LONDON, 13 May 2026 – Arena International, a leading B2B events company owned by GlobalData, has announced that the 13th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials UK & Ireland 2026 will take place on 9–10 June 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

At a time when the UK clinical trials sector is undergoing its biggest regulatory overhaul in two decades, OCT UK & Ireland 2026 arrives as one of the first major industry platforms dedicated to helping sponsors, CROs, biotech innovators, regulators and NHS stakeholders navigate the new era of UK clinical development.

With the UK’s updated clinical trial regulations now in force as of April 2026, the conference will provide practical guidance on implementation, operational readiness, regulatory interpretation and patient-centric trial execution. More than 450 senior clinical leaders, including decision-makers from pharma, biotech, government and healthcare organizations, are expected to attend.

The 2026 agenda is structured around the industry’s most urgent priorities, including operational innovation, MHRA-driven regulatory change, government-backed growth initiatives, and patient advocacy in trial design.

Key sessions include:

  • The New UK Clinical Trials Framework – Regulatory Updates, Combined Review Evolution & AI in Practice | James Pound, MHRA
  • 150 Days to Activation: Can the UK meet the NIHR’s new start-up standard? | Maria Koufali, NIHR
  • Applying AI Tools Effectively in Clinical Trials | Olivia Howard, Scancell

This year’s program is built around four major themes that reflect the rapidly evolving UK environment:

  • Operational Challenges and Innovations in UK Clinical Development
  • Regulatory Updates and MHRA‑Driven Change
  • Government Initiatives for UK Growth
  • Patient‑Centricity and Advocacy in Trial Design

The event will also feature a dedicated oncology stream, discussions on AI-related trial risks, and expanded Ireland-focused content, including insights from Angela Clayton-Lea and Emma Kinloch on improving inclusivity and patient engagement across clinical studies.

Unlike large-scale industry conventions, OCT UK & Ireland is intentionally designed to maximize high-value networking and strategic collaboration. With over 80% of attendees at director level or above, the conference offers direct access to the leaders shaping the future of clinical outsourcing and trial operations in the UK and Ireland.

Nicola Bateman Phillips, Managing director at GlobalData Healthcare, says: “For sponsors and solution providers, the event represents a timely opportunity to benchmark strategies, build partnerships and gain clarity on the evolving regulatory environment before new standards become fully operational across the industry.”

Registration is complimentary for Pharma, Medical Device and Biotech professionals using code MKHD. Secure your Pass.