The 2012 Eagle Awards, presented to the top sponsor and top CRO as voted by clinical research sites, honored Eli Lilly and Medpace on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the annual Site Solutions Summit.

Sites voted via confidential ballot, evaluating companies they had worked with in the preceding 18 months on criteria including professionalism, partnership, efficiencies and financial considerations. The awards name these two companies "the most desirable to work with as a clinical research study partner," recognizing outstanding leadership, professionalism, integrity, passion and dedication to advancing the clinical research profession through strong site partnerships.

"We are delighted to recognize Eli Lilly and Medpace with the prestigious Eagle Award as they pursue the kinds of solid partnerships with sites needed to raise the bar on quality and integrity in the clinical research enterprise," said Christine Pierre, president of the newly formed Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) trade association. "They understand the value of collaboration that allows sites to do their best work."

"At Lilly, we believe the clinical research site is our partner in the research process, not simply a provider that we contract for services," said Michael D. Jones, senior director, global clinical operations, Lilly Research Laboratories. Lilly has received the Eagle Award for sponsors twice.

Medpace won the honor for CROs for the second year in a row. "Medpace CRAs continue to deliver the highest quality of therapeutically focused support at the site level.  Winning this award for a 2nd year is a testament to the intense training given to Medpace CRAs and to our ongoing strong relationships with sites," said Susan Burwig, senior vice president, clinical operations.

The winning companies were honored during the 2012 Site Solutions Summit, held Oct. 12-14 at the PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The Summit is the annual meeting of SCRS, and was co-hosted this year with the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO).