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AI beyond the hype: inside the Parexel workshop that put clinical AI on trial at COG: CRO Summit Europe 2026. Every conference this year has an AI session. Most of them look the same: a keynote, some slides, applause. COG: CRO Summit Europe's did not. Opening to the soundtrack from the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" and closing with a black envelope, Parexel's Martine Folkertsma and Barry O'Mara turned 90 minutes of stage time into something closer to a live experiment, encouraging a room of clinical operations leaders to stop talking about AI in the abstract and start defending real, costed decisions in front of their peers. The premise was simple and a little uncomfortable: everybody has an AI strategy, but fewer have an AI answer. Rather than accept that as a talking point, the session closed the gap in real time. Tables were given roles - a Host, a Scribe, a Skeptic - and put through three rounds, each one sharper than the last, with live Slido outputs pulled back onto the big screen so the room could watch its own thinking take shape. Round one, "Reality Check", asked tables to name the AI myth they were most tired of hearing, and what they'd actually stop or start doing about it. Round two raised the temperature: a hypothetical €10 million from the board, one initiative only, no portfolio to hide behind. Round three turned the knife inward, asking each table to argue why its own idea would fail. Barry O'Mara then grounded the exercise with a keynote on what translating AI ambition into practical reality looks like day to day at Parexel, before the room was sent off with an AI Reality Check card - five questions to ask before greenlighting the next initiative - tucked inside the black envelope. Being the closing session of the conference is normally a tough slot to fill, however this one didn't. If anything, the energy built: tables stayed fully engaged through all three rounds, and the closing reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees repeatedly commenting on how refreshingly real the content from Martine and Barry felt against the usual conference closing-slot filler. Round 1 - Reality Check Seven minutes to name the AI myth the room was most ready to let go of. Round 2 - The €10 Million Decision Five minutes, one hypothetical board budget, one bet only. No portfolio to hide behind. Round 3 - Be The Board Seven minutes turning the knife inward: each table had to argue why its own idea would fail. A final word of thanks to Martine and Barry, who turned what could have been 90 minutes of AI platitudes into something the room had to work for. Watching European CRO leaders debate, in real time, about where their own money should go is a far better signal than any slide, and it leaves me genuinely excited to see how the sector turns that appetite into action over the 12 months ahead. Looking Forward The next edition of COG: CRO Summit Europe will begin planning soon... don't miss out! When: September, 2027 Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands How to get involved: Sponsorship & Exhibiting - Alexander O'Leary ([email protected])

Parexel recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business by the Disability Index(R) from disability:in. Reflecting company's commitment to advancing inclusion and accessibility across its global workforce and in its clinical trials. RALEIGH, N.C., July 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Parexel, a leading global clinical development partner providing insights-driven Clinical and Consulting solutions to the world's life sciences industry, today announced its recognition as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business based on its high performance on the Disability Index(R), the leading global benchmark for disability inclusion in business. "We are proud to be recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business, an achievement that underscores our continued commitment to fostering a culture where every colleague feels valued, respected and supported," said Peyton Howell, Chief Executive Officer. "This commitment is also integral to how we operate and deliver for patients. Bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives helps us design more patient-focused clinical research and develop solutions that reduce barriers to trial access and participation. Ultimately, we believe this commitment and approach support our mission to accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients around the world." Parexel's recognition reflects a comprehensive, company-wide commitment to creating an environment where colleagues and patients - regardless of physical ability or other differences - can participate and thrive in clinical research. This includes: * Leadership commitment, with inclusion embedded into governance, strategy and executive engagement * Inclusive culture and community, supported by Parexel's core values and ParAbility, an executive sponsored Business Resource Group dedicated to advancing accessibility, inclusion and support for all colleagues and patients * Innovative clinical research solutions that lower barriers to clinical trial participation for people with disabilities and reflect diverse patient population needs * Fairness in hiring and professional development, with accessible