ACDM 2026 Recap: Key Takeaways from Excelya's Team

Author: Hector De la Fouchardière & Marina Chenot
Published on: 12/04/2026

Estimated Reading Time: 6 min

ACDM 2026 · Berlin Highlights

Introduction, from the floor of berlin

ACDM 2026 has once again proven why it remains a must-attend event for anyone working in clinical data management. This year, the conference took place in Berlin, Germany, and we had the opportunity to represent Excelya on the ground. We came back energized, inspired, and full of insights worth sharing. From AI in data management to RBQM, USDM, and the shifting role of the Data Manager, the discussions clearly reflected where our industry is heading. In this blog, we break down our key takeaways from ACDM 2026 and explore what these trends mean for the future of clinical trial data management.

Jump to Section

1Europe’s Leading CDM Community

2Our Top Insights

3Looking Forward

6FAQ

Europe’s Leading CDM Community

What Is ACDM, and Why It Matters

Founded in europe, the Association for Clinical Data Management stands as one of the region’s leading communities dedicated to advancing clinical data management. It connects professionals across the clinical research landscape, bringing together data managers, statisticians, regulators, and technology leaders every year.

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The ACDM conference serves as a unique platform where the industry discusses emerging trends, shares best practices, and shapes the future of clinical trial data management.

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Each year, the event tackles the most pressing challenges in the field, from AI in data management to regulatory alignment, setting the tone for how clinical research data management will evolve. Naturally, attending such a gathering offers immense value for any organization committed to quality and innovation, including our clinical data management team at Excelya.

Hector De la Fouchardière and Marina Chenot representing Excelya at ACDM 2026 Berlin clinical data management conference

Hector De la Fouchardière and Marina Chenot representing Excelya at the ACDM conference in Berlin.

Our Top Insights

Top Takeaways from ACDM 2026

AI implementation in data management is becoming tangible.

Use cases are growing more concrete, and progressively, teams are integrating them into day-to-day practices. This shift opens new opportunities in terms of efficiency and data quality.

The Data Manager role is clearly evolving.

The position continues to shift toward a more strategic and cross-functional role within clinical research.

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RBQM gains momentum, especially around audit trail analysis.

Although still underutilized, this approach appears to be a promising lever for enhancing signal detection and data quality.

USDM and eClinical innovations took center stage.

These approaches reflect a strong drive toward harmonization and optimization across the entire data lifecycle. For context, the USDM (Unified Study Definitions Model) is a CDISC-led initiative that aims to standardize how studies are defined digitally.

Health authorities and GCP inspectors delivered valuable insights.

The session on “The Regulator’s Role in Clinical Research” offered concrete perspectives on regulatory expectations and their direct impact on our practices.

Above all, what stood out the most to us was the sheer volume, and more importantly the quality, of innovation happening in our field right now.

AI in Data Management
RBQM & Audit Trails
USDM
Regulatory

Looking Forward

Leading the Next Chapter in CDM

Ultimately, all these topics confirm that clinical data management is undergoing a major transformation, sitting at the intersection of innovation, quality, and regulatory expectations. ACDM 2026 clearly showed that the industry moves fast, and organizations that embrace AI, RBQM, and USDM will lead the next chapter. Consequently, at Excelya, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of this evolution, delivering smarter, higher-quality data management solutions for our clients.

Keynote speaker on stage at ACDM 2026 Berlin with Brandenburg Gate backdrop, addressing clinical data management professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACDM?

CDM, the Association for Clinical Data Management, is a European professional community that supports clinical data managers through conferences, training, and industry collaboration. Furthermore, it sets standards that influence clinical trial data management globally.

What were the main themes at ACDM 2026?

The ACDM conference focused on AI in data management, RBQM, USDM, eClinical innovations, and the evolving role of the Data Manager. Additionally, regulators shared valuable perspectives on compliance expectations.

How is AI transforming clinical data management?

AI now powers concrete use cases such as anomaly detection, query automation, and audit trail analysis. Consequently, teams gain efficiency while improving overall data quality. Learn more about how our data management experts leverage these innovations.

Why is ACDM 2026 important for clinical research professionals?

ACDM 2026 brought together leading voices in clinical data management to discuss the innovations shaping the industry. Notably, it offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from regulators, explore real-world AI use cases, and connect with peers driving the future of clinical trial data management.

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