Embracing AI, DEI Changes, Restrategizing Research Sites

Katrina Rice, Chief Delivery Officer, Biometrics, eClinical Solutions

DEI in 2026: Re-emerging as a Strategic Priority vs. Siloed Initiative

Looking back at 2025, administrative changes in DEI and regulatory rollbacks caused uncertainty and potential deprioritization of incentives for critical initiatives like inclusive patient recruitment for clinical trials. Moving into 2026, even with a reduced federal emphasis on explicit DEI programs, we will still see companies embracing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials; it will just look – and sound – different than before.

In 2026, rather than being a siloed initiative or labeled as “DEI”, these initiatives will be integrated into core business operations, seen as a strategic priority, rather than an optional initiative driven or removed by policy. One area we’ll see this is with clinical trials for GLP-1s. As demand continues to surge, diversity will undoubtedly be top of mind, playing a crucial role in regulatory reviews for these drugs. With weight control and management closely tied to socioeconomic factors, the influx of GLP-1s coming to market will only heighten the need for trials that are reflective of the real population, with diversity at the forefront of these initiatives.  

Katrina Rice

Chief Delivery Officer, Biometrics Services, eClinical Solutions

Katrina Rice is an accomplished Chief Delivery Officer with an impressive career that spans over 25 years and includes advancement into increasingly demanding leadership roles. With a solid history of leading business transformations and managing global portfolios, she is as much at home scaling operations as she is in developing strategies that drive revenue growth. At eClinical Solutions, Katrina was recently promoted from Executive Vice President of Professional Services to Chief Delivery Officer. She has previously held various technical roles at Lockheed Martin Energy Group and Bayer. Katrina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science with Advanced Applications from the University of New Haven. In her free time, Katrina is an active participant of Chief, a private network for women in senior leadership roles, Treasurer in her church where she oversees all financial aspects and a Member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the African American community.