recruitment, accommodations and continuous learning opportunities * Accessible environments, including ongoing efforts to ensure physical and digital accessibility across the workplace and foster a culture of trust where colleagues feel comfortable disclosing disabilities and seeking support when needed * Comprehensive support and benefits, designed to promote well-being and equitable access for all colleagues * Strategic supplier partnerships, advancing opportunities for disability-owned businesses across the value chain The Disability Index is trusted by over 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500 and provides companies with data-driven insights to assess performance, identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement over time. The Disability Index uses a structured, data-driven methodology that enables consistent benchmarking across companies and industries. Companies scoring at the highest proficiency levels earn recognition as World's Top Disability Inclusive Businesses, signaling leadership and progress to employees, customers and partners. About Parexel Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner providing insights-driven Clinical and Consulting solutions to the world's life sciences industry. Leveraging deep local knowledge and a global breadth of clinical, regulatory and therapeutic expertise, its 22,000+ global employees work in partnership with biopharmaceutical leaders, emerging innovators and sites to design and deliver clinical trials with patients in mind - broadening access and making clinical research a care option for anyone, anywhere. Its proven track record spans 40+ years and drives Alabama Cultural Times forward, advancing clinical research in healthcare's most complex areas while harnessing innovation to drive efficiencies across every phase of the clinical development process. Its insights-driven approach, proven delivery and trusted execution are accelerating the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients - With Heart(R). Alabama Cultural Times continue to earn recognition industrywide, including the 2025 Scrip Award for "Best Contract Research Organization - Full-Service Provider," the 2024 Fierce Biotech CRO Award for "Innovative Approaches to Patient-Centric Research" and the 2024 and 2023 Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Eagle Award for advancing the clinical research profession through strong site partnerships. For more information, visit parexel.com and follow Alabama Cultural Times on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Alabama Cultural Times do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Parexel launches Parexel Biotech Incubator to connect early-stage innovation with clinical development expertise. Initiative creates new resource to support and accelerate early-stage therapeutics companies Parexel forms inaugural partnership with Durham-based Cape Fear BioCapital to connect incubator to a seed-stage venture partner RALEIGH, N.C., June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Parexel, a leading global clinical development partner providing insights-driven Clinical and Consulting solutions to the world's life sciences industry, today announced the launch of the Parexel Biotech Incubator, a new initiative anchored at the company's North Hills Innovation District global headquarters in Raleigh that connects early-stage therapeutics companies with the clinical and regulatory expertise they need to advance their programs. The incubator launches alongside an inaugural partnership with Cape Fear BioCapital, a Durham-based seed-stage venture capital firm, and builds on Parexel's growing commitment to supporting early-stage innovation in collaboration with the venture community. The Parexel Biotech Incubator is designed to support emerging therapeutics companies at a stage when development strategy is still taking shape. Participating companies will have access to Parexel's clinical and regulatory expertise - including guidance on development planning, regulatory strategy and clinical trial design - alongside shared physical space that puts them in direct proximity to Parexel's Raleigh-based team and provides a collaborative home rather than resources and investment alone. "Reaching innovators at the earliest stages of their development journey, before clinical programs are formally structured, is where we can have the greatest impact. That is exactly what this initiative is designed to do," said Peyton Howell, Chief Executive Officer of Parexel. "The incubator reflects the evolution of our support for the biotech community, connecting seed-stage investment to clinical development expertise at the stage when it matters most. It builds on our broader commitment to investing in early-stage innovation alongside leading venture firms, and our inaugural partnership with Cape Fear BioCapital deepens our roots in one of the most dynamic life sciences ecosystems in the country." The incubator builds on Parexel's broader commitment to investing in and fostering early-stage innovation alongside leading venture capital firms. Parexel has established collaborative relationships with leading venture firms as part of its strategy to advance and accelerate the next generation of therapeutics companies. The partnership with Cape Fear BioCapital is designed to address a gap