Risk-Based Quality Management
Embracing RBQM and Central Monitoring Strategies for Trial Success
13/10/2026 - 14 October 2026 ALL TIMES CET (UTC +2h)
As risk-based quality management (RBQM) continues to evolve, sponsors and regulators are increasingly embracing proactive, data-driven approaches to monitoring clinical studies. Yet the pathway for implementation and operationalisation can vary widely depending on organisational size, maturity, and culture of innovation. This conference will explore how quality can be embedded across the entire clinical trial lifecycle, from study design through execution and closeout. Sessions will focus on centralised monitoring strategies, data integrity, and anomaly detection, as well as the use of advanced data management platforms and AI/ML tools to strengthen RBQM programs. Attendees will gain insights on ensuring inspection readiness, maintaining study quality, and navigating organizational change through effective cross-functional collaboration. Connect with fellow clinical operations professionals and industry leaders to exchange insights, best practices, and real-world experiences to tackle common RBQM challenges.
Preliminary Agenda

MONDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS & USER GROUPS (IN-PERSON ONLY)

Arrive on Monday in Beautiful Barcelona and Start SCOPE Europe on Monday Afternoon!

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*All registered attendees of SCOPE Europe are invited to attend any or all of the workshops. Please RSVP when registering. The new “Capital & Innovation” requires a separate registration.  For a detailed description of each workshop and user group, please Click Here.     

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OPEN WORKSHOP 1: Nuts and Bolts of AI Implementation: From Pilots to Scale (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

OPEN WORKSHOP 2: AI, Digital Twins and Connected Insights: The Future of Clinical Trials is Here—Sponsored by: ZS Associates

OPEN WORKSHOP 3: ICH E6(R3) in Practice: Redesigning Clinical Trial Execution, Quality, and Oversight (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

WORKSHOP: Capital & Innovation at SCOPE Europe: Investing in the Next Generation of Clinical Trial Technology and Operations*

Click here for more details.
*Separate registration required

ESTABLISHING A QUALITY FRAMEWORK

Beyond Compliance: Embedding RBQM into the Clinical DNA—Lessons from the Roche CoE

Photo of Madeleine Whitehead, Process Excellence Leader, Product Development Quality Solutions, Roche Products Ltd. , RBQM Centre of Excellence - Head , Product Dev Quality Solutions , Roche Products Ltd
Madeleine Whitehead, Process Excellence Leader, Product Development Quality Solutions, Roche Products Ltd. , RBQM Centre of Excellence - Head , Product Dev Quality Solutions , Roche Products Ltd

While ICH E6(R3) provides the regulatory framework for modernized clinical trials, the real challenge lies in operationalizing RBQM across a global portfolio. At Roche, this transition wasn't just a process update—it was a cultural transformation. This session pulls back the curtain on the Roche RBQM Center of Excellence (CoE), sharing the successes, the "potholes," and the tangible lessons learned while embedding risk-based thinking from protocol concept through Quality by Design (QbD) to final reporting.

Integrating Monitoring and Risk Management for Better Decision‑Making

Photo of Arunkumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Product Director, Novo Nordisk , Product Director , Novo Nordisk
Arunkumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Product Director, Novo Nordisk , Product Director , Novo Nordisk

Traditional monitoring and risk management models often generate activity without insight, limiting effective decision-making. This session examines how integrating monitoring and risk management into a unified, quality-by-design-driven approach—anchored in critical-to-quality data and processes can enhance risk visibility, reduce operational noise, and enable outcome-focused decisions through cross-functional collaboration. 

