Data Coordinating Centers (DCCs) are essential to the success of large clinical research studies. They manage vast amounts of trial information, collecting, verifying, storing, and analyzing the trial data that can change clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. DCCs also support the study design process, ensuring that a project is set up for success before it begins.
However, not every DCC operates according to the same playbook, which can hamper study efficiency when a DCC is not properly equipped for the task. A new initiative spearheaded by the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) aims to broadly improve the rigor and impact of clinical research, using a collaborative approach with other prominent academic DCCs.
A group of academic DCCs from across the nation established the UNIversity data COoRdination ceNters (UNICORN) Network to advance the discipline of data coordination in clinical research studies.
The network will develop and share best practices for establishing and sustaining academic DCCs, conducting DCC activities, and training DCC personnel. The UNICORN Network also advocates for best practices of study design, DCC activities, and statistical analysis that will broadly inform the advancement of DCCs involved in clinical research.
“As sponsors and funding agencies increasingly require studies to have an independent DCC, our community is rising to the need,” said DCRI’s Chris Lindsell, PhD, the UNICORN Network’s Executive Committee Chair. “Together, we are establishing the foundation for the specialty. We are using our collective expertise in data coordination to establish practices that have been tested and proven, to identify gaps in need of development, and to build the national infrastructure for supporting our clinical translational research enterprise.”
Lindsell and colleagues unveiled the UNICORN Network at an invited session during the 2025 Society of Clinical Trials annual meeting on May 21, while colleagues from other member DCCs guided roundtable discussions about the network at the meeting.
The network will operate based on four focus areas:
- DCC Infrastructure — assess the national infrastructure for academic DCCs and use the results to offer recommendations or identify gaps in clinical research
- Good Data Coordination Practices — develop, review, and disseminate guidance to enhance academic DCC activities
- Professional Development — provide peer support and professional development programs that encourage careers in clinical research data coordination
- Advocacy — advocating at the local, state, and national level to support the science and practice of DCC activities
The UNICORN Network has 17 member DCCs as of May 2025, and welcomes individuals and groups interested in joining to advance academic DCC activities. Visit the UNICORN Network website to join or learn more about meetings and member organizations.