The Society of Clinical Trials' (SCT) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (RISE) is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the 2026 RISE Emerging Leader Award. One of the many goals of SCT through the RISE Committee is to promote a diverse membership. To that end, 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

Priority will be given to applicants who are early in their career with an interest in pursuing a career in clinical trials. Early career is defined as one or more of the following:

• Within 5 years of their most recent degree (taking into account pauses in career or periods of flexible working).
• Within 5 years of completion of post-graduate training (e.g., residency or fellowship) after a terminal degree.
• Currently pursuing a graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, data science, computer science, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, social science).

Each award will cover meeting registration, a one-year SCT membership, and up to $1600 for travel and hotel expenses to attend the 2026 SCT Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, USA. All awardees will have the opportunity to network with the SCT leadership, members of the RISE committee, and be recognized during the meeting. Lastly, each awardee will be matched with an SCT mentor.

Eligibility for this award will be guided by the definitions of underrepresented groups in biomedical research. As such, to be eligible, applicants must identify with at least one of the following: Black or African American; Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; First Nations or Indigenous; Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islanders; or citizen of a low- or middle-income country. Additional consideration will be given to applicants based on gender, sex at birth, first-generation student status (first-generation college students - i.e., a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree), and disability status.

• Name
• Email Address
• A signed letter from your current supervisor certifying employment or academic advisor at the institution certifying student status (see certification template)
• Personal statement describing a) your current involvement in clinical trials; b) your interest in pursuing a career in clinical trials; and c) how membership in SCT and/or conference attendance will facilitate your professional development (limit 1000 words total)
• A statement indicating whether you plan to attend the annual conference in person
• Under-represented group(s) with which you identify: Black or African American; Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; First Nations or Indigenous; Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islanders; or citizen of a low- or middle-income country.