  • Moving from fragmented monitoring plans to integrated, decision-enabling frameworks
  • Using critical-to-quality data for proactive risk identification and escalation
  • Shifting focus from monitoring activities to meaningful outcomes and insights
  • Enabling consistent decision-making through cross-functional data review

Integrating Centralised and Site Monitoring in a Risk-Based Approach for Study Oversight

Photo of Greg Cinciala, Senior Director, Clinical Quality Operations Lead, Clinical Trials, MSD , Clinical Quality Operations Lead, Sr Director , Clinical Quality Operations , MSD
Greg Cinciala, Senior Director, Clinical Quality Operations Lead, Clinical Trials, MSD , Clinical Quality Operations Lead, Sr Director , Clinical Quality Operations , MSD
Photo of Helen Wong, Senior Director, RBQM Strategy and Implementation Lead, MSD , Senior Director , RBQM Strategy and Implementation Lead , MSD
Helen Wong, Senior Director, RBQM Strategy and Implementation Lead, MSD , Senior Director , RBQM Strategy and Implementation Lead , MSD

This talk will explore how centralized monitoring and site monitoring can be effectively combined in a risk-based manner to enhance study oversight at a major pharmaceutical company. We will showcase how at MSD we plan to achieve the following by having integrated centralized monitoring in a risk-based approach: Better patient safety and data quality, more efficient resource allocation, and faster issue detection and resolution.

DEFINING AND ACTIONING STUDY SIGNALS

Getting an Early Signal That a QTL is Off-Track

Photo of Keith Dorricott, Director, Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Ltd. , Director , Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Limited
Keith Dorricott, Director, Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Ltd. , Director , Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Limited
Photo of Linda White, Associate Director, Risk-Based Quality Management, Jazz Pharmaceuticals , Associate Director , Risk-Based Quality Management , Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc
Linda White, Associate Director, Risk-Based Quality Management, Jazz Pharmaceuticals , Associate Director , Risk-Based Quality Management , Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc

Quality Tolerance Limits (QTLs, now examples of Acceptable Ranges according to ICH) are focused on monitoring the critical aspects of a trial. If they are deviated from by trial end then it indicates a serious quality problem and might, worst case, lead to inability to submit the data to a regulator. We will describe an approach being used to obtain an early signal that a QTL might be deviated from using a Composite Key Risk Indicator (KRI) built up from other KRIs. Trial teams are beginning to embrace this approach as it puts them back in control of the QTLs.

From Signals to Decisions: Making RBQM Actionable at the Study-Level

Photo of Lydia Matombo, BSN, RN, PMP, ACRP-CP, Associate Director, Sumitomo Pharma , Clinical Operations, RBQM & Data Quality Governance Leader , Clinavence
Lydia Matombo, BSN, RN, PMP, ACRP-CP, Associate Director, Sumitomo Pharma , Clinical Operations, RBQM & Data Quality Governance Leader , Clinavence

Risk-Based Quality Management generates increasing volumes of study-level signals, yet translating those signals into timely, consistent decisions remains a challenge. In the context of ICH E6(R3), this session examines why decisions stall and how to operationalize decision-making in practice. Practical approaches to defining thresholds, clarifying ownership, and enabling timely, traceable actions will support more effective, inspection-ready study oversight and continuous improvement.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Are Your KRIs and QTLs Doing What is Expected?

Keith Dorricott, Director, Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Ltd. , Director , Dorricott Metrics & Process Improvement Limited

The mindsON RBQM Expert Working Group has been focused on this important area in 2026. How do you make sure study-specific KRIs/QTLs do what the study team want them to? Do they provide the improved detection of emerging risks that was intended? What if the data is not available for programming? Is there a better way to detect the emerging risk? We have been considering the whole process from the initial idea during risk assessment through to the specification, programming, verification, use and review. Join us as we present some emerging best practices in this area.

LEVERAGING AI IN RBQM

Engineering RBQM at Scale: From Fragmented Integration to Intelligent Oversight

Photo of Malgorzata Skrzypczak, Director, Data Surveillance, Clinical Data & Information Science, Pfizer Inc. , Director, Data Surveillance , Clinical Data & Information Science , Pfizer Inc
Malgorzata Skrzypczak, Director, Data Surveillance, Clinical Data & Information Science, Pfizer Inc. , Director, Data Surveillance , Clinical Data & Information Science , Pfizer Inc

Many RBQM programs underdeliver not due to lack of tools, but because early solutions evolve into one-off, study-specific implementations that struggle to scale or validate. This session shares a real-world journey from ad-hoc approaches to a validated RBQM foundation, highlighting practical enablers: disciplined data integration, strong engineering practices and cross-functional collaboration. It also shows how establishing a modern data platform such as Databricks supports standardized workflows today and creates a future-ready foundation for AI-enabled monitoring and decision support.

