Alliance Clinical RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL Research Integrity Service Excellence Award (ALLIANCE CRP RISE Award)


The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology recognizes that clinical research professional (CRP) staff at Alliance participating sites are integral to the success of our mission to provide clinical trial participants with the best service possible. As such, Alliance is introducing the Research Integrity Service Excellence (RISE) Award for CRPs in recognition of outstanding service. Alliance aims to celebrate site CRPs who exemplify excellence through quality, advocacy, professional development and leadership with compassion, integrity, respect, safety, and teamwork. Alliance is seeking nominations of Alliance member CRPs demonstrating these qualities.

Awardees will receive travel funding to attend the upcoming Alliance Group meeting, have the Alliance CRP RISE award presented during the plenary session, and the opportunity to share their methods for success through a presentation during the CRP education session or an article in the Alliance newsletter.

The following are standards CRPs should strive for in their daily work.
When preparing a nomination, use specific examples and avoid general descriptions as much as possible.

Quality
CRP consistently delivers high-quality work, fosters accountability, and upholds patient safety in all clinical trial activities.

  • Excels in executing assigned CRP responsibilities (minimal errors, efficient, effective communication)
  • Meets deadlines (e.g., clinic prep, regulatory submissions, data entry/query resolution)
  • Maintains high levels of accuracy, time management, and organization
  • Exceeds in critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability
  • Ensures patient safety in all clinical trial activities

Patient Advocacy
CRP actively promotes patient health literacy, supports decision-making, addresses barriers to care, and demonstrates empathy and compassion towards patients.

  • Collaborates with participant and research team to ensure patient autonomy/values/beliefs are respected 
  • Liaises inter-professionally with health care professionals to resolve participant barriers to clinical trials and care 
  • Strives to improve participant understanding of research care plan and promote health literacy 
  • Passion for improving cancer care
  • Supports patients in all aspects of clinical trial participation
  • Demonstrates compassion and empathy for participants

Professional Development
CRP seeks continual learning to improve and sustains clinical trial management skills through education and training.

  • Seeks out opportunities to support the site-level Alliance research program
  • Engages with Alliance programs and protocols
  • Maximizes use of available resources
  • Pursues workplace learning (e.g., new studies, publications)
  • Knowledgeable about NCTN guidelines and system changes
  • Has intellectual curiosity for innovation in oncology clinical trials (e.g., disease-site learning, FDA guidance and regulations, IRB process, ALCOA+C)
  • Motivates team toward improved Alliance clinical trial quality

Leadership
CRP inspires colleagues to maintain high standards, zeal for work ethic, nurtures an environment that fosters dedication, and passion for clinical research

  • Demonstrates a positive attitude
  • Consistently demonstrates initiative
  • Models excellence when performing tasks
  • Communicates with Alliance regarding opportunities for protocol, ICF and/or data improvements
  • Encourages team engagement in activities within the CRP’s health system and national groups 
  • Mentors/trains/supports colleagues
  • Fosters positive work environment and well-being of colleagues through positive teamwork
  • Supports and develops diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce
  • Treats everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion

How to submit a nomination

  • The nomination process for this year has ended. 
    Please check back in early 2025.