Thermo Fisher Scientific and SCRS Launch Environmental Sustainability Advocacy Group for Clinical Research Sites
WALTHAM, MA (June 10, 2025) – The PPD™ clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, in partnership with the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), announces the launch of the Environmental Sustainability Site Advocacy Group. Conceived, funded and chaired by representatives from Thermo Fisher’s PPD clinical research business in partnership with SCRS. The advocacy group aims to establish a blueprint for environmental sustainability at clinical trial sites, positioning sites as leaders in environmental stewardship for patients and their local communities. The group will unite leaders from clinical trial sites around the world to proactively develop criteria and a roadmap for integrating more sustainable practices into clinical trials, which are instrumental in the development of life-changing medical therapies for patients. This collaborative effort underscores the vital role that sites play in embracing a greener future for clinical research.
A key function of the advocacy group will be to define the parameters for the inaugural SCRS Clinical Trial Site Environmental Sustainability Award, to be presented at the annual SCRS Global Site Solutions Summit, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, in Orlando, Florida. The award, sponsored by Themo Fisher Scientific, will recognize clinical sites that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. The award selection committee will include leaders from pharma, SCRS and the PPD clinical research business, with the advocacy group responsible for establishing the rubric, categories and other key criteria.
Marcus Maleck, vice president of global business partnerships with SCRS, said, “Collaboration between research sites and industry leaders is key to driving meaningful change in clinical trial operations. SCRS is excited to partner with the PPD clinical research business to equip sites with the resources and direction needed to integrate sustainability into trial operations. Through the SCRS Environmental Sustainability Site Advocacy Group, we are bringing together global site leaders to develop practical strategies that reduce the environmental impact of clinical research.”
“We are excited to lead this effort with global site partners in creating a more sustainable future for clinical research while improving population health outcomes,” said Paula Underhill, senior director and head of strategic site collaborations, of the PPD clinical research business. “Together, we can make a significant impact on our industry’s environmental footprint.”
Michael J. Cohen, senior director and environmental sustainability lead at the PPD clinical research business, noted that a recent open letter from the Sustainable Markets Initiative, signed by seven biopharma CEOs, called on clinical research organizations to act on measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This, in part, inspired Thermo Fisher to demonstrate its leadership position in fostering sustainability by providing guidance for clinical trial sites and recognition for their efforts in mitigating environmental impacts.
Thermo Fisher supports the urgent calls for action from scientists around the world to address climate change and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment and the company’s near-term climate targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C trajectory and have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
For further information about site advocacy groups, visit: The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
About the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)
The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to unifying the voice of the global clinical research site community. Representing more than 11,000 research sites in 50+ countries, SCRS facilitates industry collaborations and conversations dedicated to site-focused advocacy, education, mentorship and connection. SCRS is an active and influential champion for sites in industry initiatives to ensure that the perspective of sites is heard and valued. Learn more and get involved at myscrs.org. Our voice. Our community. Your success.
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