Transforming Clinical Quality—The Role of AI and Change Management

Photo of Sofija Krivokapić, Data Science Lead, AstraZeneca , Data Science Lead , AstraZeneca
Sofija Krivokapić, Data Science Lead, AstraZeneca , Data Science Lead , AstraZeneca
Photo of Małgorzata Walczuk, Director, Clinical Quality and Compliance, AstraZeneca , Director, Clinical Quality and Compliance , AstraZeneca
Małgorzata Walczuk, Director, Clinical Quality and Compliance, AstraZeneca , Director, Clinical Quality and Compliance , AstraZeneca

In this presentation, we explore how AI drives clinical quality improvements and inspection readiness. By offering quality signals, identifying risks, and enhancing decision-making, AI can boost operational efficiency. We'll examine the interplay between AI solutions and change management, sharing best practices for successful implementation. With real-world examples, attendees will learn how AI fosters continuous improvement and elevates performance. AI's role as a key enabler and effective change management will be central to our discussion.

Bridging Protocol Complexity and Compliance: Leveraging AI for Precision Risk Identification in Risk-Based Quality Management

Photo of Alessia Cantamessa, RBQM Strategic Lead, Pharma Development Quality, F. Hoffmann La Roche AG , RBQM Strategic Lead , Pharma Development Quality , F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Alessia Cantamessa, RBQM Strategic Lead, Pharma Development Quality, F. Hoffmann La Roche AG , RBQM Strategic Lead , Pharma Development Quality , F Hoffmann La Roche AG

This presentation introduces an AI-powered assistant designed to perform structured, protocol-driven risk identification in clinical trials. By deeply analyzing study design, population, endpoints, procedures, investigational product characteristics, and vendor dependencies, the tool systematically generates GCP-aligned risk statements mapped to Critical-to-Quality factors. The approach enhances consistency, traceability, and early detection of high-impact risks, supporting proactive RBQM implementation before study start-up.

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY PLENARY SESSIONS

Shaping Innovation Pathways in Europe: The Evolving Role of Scientific Advice and Early Regulatory Engagement

Photo of Christophe Lahorte, PhD, Head, Innovation Office & Scientific Regulatory Advice Unit, famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health) , Head of Innovation Office & Scientific , Regulatory Advice Unit , famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health)
Christophe Lahorte, PhD, Head, Innovation Office & Scientific Regulatory Advice Unit, famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health) , Head of Innovation Office & Scientific , Regulatory Advice Unit , famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health)

As Europe works to accelerate clinical development, innovation pathways and scientific advice are becoming critical tools for aligning regulators and sponsors earlier in the process. This keynote will explore how these mechanisms are evolving across Member States and at the European level, and how earlier, more structured engagement can reduce uncertainty, improve trial design, and support faster, more efficient development.

Panel Moderator:

KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION:
Is Europe Losing the Clinical Trial Race? Examining Whether Regulatory Complexity, Investment Trends, and Global Competition Are Reshaping the Future of Clinical Research in Europe

Photo of Lord James O'Shaughnessy, Senior Partner, Newmarket Strategy; Board Member, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK); former Health Minister, UK Government , Senior Partner , Newmarket Strategy
Lord James O'Shaughnessy, Senior Partner, Newmarket Strategy; Board Member, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK); former Health Minister, UK Government , Senior Partner , Newmarket Strategy

Panelists:

