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Webinar

What It Takes to Make Digital Transformation Work in Clinical Research

Available on-demand
60 Minutes

Digital transformation continues to reshape clinical research. However, while the potential to accelerate trials, improve data quality, and enhance patient outcomes is clear, execution remains constrained by fragmented systems, regulatory complexity, and organizational resistance to change. 

The challenge is not just adopting new technologies. It’s integrating data, workflows, and decision-making processes in a way that supports ongoing studies without introducing new risk or disruption.  

Join senior leaders from across pharma and biotech as they share how they are navigating these realities in practice. Learn what’s working, where efforts are falling short, and how they are balancing innovation with operational and regulatory demands. 

You’ll gain perspective on: 

  • Where digital transformation efforts in clinical research most often stall, and why  

  • How leading teams are approaching data integration and workflow alignment without disrupting active trials  

  • What it takes to turn real-time data into actionable insight across study teams and stakeholders  

  • Practical lessons on driving adoption and change in complex, highly regulated environments 

Speakers

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Deirdre BeVard

Deirdre BeVard is a senior life sciences executive with over three decades of experience spanning enterprise transformation, digital strategy, and clinical innovation. Most recently as SVP, Transformation Lead for R&D at CSL, she has driven large-scale organizational change integrating data-driven decision-making, enabling technology, and operational excellence across global R&D. Her career includes senior roles at Nektar Therapeutics, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Otsuka, and Elligo Health Research, as well as working in CRO and start-up software. This broad experience gives her a diverse perspective and fuels her passion for bridging clinical research and healthcare through partnering with patients, communities, and providers to accelerate medical advancements and enhance health equity. Deirdre is committed to making a lasting impact on the industry working in strategic, collaborative and purpose-driven organizations.

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Brett Bishop, Ph.D.

Brett is a clinical development executive with 30+ years experience spanning Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Having worked as a senior leader at both Novo Nordisk and Covance, Brett has led portfolio delivery and enterprise-scale transformation — including early AI-readiness and process innovation. He now consults with organizations who are wishing to transform and modernize their capabilities in global clinical development operations.

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Sean Connolly

Sean Connolly is the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Evinova, where he leads product strategy, platform development, and the advancement of AI-driven solutions aimed at transforming clinical development. He oversees the integration of technology, data, and analytics to streamline the design and execution of clinical trials, with a focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines. Prior to joining Evinova, Connolly held senior leadership roles across technology and product organizations, where he focused on building and scaling enterprise platforms, driving digital transformation, and applying data and AI to complex, regulated environments such as healthcare and life sciences. He brings a background that blends product innovation with operational execution, shaped by experience working at the intersection of software, data, and clinical research. Connolly holds a strong academic foundation in technology and business-related disciplines, which underpins his focus on applying artificial intelligence in practical, scalable ways within regulated industries. His work emphasizes enabling more informed decision-making while maintaining high standards for data security, compliance, and scientific rigor. Sean holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and Bachelor of Business Administration and Computer Science from George Washington University.

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Jeff Smith - Moderator

Jeff Smith is co-founder of the Innovation Network and the Whale Tank, platforms that help life science leaders discover and collaborate on emerging solutions. He co-founded Tryl.ai, which won a SCOPE trophy and announced its acquisition during the SCOPE Summit. Like many in the field, Jeff’s path into clinical research began with a personal family tragedy. He now spends much of his time helping inspiring thinkers deliver the presentation of a lifetime. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and mostly recovered lawyer, he has published on health sciences in the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and the Yale Journal of Health Policy, Law & Ethics. Last year, he and his team conducted 50+ cross-sector interviews focused on problems and possible solutions in clinical trial navigation. His best work was as a championship-winning middle school basketball coach.

Register here to watch on-demand!