North Raleigh Today

UNC Health is set to enhance its clinical research operations with the launch of a new Office of Clinical Research (OCR), which will become effective on July 1, 2025. This development aims to integrate selected members from the UNC Office of Research Support and Compliance (ORSC) with those from the UNC Health Research Integration Team (RIT). This transition is expected to streamline clinical research efforts within the health system.

The newly established Office of Clinical Research will act as a centralized resource to support clinical trial operations at UNC Health. By integrating expertise in operations, project management, regulatory compliance, and research integration, the OCR aims to enhance coordination, minimize administrative hurdles, and provide aligned support for both investigators and partners.

This merger aims to leverage the collective strengths of these teams, thereby enhancing administrative support for research as envisioned in the UNC Health Forward Together 2030 plan. The ORSC will maintain its role in providing compliance and some financial services support, in collaboration with the OCR.

"UNC Health is uniquely positioned to build a strong network of clinical research sites and to further build upon its relationship with the university," said Michael Sledge, vice president of clinical research operations at UNC Health. "This is an important step to expand our clinical trial capacity and better serve our researchers and patients."

This initiative underscores UNC Health’s ambition to position itself as a national leader in clinical research by streamlining operations, promoting innovation, and converting discoveries into improved healthcare.