Redefining Sponsor/CRO/Site Collaboration with Cognizant
Partnership only moves clinical research forward when every stakeholder has a seat at the table from the very beginning. That is the premise behind the new thought leadership paper we co-authored with Cognizant, Redefining Sponsor/CRO/Site Collaboration: Integrating Document Platforms and Portals to Optimize Startup from Protocol to Recruitment.
In the paper, we explore how combining Trialynx’s intelligent study design workflows with Cognizant’s Shared Investigator Platform (SIP) can help sponsors, CROs, and research sites co-create studies that are both scientifically sound and operationally realistic.
Why early site collaboration matters
Too often, sites join a study after the protocol is final, only to uncover feasibility issues that lead to costly amendments and delayed recruitment. When sites can review draft protocols, contribute structured feedback, and align on data requirements earlier, trials launch cleaner and faster.
Our proposed model encourages a parallel, data-driven workflow in which:
- Sites review and comment on protocol concepts inside Trialynx before documentation is finalized.
- Sponsors and CROs use SIP to capture structured responses, track feasibility, and manage document exchange in one shared portal.
- Feedback flows bidirectionally so scientific priorities, operational realities, and patient perspectives stay aligned.
What sponsors can gain
The collaboration paper outlines tangible advantages for study teams that connect documentation and site engagement platforms:
- Start feasibility during study design. Surface site constraints and patient realities while the protocol is still flexible.
- Reduce amendments. Resolve questions before submissions, cutting rework and preserving momentum.
- Deepen site relationships. Offer a transparent, respectful process that values site expertise.
- Improve patient recruitment and retention. Build studies designed with the communities who will be asked to participate.
- Align downstream systems. Generate structured protocol data that feeds regulatory, safety, and operational tools without manual re-entry.
Meet the authors
This collaboration reflects insights from leaders across both organizations:
- Jon Pauls, Ph.D., BCMAS – Associate Director, Technology Solutions, Cognizant
- Lestter Cruz Serrano, M.D., BCMAS – Head of Global Medical Affairs for Life Sciences and Healthcare, Cognizant
- Michael W. Young – Commercialization Lead, Trialynx
- Angie Schwab, MS, PMP – CEO & Founder, Trialynx
Read the full paper
Ready to dig deeper into the joint framework and suggested architecture? Read the full paper on LinkedIn.
We would love to hear how you are partnering with sites and patients earlier in the study development process. Connect with us to continue the conversation or share your ideas. Together, we can make trials smarter, faster, and more inclusive from day one.