The Vistatec Life Sciences team attended SCOPE Summit 2026 in Orlando, Florida. The event once again confirmed its position as one of the most important global gatherings for clinical research and trial operations.
This year’s Summit brought together over 5,000 attendees, more than 630 speakers, and 300 exhibitors, representing pharma, biotech, CROs, technology providers, sites, and patient advocacy organizations. For organizations operating in clinical development, SCOPE is a vital forum for understanding where the industry is heading.
A global forum for clinical research collaboration
Clinical trials remain the engine of medical progress. They drive new treatments, improve patient outcomes, and advance scientific understanding. Their success depends on collaboration, innovation, and strong execution across every phase of the clinical lifecycle.
SCOPE Summit gathers together stakeholders from across regions and disciplines to share insights, challenge assumptions, and exchange practical experience. This year’s program covered a wide range of topics, including trial design, operations, patient engagement, digital innovation, and regulatory considerations.
Vistatec Life Sciences participated with a dedicated booth. Karen Tkaczyk, Rossana Kale, and William Willette represented the company throughout the event. They met with attendees from around the world, reinforcing the international scope of the SCOPE community and the growing demand for global solutions.
Moving to controlled adoption
One of the clearest signals from SCOPE Summit 2026 was a shift in how artificial intelligence is discussed within life sciences. In previous years, AI conversations often centered on possibility and experimentation.
One of the clearest signals from SCOPE Summit 2026 was a shift in how artificial intelligence is discussed within life sciences. In previous years, AI conversations often centered on possibility and experimentation.
The life sciences community is still risk-aware by nature. However, concrete signs of adoption are now emerging, particularly where risk can be controlled. AI is being implemented in defined use cases with clear governance, oversight, and accountability.
Across sessions and booth conversations, it was evident that the industry has moved beyond the initial phase. Teams are asking practical questions. They want to know where AI creates value, how quality can be maintained, and how regulatory expectations can still be met.
This aligns closely with Vistatec’s own approach. By combining advanced AI technologies with expert human review, Vistatec supports organizations that want to move forward with confidence.
Digital design and trial optimization gain momentum
Another strong theme at SCOPE Summit 2026 was the continued maturation of digital trial design. Digital protocols, feasibility modeling, and structured trial planning are increasingly embedded into broader optimization strategies.
What stood out this year was the focus on function and not only format. Digital frameworks are no longer viewed as static documentation tools. Instead, they are being used to drive downstream efficiency across clinical operations, system setup, and execution.
These developments have implications across the lifecycle. Medical writing, feasibility assessment, site coordination, and content workflows are all affected. As trials become more digital, the need for clear, consistent, and compliant content grows, especially across markets.
Regulatory complexity remains front of mind
While the mood at SCOPE Summit 2026 was optimistic, regulatory uncertainty continues to shape decision-making. Sponsors and technology providers alike discussed the impact of shifting timelines, evolving expectations, and limited regulatory resources.
This uncertainty affects investment decisions, trial planning, and technology deployment in real ways. As a result, regulatory readiness has become a key factor in how innovation is evaluated.
From a content perspective, this places greater emphasis on accuracy and consistency. Regulatory and clinical materials must meet high standards, not only to support compliance but also to reduce risk and avoid delays.
Many conversations at the Vistatec booth reflected this reality. Attendees expressed a clear need for trusted language partners who understand regulatory environments and can deliver quality at scale.
Sites play a stronger role in the conversation
Another encouraging note was the stronger presence of research sites. Site professionals not only attended but also actively contributed to discussions. Their voices helped ground conversations in operational reality.
With more site perspectives in the room, there was increased focus on reducing burden, improving workflows, and designing trials that work in practice. This emphasis reinforces the importance of clarity in patient-facing and site-facing content.
Language plays a central role here. From informed consent to trial instructions, content must be accurate, accessible, and culturally appropriate. Poor communication creates friction at the point of execution, where trials either succeed or fail.
A more positive industry outlook
Perhaps the most noticeable change compared to last year was the overall mood. Conversations across the show floor suggested renewed optimism. Blocked budgets appear to be opening up. Hiring is resuming. Teams are planning forward rather than preparing for contraction.
Clinical research operates on long timelines and requires sustained commitment. Confidence in the future supports better planning, stronger partnerships, and more effective execution.
The energy at SCOPE Summit 2026 reflected that change. The atmosphere was engaged, forward-looking, and collaborative.
Supporting global trials through language and trust
For Vistatec Life Sciences, SCOPE Summit 2026 reinforced the importance of high-quality, compliant multilingual communication. As trials get more multilingual and international, language becomes an essential enabler.
Vistatec supports organizations at every stage of the clinical lifecycle. This includes regulatory and clinical documentation, patient-facing materials, and operational content. With support for over 200 languages and a global operating model, Vistatec helps teams move faster while maintaining quality and trust.
“SCOPE Summit 2026 made it clear that life sciences is moving from exploration to execution. Teams are no longer asking whether AI and digital transformation matter; they are asking how to adopt them responsibly. What stood out for us was the focus on controlled use cases, regulatory readiness, and real operational impact. That aligns closely with how Vistatec supports clinical teams: combining technology with human expertise to deliver quality, compliance, and confidence at scale,” commented Simon Hodgkins, CMO, Vistatec Life Sciences.
The conversations at SCOPE confirmed that this approach resonates. Life sciences organizations are looking for partners who combine technology, expertise, and accountability.
SCOPE Summit 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and connect. We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting clinical teams in an increasingly global and complex landscape. Contact us today to discuss how Vistatec Life Sciences can help your business.