Photo of Niklas Blomberg, PhD, Executive Director, Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) , Executive Director , ELIXIR Hub , Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
Niklas Blomberg, PhD, Executive Director, Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) , Executive Director , ELIXIR Hub , Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
Photo of Elena Bolaños, Vice President, Regional Head EMEA GCO, Johnson & Johnson , Regional Head GCO EMEA , Global Clinical Operations , Johnson & Johnson
Elena Bolaños, Vice President, Regional Head EMEA GCO, Johnson & Johnson , Regional Head GCO EMEA , Global Clinical Operations , Johnson & Johnson
Photo of Christophe Lahorte, PhD, Head, Innovation Office & Scientific Regulatory Advice Unit, famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health) , Head of Innovation Office & Scientific , Regulatory Advice Unit , famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health)
Christophe Lahorte, PhD, Head, Innovation Office & Scientific Regulatory Advice Unit, famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health) , Head of Innovation Office & Scientific , Regulatory Advice Unit , famhp (Federal Agency for Medicines and Health)
Photo of Lawrence Tallon, CEO, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) , CEO , Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Lawrence Tallon, CEO, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) , CEO , Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
FAST EU & ACT EU in Practice: What’s Actually Accelerating Clinical Trials in Europe…and What Isn’t

Photo of Stan Van Belkum, PharmD, General Secretary & CEO, Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) , General Secretary & CEO , Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO)
Stan Van Belkum, PharmD, General Secretary & CEO, Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) , General Secretary & CEO , Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO)

European initiatives like FAST EU and ACT EU aim to streamline trial approval and execution, but results remain uneven across Member States. This talk will provide a candid, on-the-ground view of what is working, where bottlenecks persist, and what sponsors and regulators must change to deliver faster, more predictable study start-up in Europe.

Panel Moderator:

KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION:
Reinventing the Clinical Development Operating Model

Caroline Feys, MSc, MBA, Leader, R&D Operations Innovation, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Leader , R&D Operations Innovation , Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

Panelists:

Bernhard Glombitza, Head, Clinical Operations EMEA and LATAM, Bayer , Head Clinical Customer Engagement and Clinical Operations EMEA/LATAM , Clinical Development & Operations , Bayer

Maria Koutsopoulou, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Development Operations, Merck KGaA , Senior Vice President , Head of Global Development Operations , Merck KGaA

Matthieu Ruffin, Vice President, Head Study Leadership, Novartis , VP , Head Study Leadership , Novartis

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
When Investigator Sites Choose Sponsors: The Silent Shift Reshaping Clinical Operations

Photo of Nick Hodges, Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development Operations & the R&D Transformation Office, Ipsen , SVP, Head of Global Clinical Development , Global Clinical Operations , Ipsen
Nick Hodges, Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development Operations & the R&D Transformation Office, Ipsen , SVP, Head of Global Clinical Development , Global Clinical Operations , Ipsen

As competition for sites, investigators, and patients intensifies, the traditional sponsor-driven model of trial execution is shifting. Increasingly, high-performing sites are selecting sponsors based on operational efficiency, burden, and partnership quality. This talk will explore how mid- and large pharma organizations are rethinking clinical operations, redefining the role of CRAs, and introducing new functions / enhanced roles to improve site engagement and execution at scale.

Panel Moderator:

KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION:
Sites and Sponsors: Fixing the Most Fractured Relationship in Clinical Research

Andrew Ustianowski, MD, Network Director, NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) , Network Director , NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN)

Panelists:

Candice Fitzgerald, Corporate Vice President, Clinical Operations, Novo Nordisk , Vice President , Clinical Operations , Novo Nordisk

Terttu Haring, MD, Global Head, Engagement Strategy (Sites & Patients), Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine , Global Head, Engagement Strategy (Sites & Patients) , Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Nick Hodges, Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development Operations & the R&D Transformation Office, Ipsen , SVP, Head of Global Clinical Development , Global Clinical Operations , Ipsen

Viviënne van de Walle, Medical Director & Founder & Research Physician, PT&R PreCare Trial & Recruitment , Medical Dir & Founder & Research Physician , PT&R Partner in Trials & Research


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