Adaptive Clinical Systems at SCDM 2025:

Where AI Meets Data Management Reality

The 2025 SCDM Annual Conference in Baltimore brought together more than 900 clinical data professionals, leaders, and innovators, all exploring one theme: how artificial intelligence is redefining the future of data management.
This year’s discussions marked a clear transition from possibilities to proven results. AI in data management is no longer a concept, it’s a working reality delivering measurable ROI and operational efficiency.

AI Everywhere, Applied with Purpose

Only two years ago, AI was still an emerging buzzword. At SCDM 2025, it became clear that the technology has taken root. Leading pharma organizations, including Pfizer, shared examples of AI-driven systems created organically from operational needs rather than top-down mandates.
As Demetris Zambas of Pfizer described, data has become a “fast-flowing river—you can’t control it, but you can influence it.” This new reality requires data management leaders to shift from controlling data to coaching teams, guiding how AI is used to clean, interpret, and validate information efficiently.

Regulators Are Catching Up

Regulators from multiple regions were present and shared valuable updates. The FDA, in particular, provided perspective on how agencies are approaching AI adoption in data operations and validation. While published guidance helps set the foundation, more work remains before regulatory frameworks can fully support advanced AI tools in clinical research.
Until then, innovation must move forward responsibly, balancing agility with compliance.

Vendors Reshaping for the AI Era

Every booth at the conference had one message: AI is transforming the vendor ecosystem. Some platforms are completely rebuilding around AI-driven automation, while others are still experimenting. For sponsors and CROs, this means evaluating vendors carefully. True AI maturity is not about branding, it’s about function, scalability, and validated outcomes.

People and Change Management Matter

AI’s adoption is as much about people as it is about technology. The SCDM Leadership Forum this year emphasized the importance of change management, upskilling, and defining the “Human in the Loop” roles that ensure oversight and accountability. As Arshad Mohammed, Head of Digital Data Strategy at GSK, previously pointed out, implementing AI isn’t just a technical change, it reshapes workflows, team roles, and expectations. Upskilling, retraining, and “human-in-the-loop” oversight are key to sustainable adoption.
Organizations must create clear pathways for retraining and guiding data managers to use new tools effectively, preserving institutional knowledge while fostering innovation.

Evolving Toward Risk-Based Data Management

SCDM continues to strengthen its educational mission. Under the leadership of Patrick Nodolny, new programs are bridging the gap between data management and data science.
A key takeaway this year was the growing momentum around Risk-Based Data Management (RBDM), an evolution similar to the industry’s earlier move toward Risk-Based Quality Management. Adaptive Clinical Systems strongly supports this direction.
Our Adaptive eClinical Bus® helps organizations harmonize and automate clinical data across systems, enabling a connected and AI-ready environment that supports this next era of risk-based data operations.

Looking Ahead

SCDM 2025 made one thing clear: AI will not replace the data manager. It will redefine the role. The next generation of data leaders will combine human expertise, AI-powered insight, and interoperable infrastructure to make trials faster, safer, and more reliable.
The future of data management isn’t just about more AI. It’s about connected, intelligent, and adaptive systems that can keep up.
Learn how Adaptive Clinical Systems supports this evolution.
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