The clinical research industry is entering a new era of performance transparency where data, not legacy relationships, drives site selection.
That was the central theme of the recent SCRS hosted webinar, “Outdated Metrics, Missed Opportunities: Rethinking Site Selection in 2025.” Industry leaders came together to discuss how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and site-sponsor collaboration are transforming the way trials are awarded and executed.
Speakers:
- Nadir Ammour, Global Lead for Clinical Innovation & External Partnerships, Sanofi
- Kourosh Davarpanah, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Inato
- Barry Lake, President & Founder, RealTime–Devana
- Sean Stanton, Chief Executive Officer, K2 Medical Research
Why Traditional Site Selection Is Falling Behind
For years, sponsors and CROs have relied on feasibility surveys, spreadsheets, and familiarity to choose study sites. While those tools once served their purpose, they no longer meet the demands of today’s research environment.
Panelists noted that these legacy methods depend heavily on outdated or self-reported data, leaving many capable sites overlooked. A site may have top-tier infrastructure, access to diverse patient populations, and a proven record of excellence, yet still be excluded because the metrics used to evaluate them are years out of date.
“Traditional site selection methods are like looking in the rear-view mirror,” noted Barry Lake, president and founder, RealTime–Devana. “You might see where a site was successful, but not where it’s capable of going.”
Data-Driven Decisions Take the Lead
The conversation centered on one truth: the future of feasibility is measurable.
Panelists outlined the key performance metrics that are reshaping sponsor expectations and helping sites stand out:
- Start-up speed: Time from award to activation
- Contract and IRB turnaround times
- First-patient-in timelines
- Enrollment versus commitment performance
- Retention rates and milestone consistency
These data points tell a more complete story than static surveys ever could. Sponsors can see how a site actually performs in real-world conditions, and sites can use the same data to market their strengths proactively.
AI and Analytics are Accelerating the Shift
According to panelist Kourosh Davarpanah, co-founder and CEO, Inato, the speed at which sites are adopting AI and data-driven insights is “unprecedented.” From predictive recruitment models to automated KPI dashboards, sites are using technology to prove their capabilities faster and with greater precision.
“Luckily,” he added, “sponsors aren’t resisting this change — they’re encouraging and supporting it.”
This alignment is paving the way for a more collaborative ecosystem, where both sides use shared data to streamline feasibility and reduce start-up delays.
Know Your Numbers: The New Differentiator
Sean Stanton, CEO, K2 Medical Research, emphasized the importance of consistent tracking. “Track those start-up metrics,” he said. “You’ve got to know them. Going into a bid, you should understand exactly why you’re different. And the numbers never lie.”
Even small, weekly updates to internal metrics can make a measurable difference. Sites that quantify their performance have a powerful advantage in business development and study negotiations.
Collaboration and Visibility Close the Gaps
Nadir Ammour, global lead for clinical innovation and external partnerships, Sanofi, reminded attendees that communication still matters just as much as data. “We’re entering a space where dialogue across players is essential,” he said. “Many sponsors simply don’t know what sites are doing. And that’s a gap we need to fix.”
By bringing data to the conversation, sites can help sponsors see what’s working, where efficiencies exist, and how both sides can align around shared goals.
The takeaway? Performance transparency is the new currency of site selection.
Looking Ahead - From Metrics to Mindset
The panel agreed that data isn’t just about dashboards. It’s about a mindset shift. Sites that integrate performance tracking into everyday operations proactively shape the narrative about their capabilities.
Ultimately, sponsors and CROs that modernize their site-selection criteria gain a clearer picture of which partners can execute with speed, compliance, and patient-centric results.
As the discussion closed, one thing was clear: the shift to smarter, data-driven site selection is already underway.
Watch the Replay: Outdated Metrics, Missed Opportunities – Rethinking Site Selection in 2025
Read More: A Site Selection Framework That Actually Works: Introducing TrialAlign
Read More: RealTime + Inato Partnership: New Insights, Smarter Site Selection