Orbis Clinical at SCOPE 2025: Key Takeaways for Life Sciences Recruitment
By Keytrice Castro (Business Development Specialist), Katie Bortz (Director of Business Development), and Neha Potdar (Manager of Life Sciences Recruitment)
Orbis Clinical recently attended SCOPE 2025 (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives), where industry leaders came together to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of clinical research. As with many other industries, Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated many discussions, signaling a transformative shift in clinical research and operational efficiencies. However, this was not the sole focus of the summit. Here, we discuss the trends that are redefining the industry. From the evolution of Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) to the rapid expansion of decentralized trials and the ongoing prioritization of patient advocacy, these insights highlight the direction clinical research is heading.
The Growing Importance of Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM)
RBQM was a focal point of discussion at SCOPE 2025, underscoring its growing impact on clinical trial operations. With the FDA mandating its implementation but leaving the execution strategy to individual companies, organizations are navigating varied approaches. Some still rely on internal champions to drive initiatives, while others are investing in dedicated RBQM leaders who focus solely on proactive risk management.
By shifting from reactive to predictive risk management, RBQM is helping to minimize trial delays, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve data integrity. This transformation is fueling demand for specialized talent in risk management, data analytics, and compliance monitoring—an area where Orbis Clinical excels. In a conversation with a Director of RBQM post-SCOPE, they emphasized the escalating need for experts in this space, reinforcing the growing importance of structured RBQM strategies in the industry.
Decentralized Trials: Expanding Access and Challenges
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) was another hot topic, with discussions centering on their growing adoption by sponsors and pharmaceutical companies. By leveraging digital technologies, DCTs allow participants to engage in trials remotely—whether from home or local healthcare facilities—minimizing the need for in-person site visits and making trials more accessible to diverse populations.
The benefits of DCTs are clear: broader patient access, improved retention rates, enhanced diversity, and potentially faster and more cost-effective trial timelines. However, challenges remain. Speakers highlighted concerns over data accuracy, technology-related errors, and the risk of patient dropout due to digital barriers. Ensuring reliable technology and maintaining meaningful patient interactions in a decentralized setting were key themes in these discussions.
For life sciences recruitment, the increasing reliance on technology-driven trials means a rising demand for professionals skilled in clinical operations, digital health solutions, and regulatory compliance for decentralized trial models. As a recruitment partner, Orbis Clinical is well-positioned to support organizations seeking experts in this evolving landscape.
Keeping Patient Advocacy at the Forefront
Patient advocacy was a recurring theme throughout SCOPE 2025, often interwoven with other topics. The industry continues to push for patient-centered clinical trials, emphasizing clear communication, accessibility, and diversity in study participation. Many discussions focused on breaking down barriers such as geographic limitations, financial constraints, and awareness of available trials.
As new technologies and trial methodologies emerge, it is crucial to keep patient needs at the forefront. Orbis Clinical supports patient advocacy by partnering with organizations that prioritize patient-centric trial designs and by connecting them with professionals who champion these values in clinical research roles.
Orbis Clinical: Driving Innovation in Life Sciences Talent
SCOPE 2025 reinforced the rapid evolution of clinical trial methodologies and the critical role of specialized talent in navigating these changes. As RBQM practices become more structured, decentralized trials continue to expand, and patient advocacy remains a cornerstone of research, the industry faces a growing demand for professionals with the expertise to drive efficiency, compliance, and inclusivity. Organizations that proactively invest in this talent will be better positioned to adapt, innovate, and lead in the evolving clinical research landscape.
At Orbis Clinical, we remain committed to staying ahead of industry trends and connecting life sciences organizations with the experts they need to drive innovation and success. If your company is looking for talent in RBQM, decentralized trials, or patient advocacy roles, we’re here to help. Let’s continue the conversation about the future of clinical research.
About Keytrice
Keytrice Castro is a dynamic Business Development Specialist at Orbis Clinical, bringing a sales background in medical devices and telecom, along with recruitment expertise in biotech, pharma, and healthcare. Passionate about disruptive technologies, AI-driven drug discovery, and precision medicine, she thrives on building meaningful relationships that drive business growth in the life sciences sector. Known for her strategic and personable approach, Keytrice helps organizations navigate tight timelines and scale their teams effectively. Beyond work, she is a dedicated advocate for kidney donation, having been a living donor to a friend with IgA nephropathy.
About Katie
Katie Bortz is an accomplished and results-oriented Business Development Director. She brings 6 years of staffing industry experience, specializing in driving strategic growth, cultivating high-level client relationships, and delivering exceptional recruitment solutions across multiple sectors with a focus on sites and CRO’s. She has an expertise in identifying new business opportunities, developing and executing targeted sales strategies, and leading clients to exceed revenue and performance goals through staffing initiatives. Katie is passionate about expanding existing client relationships to ensure long-term business success and leveraging industry knowledge to achieve sustainable growth for her clients.
About Neha
Neha Potdar is a dynamic and results-driven Recruiting Manager with a strong background in talent acquisition, client relations, and workforce strategy. Neha earned her Master’s in Public Policy Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Northern Illinois University.
She is an accomplished recruiting professional with extensive experience in full cycle recruitment in Life Sciences across different verticals (Research and Development, Drug Safety, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Biometrics) and diverse clientele from startups to fortune 500. The recruitment team has a proven track record of placing candidates across various models of contract, contract to hire, permanent and retain search. Neha is passionate about cultivating strong professional relationships, driving team growth, continuously improving recruitment processes and building high performing teams.
