Which study team member acts as the liaison between a sponsor and a study site?

The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) serves as the liaison between the sponsor and the study site due to their role in monitoring the study's progress and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The CRA is responsible for maintaining communication between the sponsor, who provides the necessary funding and oversight for the study, and the study site, which includes the investigators and the site staff executing the research.

This position involves frequent visits to the study site, where the CRA assesses adherence to the study protocol, collects data, and addresses any questions or concerns that may arise. The CRA is instrumental in facilitating the integrity of the research process and ensuring that both the sponsor and site are aligned on study goals and expectations.

This role is distinct from that of the Investigator, who is primarily responsible for the scientific and ethical conduct of the research; the Study Coordinator, who manages the day-to-day operations of the study at the site; and the Data Manager, who focuses on data collection and management, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data collected during the study. Each of these roles has specific responsibilities, but it is the Clinical Research Associate who bridges the communication between the sponsor and the site.