ACRES

The Alliance for Clinical Research Excellence and Safety (ACRES) was founded two decades ago in response to both a crisis and an opportunity within the world of clinical research. At the time, drug development faced persistent delays, inefficiencies, and ethical and regulatory challenges that limited the ability to deliver safe, timely, and affordable new medicines. ACRES emerged to champion a new path forward—one rooted in innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

A Systems Approach to Advancing Research

To tackle these challenges, ACRES promoted a bold systems-based approach. It envisioned a fully integrated ecosystem where all components of drug development—ethics, regulation, research, business, and marketing—would work in concert through interoperability and shared goals. This holistic vision allowed people, processes, policies, and technologies to align and generate collective impact greater than any single part could achieve alone. Over the years, ACRES has developed practical tools to realize this vision, including globally recognized standards for clinical research site accreditation.

Expanding the Mission to Healthcare Transformation

Building on its success in research, ACRES has expanded its mission to address the broader healthcare system—where challenges mirror those in research but are far more complex. In December 2022, ACRES launched the concept of an Intelligent HealthScience System (IHSS) and convened the SYNERGY Forum, hosted by the National Academy of Medicine. This visionary gathering brought together nearly 60 national leaders in medicine, technology, law, ethics, and advocacy to co-create a roadmap for transformation. 

This collaborative momentum drives  ACRES’ mission today -  to shape a smarter, more connected, and patient-centered healthcare future.