Clinical research studies are essential to translate knowledge gained in the laboratory into interventions that improve human health. Multisite studies, in particular, are critical because many diseases require the study of large numbers of participants to be truly valid.

However, launching human studies in multiple institutions is complicated and can sometimes take many months. There are many contributors to these time delays, but a prime cause is the review and negotiation process for various agreements associated with research activities. For each new study that a researcher or sponsor proposes, several agreements may need to be reviewed, e.g., a confidential disclosure agreement, a clinical trial agreement, a data use agreement, a material transfer agreement.

The Accelerated Research Agreements Initiative provides agreements that are acceptable to participating institutions and organizations; when used, these will expedite the study initiation process.