Join the Network – Africa Clinical Research Network
Join Africa’s Growing Clinical Trials Network
Opens 21 August – Closes 15 November 2025
From infectious diseases to rare conditions, the Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRN) connects research sites, investigators, and clinicians across the continent with global health and industry sponsors. Together, we deliver high-quality, timely, and impactful clinical trials that advance health innovation in Africa.
Be Part of Africa’s Next Era in Clinical Research
We Welcome:
- Established research centers with proven trial experience
- Healthcare facilities new to clinical research that are ready to build capacity
- Investigators and experienced clinicians seeking to expand into sponsored trials
Therapeutic Areas Include
High Burden Diseases
Infectious diseases, maternal & child health, neglected tropical diseases
Emerging areas
Oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, dermatology, mental health, rare diseases
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Helminth infections, protozoan diseases, bacterial NTDs, Viral NTD, Zoonotic and emerging NTDs
Why Join ACRN?
By joining the ACRN Network, you will:
- Have access to clinical trials from global health funders and industry sponsors
- Leverage advanced trial delivery platforms and digital tools
- Collaborate with leading African and international research partners
- Expand into new and underrepresented therapeutic areas
Our Pan-African, unified clinical research platform will offer:
- ICH-GCP–aligned SOPs and seamless contracting
- Short timelines to activation
- Training, mentorship, and trial management systems
- Strong patient databases across multiple specialties
What makes a Competitive Site
Commitment to Excellence
Meeting global quality and operational standards, protecting patients and study participants.
Patient-Centered Approach
Research that improves care and benefits the community.
Strong Institutional Support
Leadership that backs research activities with resources and oversight.
Operational Readiness
Reliable infrastructure, efficient processes, and flexibility to meet sponsor requirements.
Data & Performance Reliability
Accurate data collection, on-time reporting, and full compliance.
Growth Mindset
Willingness to train, adopt best practices, and build capacity over time.
What makes a Competitive Investigator
- Demonstrated clinical expertise and strong patient relationships
- Proven ability (or readiness) to recruit and retain study participants
- Knowledge of ICH-GCP or willingness to complete GCP training
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with research teams and sponsors
- Commitment to ethical research conduct and participant safety
- Openness to training, mentorship, and adopting best practices
- Ability to manage study timelines, documentation, and reporting requirements
The ACRN Vision
EOI Submission (21 Aug – 15 Nov 2025)
Submit your online application with details on:
- Research capacity & infrastructure
- Facilities & equipment
- Staff expertise
- Previous research or clinical experience
Due Diligence & Interviews (Sept 2025 – Rolling)
We will:
- Conduct structured interviews
- Review documentation
- Assess operational readiness & track record
Site Visits & Final Selection (Oct – Dec 2025)
Shortlisted applicants will receive on-site evaluations. Selected sites will join the ACRN Network.
FAQs – What Applicants Want to Know
The EOI is a structured process to identify and assess research sites and investigators across Africa interested in joining the Africa Clinical Research Network. It helps ACRN understand each site's capabilities and readiness to participate in future clinical trials.
Yes. If you need to update your submission or withdraw it entirely, please contact the project coordination team using the provided support email. Updates may be accepted up until the final review begins. Withdrawal does not affect your eligibility for future calls or opportunities.
We invite applications from institutions (public or private) and affiliated investigators with experience or interest in clinical research.
Sites may be included in ACRN’s internal network mapping, considered for inclusion in upcoming studies, and engaged where possible in capacity development efforts.
No. This is not a grant or funding call. However, participation may position your site for inclusion in funded studies in the near future. Participation in the EOI does not create any legal or financial entitlement to future funding or trial involvement.
You will be asked to provide:
- General site information
- Therapeutic area(s) of experience
- Infrastructure and capabilities
- Previous trial experience
- Regulatory readiness
EOI submissions will be used by ACRN to assess research capacity and build an internal capabilities map. All data will be handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection laws (e.g., POPIA, NDPR, GDPR). No identifiable information will be shared externally without your explicit consent.
ACRN welcomes both experienced and emerging sites. The EOI is also a way to identify capacity-building needs and growth potential.
Absolutely. Being part of existing networks is an advantage, not a barrier.
Please reach out to the project coordination team at eoi@acrnhealth.com
You will receive a confirmation of receipt. Sites may then be contacted for a follow-up assessment or verification process. Submission of an EOI does not guarantee inclusion in the ACRN network. All submissions are subject to review and further assessment at ACRN’s discretion.