Hosted by: Rutgers School of Health Professions Master’s in 
Clinical Research Management (MS CRM)
In Collaboration with NJ ACTS Workforce Development Core
May 20, 2026 * 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Hybrid (in-person, with virtual elements)
The Clinical Trials Day 2026 Celebration will honor the vital role of clinical research professionals and highlight the next generation of the translational science workforce.
Organized by the MS-CRM Program and NJ ACTS Workforce Development Core, this event connects students, faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen clinical research education, engagement, and innovation across New Jersey.
Overview
Join us in celebrating the vital role of clinical research professionals and shining a light on the next generation of the translational science workforce. Connect with students, faculty, industry partners, and community members as we work together to strengthen clinical research education, engagement, and innovation across New Jersey.
Locations & Times
In Person with Virtual Elements
Rutgers Cancer Institute, Main Auditorium
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Rutgers Newark, Rosemary Gellene Room
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM ET
Rutgers New Brunswick, The Atrium
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM ET
Program Agenda
The Clinical Trials Day 2026 is structured around three core focus areas: student career development, community engagement in clinical research, and industry–academic collaboration. Each segment of the program is designed to connect attendees with opportunities to learn, share, and partner.
Careers in Clinical Research
- Graduate Student Research Poster Session
- Career and internship fair with pharma, CRO, and healthcare organizations
- From Student to Research Professional: Alumni and Industry Perspectives on Career Pathways
Community Engagement for Clinical Research
- Community Awareness Expo featuring Myth vs. Fact Exhibits
- Becoming a Research Participant: A Mini-Workshop Led by NJ ACTS and Community Partners
- Research Voices: Storytelling from participants and coordinators
Industry–Academic Collaboration
- Industry–academic roundtable on innovation, data-driven trials, and workforce diversity
- Networking sessions for faculty, students, and industry sponsors
Call for Abstracts
The Clinical Trials Day celebrates the essential contributions of clinical research professionals and emerging translational science leaders. We invite students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and community collaborators to submit proposals for poster or scientific presentations. This is a unique opportunity to highlight your work, engage with peers, and strengthen New Jersey’s clinical research ecosystem.
Topic Areas
- Clinical Trial Operations: Modernizing Efficiency and Quality
- Participant Recruitment & Retention
- Community Engagement & Health Equity
- Leadership at the Intersection of Ethics and Regulations
- Cutting Edge Training and Education in Clinical Research
- AI Applications in Clinical Research Management
- Data to Impact Informatics in Clinical Research
- Partnering for progress: The Industry–Academic Collaboration
Important Dates
- Poster Presentation & Scientific Oral Presentation Proposal Opens: December 10, 2025
- Call for Poster Presentations Closes: February 6, 2026
- Poster Presentation Decision Notification: April 6, 2026
- Scientific Presentations Decision Notification: April 17, 2026
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support Clinical Trials Day 2026 and help elevate clinical research, education, and community engagement across New Jersey. We welcome organizations that share our commitment to advancing health through research to partner with us through sponsorship or in-kind contributions.
Sponsorship provides exceptional visibility and connection to students, faculty, industry professionals, and community stakeholders. Opportunities may include branded recognition, recruitment engagement, partnership space, and more.
Additional opportunities include closed-circuit advertising, branded sessions, swag distribution, or dedicated breakout spaces.
We also welcome in-kind contributions such as catering, printing, swag, meeting space, or technology support, and can tailor packages to meet your outreach objectives.
To learn more about sponsorship levels or secure a vendor table, please register or contact the event team. We would be delighted to partner with you!
Registration
Registration is required to attend Clinical Trials Day 2026.
Join students, faculty, clinical research professionals, industry partners, and community members to celebrate and advance clinical research across New Jersey.
Please register early to secure your spot at your preferred location.
Registration deadline: May 10, 2026
Contact Us
Additional opportunities include closed-circuit advertising, branded sessions, swag distribution, or dedicated breakout spaces.
We also welcome in-kind contributions such as catering, printing, swag, meeting space, or technology support, and can tailor packages to meet your outreach objectives.
Barbara Tafuto, Ph.D.
Interim Program Director
MS in Clinical Research Management Program
Assistant Professor Department of Health Informatics
Rutgers School of Health Professions
NJ ACTS Workforce Development Co-Lead
📧 bat82@shp.rutgers.edu
Yasheca Ebanks, M.S.
Program Manager, NJ ACTS Workforce Development Core
Program Administrator, Rutgers Health
Clinical Research Coordination Badge
Director of Internal Communications- ACTS-Translational & Integrative Engagement in Research (TIER) SIG
Association for Clinical and Translational Science ACTS- CIE
📧 yebanks@shp.rutgers.edu
