CRO

WIRB-Copernicus Group boosts executives, global network

WIRB-Copernicus Group has added two new executives to its roster as it expands its Global Research Network (GRN) of investigative sites.

First up, the new additions: Jonathan Zung, Ph.D., moves into WCG's Site Division as its executive vice president, where he will oversee a team supporting the work of institutions and academic medical centers (AMCs) as well as independent sites working on clinical research.

The group also hired David Wynes, Ph.D., to its Site Division as an “expert and external advisor.” He was formerly the VP of research administration at Emory University.

"David is a well-respected colleague and long-time friend," said Zung. "We could think of no better person or more qualified administrator to guide our team as we support administrative personnel and investigators in the development of continuous improvement programs to drive positive and lasting change in site productivity and performance."

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WCG says it works with about 3,000 institutions and AMCs in North America—and serves thousands of independent sites—in their research.

WCG set up its GRN a few years back, and is now expanding. Zung said: “We are committed to expanding our GRN—the premier network of sites available in the industry—with the inclusion of additional independent sites aiming to attract more industry-sponsored trials. Having managed clinical research activities at several independent sites, including Raleigh Neurology, Sean Walsh [its president of independent sites] is uniquely qualified to oversee this important initiative." 

"I can personally attest to the power of the GRN and to WCG's overall approach," Walsh added. "It resides in WCG's recognition and appreciation of the essential role of the site within the clinical trial enterprise. New therapies could not be brought to market without sites: in a clinical trial, the site is where science and operations intersect."