FutureMeds Joins Global Leaders to Champion Diversity and Trust in Clinical Research

FutureMeds participated in the 2025 Clinical Research Industry Leaders Think Tank, an exclusive gathering of global experts dedicated to advancing clinical research through collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

Organised by the International Accrediting Organization for Clinical Research (IAOCR) and hosted at Syneos Health’s world-class Training and Events Centre in Farnborough, UK, this year’s Think Tank centered on the theme: “Inclusion and Representation – Thinking Outside the Box.”

Two urgent questions shaped the core discussions:

• How can we upskill and empower a more diverse global network of clinical research sites?
  

• How do we ensure underrepresented patient populations have better access to clinical trials?
  

Representing FutureMeds were Dr Martin Johnson, Medical Director of FutureMeds UK, and Dr Khaled Ahmed, Site Director and Diversity Ambassador. Both leaders actively contributed to the dialogue and solutions-focused workshops.

Dr Khaled Ahmed and Dr Martin Johnson at the IAOCR Think Tank - Inclusion and Representation – Thinking Outside the Box

“The need to include diverse populations in clinical trials is more urgent than ever. But too often, action is sparse at the grassroots and site level. It was reassuring to meet stakeholders with shared goals, discuss the MHRA’s pilot diversity plan, and spotlight site-led initiatives that are already making a difference.”

— Dr Khaled Ahmed, Site Director at FutureMeds Birmingham

One such initiative is FutureMeds Birmingham’s Breaking Barriers, Increasing Inclusion, which has resulted in a 30%+ increase in participation from diverse populations across multiple studies—clear evidence that impact starts at the site level.

In a panel session titled “Building Trust Through Quality and Leadership,” Dr Johnson addressed how integrity and transparency at clinical sites can elevate public confidence in clinical research. In recognition of his long-standing commitment to quality and innovation, Dr Johnson was invited to join the IAOCR Global Advisory Board.

“Thank you Martin, Khaled, and everyone who joined us for making the 2025 Industry Leaders Think Tank a thought-provoking and interactive forum. With representation from Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, it was the most international—and best—yet. Overcoming socio-economic, geographical, racial, and educational barriers to clinical trial access must be a shared goal. The Think Tank is about identifying the practical steps needed to make that vision a reality.”

— David Holloway, Chief Operating Officer of IAOCR

About the IAOCR Industry Leaders Think Tank

The IAOCR Clinical Research Industry Leaders Think Tank initiative launched in 2014; they bring together industry leaders and influencers from around the globe to advance thinking on processes and technologies related to the business of clinical research. Think Tank meetings are limited in size and participation, and they are strictly by invitation only, in order to facilitate networking, collaboration and meaningful outputs from discussions focused on specific topics. We believe that global best practice, networking and collaboration should be available to all clinical research leaders. Therefore, the IAOCR Think Tanks are free to attend and held on a not-for-profit basis; we would like to extend a huge thank you to our premier sponsors and exhibitors whose vital contributions make it possible to run the Think Tank meetings on this basis.

IAOCR works collaboratively across the clinical research industry to develop global best practice standards that make a meaningful difference to people, sites and organizations. Since launching IAOCR in 2011 our focus has always been on helping to shape a better future for clinical research and patients through operational excellence and global best practice standards. The IAOCR Think Tanks also serve to promote clinical research sites and organizations of all types that have achieved or are working towards non-mandatory, global best practice standards developed by IAOCR with key industry stakeholders.