Clinilabs, a global contract research organization (CRO) specializing in central nervous system (CNS) drug and device development, announced a new educational partnership with Rutgers Health.
The collaboration connects Rutgers’ Master of Science in Clinical Research Management (MS CRM) program with Clinilabs’ active clinical research environments. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic instruction and professional practice by providing graduate students with direct, mentored experience in the field.
Through this affiliation, students enrolled in the MS CRM program will undertake precepted clinical rotations at Clinilabs. These rotations are designed to immerse students in critical areas of clinical research, including:
- Clinical Operations: Exposure to the day-to-day management of research studies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the rigorous standards required in a highly regulated research setting.
- Data and Quality Oversight: Practical experience in maintaining the integrity and quality of research data.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working within professional teams to execute research protocols.
The program is structured to align with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Clinical Research Competencies, ensuring that the training meets high industry standards.
For the leadership at Clinilabs, this partnership represents a strategic investment in the future of the clinical research industry.
“This novel program provides mentored experiential education,” Erika Stevens, director of Clinical Research Experience at Clinilabs, said. “The partnership with Clinilabs provides practical exposure to clinical trial conduct, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration within a highly regulated research setting.”
Chelsea McCabe, operations executive director at Clinilabs and an alumna of the Rutgers MS CRM program, highlighted the personal and professional value of this initiative. “At Clinilabs, students gain direct exposure to clinical operations, quality oversight, and the day-to-day realities of conducting clinical research studies,” McCabe said. “By starting intentionally and investing in hands-on learning, we are creating an experience that delivers value for both students and our teams.”
Clinilabs expects to welcome its first cohort of MS CRM students for the upcoming fall 2026 semester.
