ACRES 2026
Redefining Representation & Talent in African Clinical Trials
27–28 November 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria
A flagship summit bringing together emerging and established talent, researchers, healthcare professionals, institutions, industry and other stakeholders to strengthen clinical research capacity, representation and participation across Africa.
27–28
NOVEMBER 2026
Lagos
NIGERIA · HOST CITY
2 Days
SUMMIT + ECOSYSTEM MIXER
Free
EARLY REGISTRATION UNTIL 31 OCT 2026
WHY ACRES
Africa's clinical research future needs people prepared to shape it.
Clinical research creates opportunities across medicine, science, healthcare and a wide range of related disciplines and professions.
Across fields such as research, technology, project management, data, finance and other interdisciplinary areas, people increasingly have opportunities to contribute to healthcare and clinical research.
ACRES creates a space where people can understand the field, build knowledge, explore career pathways, collaborate and connect with others working across the ecosystem.
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
What we're building
01 TALENT
Developing the next generation of clinical research professionals and creating clearer pathways into the industry.
02 REPRESENTATION
Strengthening the skills, knowledge, systems and capabilities needed to support quality clinical research.
03 CAPACITY
Creating greater participation, visibility and meaningful inclusion for African talent, institutions and populations within clinical research.
04 CONNECTION & COLLABORATION
Bringing people, institutions and organizations across the ecosystem closer together to encourage stronger relationships, partnerships and collaboration.
STAKEHOLDERS
Find your place at ACRES.
Students & Early-Career Professionals
Explore careers, build knowledge, discover opportunities and meet people working in clinical research.
Researchers & Investigators
Exchange experience, share knowledge, contribute to important conversations and connect with peers and potential collaborators.
Healthcare & Established Professionals
Explore opportunities to contribute expertise, expand professional networks and engage with developments across the clinical research ecosystem.
Universities & Institutions
Connect with emerging talent, industry and other institutions while contributing to research capacity development.
Industry & CROs
Engage with emerging and experienced professionals, connect with institutions and contribute to the growth of the wider ecosystem.
Regulators & Ecosystem Stakeholders
Contribute to conversations, partnerships and initiatives focused on strengthening clinical research across Africa.
EVENT AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Two days. One ecosystem. Multiple opportunities to learn, connect and participate.
27 NOVEMBER 2026
DAY 01: ACRES SUMMIT
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Expert conversations, practical learning, panels, career discussions and interactive sessions focused on clinical research, representation, talent and capacity.
28 NOVEMBER 2026
DAY 02: ECOSYSTEM MIXER
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A more interactive experience focused on networking, industry engagement, professional conversations, career connections and ecosystem collaboration.
LEADERSHIP
Conversations led by people shaping clinical research.
ACRES will bring together professionals, researchers, investigators, industry leaders and other ecosystem stakeholders to share perspectives and experiences from across clinical research.
Speaker announcements coming soon.
THE PATHWAY
The journey continues.
The ACRES journey began with UCTSS’s Clinical Research Workshop at the University of Abuja. Participants were introduced to clinical research, career pathways, ethics, regulation, drug development, data and technology. The experience also included expert sessions, interactive discussions, group presentations and a team challenge focused on identifying gaps and proposing solutions for Nigeria’s clinical research landscape.
2025 ABUJA WORKSHOP
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials from the 2025 UCTSS Clinical Research Workshop
PARTICIPATION
There's more than one way to be part of ACRES.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Support the delivery of ACRES and gain experience contributing to a major clinical research ecosystem initiative.
BECOME AN ACRES AMBASSADOR
Help build awareness about ACRES within your university, professional community or network.
SUBMIT A PRESENTATION / RESEARCH IDEA
A potential participation route may allow selected participants to submit presentations, ideas or other contributions relevant to clinical research. The exact presentation format, eligibility criteria, submission process and participant categories are still being deliberated and will be updated once finalised.
PARTNERS
Building ACRES together.
ACRES is being developed through collaboration with organizations and institutions committed to strengthening clinical research capacity and creating opportunities for the next generation.