OVERVIEW

The leaders of the International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology, ISCTM, agreed that with the Society now entering its 6th year, (founded Autumn 2004) it was time for a formal strategic planning session.  The Society has enjoyed growth and success and the leadership desires to leverage the current success into the establishment of a Society that maintains the culture of the original vision and is sustainable beyond the leadership of the founding leaders and members. 

This was the first formal strategic planning session for the group.  The planning was conducted at The Fairmont Washington DC, 21 February 2010, facilitated by Denise Cavanaugh.   Invited to participate were all members currently serving on ISCTM Committees.

Drawing from the information obtained during the planning session, the ISCTM Executive Committee and Committee chairs have developed goals and strategies that affirm the organization’s mission, vision and values to guide the work of the organization over the next three years. 

Specific committee goals for 2010 are set forth in the 2010 Presidential Charges to Standing Committees document.  These goals will be reviewed and revised yearly.

MISSION/VISION/VALUES

Mission Statement
The Mission Statement had been reviewed and revised during the October 2009 meeting of the Executive Committee.  The revisions did not change the core mission of the Society, but were adopted to better reflect the full scope of activities of the Society.

The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) is a multi-disciplinary independent organization, devoted to promoting advances that address strategic clinical, regulatory, methodological and policy challenges that arise in the development and use of CNS therapeutic agents.  This work is accomplished through partnership with persons in academia, industry, government, policy-making, and the public.

Vision and Values
Though the Vision and Values of the ISCTM have not been crafted as separate statements, they are reflected in the ‘Rationale’ document developed by the Founders.

The ISCTM specifically deals with the strategic aspects of clinical trial design, other methodological issues and regulatory issues that can confound CNS drug development.

In particular,existing forums do not adequately address gaps/disconnects among objectives/indications, regulatory demands/requirements and clinical feasibility in the CNS area.

In contrast, the fields of oncology, immunology, and cardiology have developed extensive interactions among academics, regulators, and industry scientists, and this process has significantly improved clinical research in these disciplines.

This society should serve as a forum to fundamentally re-evaluate current concepts of CNS drug development, including new therapies and indications, methodologies for evaluating these therapeutic approaches, the associated regulatory guidelines, the modes of usage of these drugs, and the clinical methodology associated with the use of these drugs both in the research and practice settings.

This society will be rigorously scientific in character and will not be dominated by any special interest group or company. Conscious efforts shall be made to avoid the perception that the society represents an opportunity for marketing of commercial products or for off-label use of existing products.

The independence of the society will be maintained by a close integration of representatives from academia, industry, regulators and others with strong interest in methodology and teaching.
 
2010-2013 ISCTM Goals and Strategies

Sustain Momentum Trajectory
Increase the value and impact of ISCTM while preserving its unique culture.

Strategies:
-    Increase value of ISCTM forums by widening discussion and broadening impact to the field of CNS trials and methodology.
-    Expand the generation, summarization and communication of products of ISCTM efforts, with vigorous attention to maintaining their high quality.
-    Develop and engage a multi-disciplinary, multi-perspective membership that is committed to rigorous debate towards improving methodology in CNS research.
-    Foster targeted alliances with other organizations that enhance the vision and value of ISCTM.
-    Increase awareness and build the value of ISCTM regarding CNS clinical trials methodology in the scientific, clinical and policy communities.

Ensure Sustainability
Ensure adherence to the mission of ISCTM by broadening financial support and practicing exceptional stewardship of the society’s assets.

Strategies:
-    Increase revenue streams outside of pharmaceutical industry.
-    Bring balance within current revenue streams.
-    Monitor changes in fiscal environment and health care policy that may impact ISCTM’s mission or sustainability.
-    Continue to evaluate and monitor operational efficiencies and productivity.

Develop Leadership and Human Resources
 Develop board, employee and volunteer talent to support the implementation of ISCTM’s goals over generations.

Strategies:
-    Continue to strengthen the Executive’s leadership role through effective practices in committee recruitment, development, succession and ongoing engagement.
-    Identify and develop members across all constituencies who grasp the vision and are committed to the mission and values of the society.
-    Expand the use of volunteers in specific roles that help us meet important needs.
-    Maintain systems that help attract and retain high quality employees dedicated to the mission of ISCTM.