The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) has wrapped up its 19th Annual Conference in the capital with a clear message that digital tools, stronger global collaboration and regulatory clarity will define the next phase of clinical research in India. Over three days, more than 1,900 participants and around 285 speakers came together to discuss how the country can build a research ecosystem that is efficient, ethical and firmly centred on patient needs.
Hosted at Hotel Vivanta, New Delhi, the meeting opened with pre-conference workshops on February 12, followed by two days of scientific sessions and panel discussions on February 13 and 14. Built around the theme “Accelerating Clinical Research in India through Digital Innovation, Global Collaboration and Regulatory Excellence for Patient Centric Value Creation”, the event brought together investigators, representatives from Indian and global pharma, diagnostics, and R&D companies, research trainees, and emerging startups.
Senior experts such as Dr Jerin Jose Cherian from the Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr Sudeep Gupta from Tata Memorial Centre, Dr Y K Gupta from AIIMS Jammu and Bhopal, Dr Suman Karanth from Fortis Memorial Research Center, cardiologist Dr Upendra Kaul from Batra Hospital, Dr Ganesh Dakhale from AIIMS and Gaurab Chakraborty from Veramed led discussions on how digital technologies, better site development and harmonised rules can raise both the quality and reach of trials. Speakers from companies including Sun Pharma, Pfizer, IQVIA, Dr Dangs Lab, City Imaging & Clinical Labs, CRNI, Abiogenesis Clinpharm, NOVOTECH, ADVARRA, DiagnoSearch Life Sciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Fortis added an industry lens to the debates.
Sessions through the conference examined global clinical development pathways, the need for operational rigour at trial sites, regulatory efficiency and harmonisation, and models that place patient experience and data integrity at the centre of protocol design. Many panellists pointed to India’s opportunity to position itself as a preferred destination for high quality clinical research, provided it continues to invest in digital infrastructure, training and transparent governance.
ISCR President Dr Seema Pai underlined how quickly the ground is shifting. “India’s clinical research ecosystem is undergoing a significant shift driven by rapid advances in digital technologies, data-led research models and a growing focus on patient-centric trial design. Together, these developments are enabling more efficiency, inclusiveness and scalable clinical research, while also strengthening patient engagement and trust across the research lifecycle,” she said.
She noted that policy support is beginning to mirror this shift. “Recent regulatory reforms and policy measures, including continued emphasis on healthcare, innovation, and research in the Union Budget, reflect India’s strong commitment to building a globally aligned and future ready clinical research environment,” Dr Pai added, calling for closer coordination between regulators, sponsors, investigators and patient groups.
The conference closed on a note of shared responsibility, with speakers stressing that the real test will lie in translating ideas into practice at trial sites and in routine care. By convening a wide cross-section of stakeholders on one platform, the 19th ISCR Annual Conference signalled India’s intent to advance patient focused, technology enabled research, while keeping trust, collaboration and long term value for patients and the wider healthcare community at the core.
