5 years of their most recent degree (considering pauses in career or periods of flexible working).
  • Currently pursuing a graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, data science, computer science, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, social science).


• Applicants can either be members or non-members of SCT.


• Priority will be given to applicants who are either new to SCT or current members who may not otherwise have access to participate in the SCT annual meeting. Information regarding the country of citizenship/origin, first generation-student status, disability status, and demographics will be collected on the application to ensure a broad pool of applicants.


• Submissions must include two letters (each up to two pages): 1) an application letter from the applicant, and 2) a support letter from someone other than the applicant.
  • Letters should highlight qualifications and accomplishments relevant to the award. Specifically, they should describe the applicant's contributions to the field and explain how they are considered an emerging professional in their career in clinical trials.
  • Early-career success and future impact may be reflected in a range of achievements, including scholarly contributions, methodological innovation, leadership in trial implementation, or translating clinical trial findings into practice or policy. This goes beyond peer reviewed publications and can include active service, community engagement, volunteer roles, training/mentorship, etc.


• Applications must include the applicant's resume/curriculum vitae and confirmation from the applicant's employer of their early career status.

Application deadline is December 1, 2025. Visit the online application form by clicking here.

Awardees will be notified in early 2026.