Happy Spring everyone! Can you believe it is almost summer? As I look back at the first five months of the year, I am amazed at how much we at SCDM have accomplished. Before I get to our accomplishments, let me share our vision and priorities for the next five years and my focus as the 2025 SCDM Chair. Our 2030 Vision is centered on four key areas: “Clinical Research 2.0”, End-to-End Data Flow, Intelligent Technologies, and Patient’s Choice. In each of these areas, SCDM will identify opportunities in developing an education strategy to advance our profession from Certified Clinical Data Associate (CCDA), through Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM), to Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS). Additionally, we want to grow and leverage our partnerships to bring new ideas, technologies, and processes to SCDM and to the industry. Through all of this we grow our global influence.

Our efforts in Education have led to the appointment of an Education Director, who is leading the coordination and curation of our existing content, and the creation of new content. This year alone we have not only reviewed the online and written content but have also created and executed many new webinars. What makes this more exciting is that we have soft-launched our new, AI-driven Learning Experience Platform (LXP)! As you are reading this, 200 SCDM members from Pfizer and ICON are participating in pilot-testing the platform across two learning pathways: CCDA Certification (for junior level professionals) and Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) (for more experienced professionals). We are gathering feedback on the platform and pathways to make it the best learning experience for everyone. We are looking to officially launch the LXP later this year!

Another area of focus for SCDM this year is on strengthening our existing partnerships and growing new ones. Our partnership with MRCT Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard and CDISC resulted in a recent webinar, “A Shared Language for Clinical Research: How Technical Organizations are Embracing Plain Language and Implementing the MRCT Center Clinical Research Glossary”. The webinar focused on how each organization is bringing health literacy to patients, participants, and caregivers. Additionally, we are partnering with PHUSE on continued progress toward shaping the future of the industry. Of course, we are continuing to partner with the FDA through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on the Regulatory Council.

In line with our 2030 vision, you will find this issue of JSCDM contains many topics that are very future-focused. We are excited to have an article on REDCapCloud.com. This technology is the next stage in innovation for collecting, integrating and reporting data, and for engaging patients. In line with our innovation focus, this issue includes articles regarding various utilizations of AI, Machine Learning, and PowerBI® in clinical trials. We are thrilled to also include a newly revised GCDMP chapter, “Guidance for eCOA Development in Clinical Trials”.

I am excited for the future of SCDM. We have a clear vision for 2030 and beyond. Together, we are on this journey and will make the strategy a reality. Our volunteers are committed to elevating the profession through innovation, education, partnerships, and growth. If you are interested in being a part of this vibrant volunteer community, please visit our website SCDM.org and explore the numerous opportunities available. You can also share your learnings in our Journal or contribute to the expanding knowledge by creating a webinar or by writing or reviewing a GCDMP chapter. There are many possible avenues to be explored. As always, our members and volunteers are the heart of our organization and drive SCDM to lead the clinical data science industry for a healthier world.

Carol Schaffer

SCDM Chair of the Board