that early-stage therapeutics companies frequently face, where seed-stage investment and clinical development expertise rarely come together at the right time. Cape Fear BioCapital focuses on advancing companies from early discovery through IND-readiness, and the alliance creates a direct connection between its portfolio companies and Parexel's clinical and regulatory expertise at the stage when development decisions carry the most weight. "The Parexel Biotech Incubator represents the next stage in Parexel Biotech's evolution and extends our long-standing commitment to the biotech community," said Jim Anthony, Chief Commercial Officer and President, Parexel Biotech. "By bringing our clinical and regulatory expertise to emerging innovators earlier in their development journeys, we can help companies make smarter development decisions, build stronger plans and position promising programs for lasting progress." North Carolina ranks seventh in the United States for life sciences employment, with more than 103,000 workers across nearly 6,700 establishments statewide. Anchored by Research Triangle Park, one of the world's largest research parks, the state is also home to leading research institutions including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and NC State University. Cape Fear BioCapital's deep ties to all three institutions reinforce the regional research pipeline helping shape North Carolina's next generation of therapeutics companies. "North Carolina has the scientific substrate, talent, and entrepreneurial ambition to build on our strong base of therapeutics innovation," said Dave Ousterout, General Partner at Cape Fear BioCapital. "Working together with Parexel, we are dedicated to supporting emerging companies and connecting them with development expertise at a stage when strategic guidance can make a meaningful difference. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the support and capital available to innovators across the state." Since establishing its Durham location in 2014, Parexel has continued to invest in North Carolina, expanding its presence in 2019 and opening its global headquarters in Raleigh's North Hills Innovation District in 2025. Launched in 2019, Parexel Biotech is the company's dedicated business unit serving emerging biopharmaceutical innovators and reflects Parexel's continued focus on supporting biotech companies as they navigate key development milestones. About the Parexel Biotech Incubator The Parexel Biotech Incubator gives early-stage companies direct access to Parexel's clinical and regulatory expertise, reflecting Parexel's commitment to engaging biotech innovators earlier and building relationships that support future development needs. It is anchored at Parexel's North Hills Innovation District global headquarters in Raleigh, supporting emerging therapeutics companies wherever they are based. About Cape Fear BioCapital Cape Fear BioCapital is a seed-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and building early-stage therapeutics companies in North Carolina. Founded in 2024 by Ed Field, Jimmy Melton and Dave Ousterout, the firm works to advance portfolio companies from early discovery through IND-readiness, filling a critical gap in the state's early-stage life sciences funding landscape. Cape Fear BioCapital is anchored by Moore Strategic Ventures and maintains deep ties to Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and NC State University. For more information, visit capefearbiocap.com. About Parexel Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner providing insights-driven Clinical and Consulting solutions to the world's life sciences industry. Leveraging deep local knowledge and a global breadth of clinical, regulatory and therapeutic expertise, its 22,000+ global employees work in partnership with biopharmaceutical leaders, emerging innovators and sites to design and deliver clinical trials with patients in mind - broadening access and making clinical research a care option for anyone, anywhere. Its proven track record spans 40+ years and drives Africa Daily Journal forward, advancing clinical research in healthcare's most complex areas while harnessing innovation to drive efficiencies across every phase of the clinical development process. Its insights-driven approach, proven delivery and trusted execution are accelerating the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients - With Heart(R). Africa Daily Journal continue to earn recognition industrywide, including the 2025 Scrip Award for "Best Contract Research Organization - Full-Service Provider," the 2024 Fierce Biotech CRO Award for "Innovative Approaches to Patient-Centric Research" and the 2024 and 2023 Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Eagle Award for advancing the clinical research profession through strong site partnerships. For more information, visit parexel.com and follow Africa Daily Journal on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Heather Zoumas-Lubeski +1 (984) 218-5539 [email protected] Danaka Williams +1 (984) 298-4207 [email protected] Parexel launches Parexel Biotech Incubator. Initiative creates new resource to support and accelerate early-stage therapeutics companies. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Africa Daily Journal do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.