European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association
European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association is a European pharmaceutical market research association established in 1961. EPHMRA aimed to provide the best methods of market research and share it with the global community. It also aimed to improve the public’s general healthcare, by doing market research which then ensures the quality and safety of marketed pharmaceutical products. To ensure the research done is according to the ethical standard, EPHMRA developed the Code of Conduct and formulated the Ethics Committee.
Internally, EPHMRA provided activities including training, and conferences to members regularly, aiming to enhance the professional development of the members and bring insights into the pharmaceutical market research field. Externally, EPHMRA collaborates with other organizations, for example, the European Network of Research Ethics, and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) aiming to improve the pharmaceutical market research methods, which could further enhance the overall safety of consumers.
History
Due to the need for comparable and reliable information related to pharmaceutical product research and marketing in the 1960s, various European companies sent their representatives to meet in Geneva on 5 May 1961. This meeting cause the foundation of the European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association, carrying the aim to search for the best possible market research method and share it with the community.Across the decades, EPHMRA has grown into a leading authority on pharmaceutical market research, developing best practices and guidelines for the industry and providing a range of services to its members. Pharmaceutical companies, market research agencies, and other organizations involved in the pharmaceutical industry are all included in the membership of EPHMRA.
Today, the organization continues to have a significant impact on the future of pharmaceutical market research in Europe, providing a platform for industry professionals to discuss, network, and collaborate.
Membership
The European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association has a diverse membership that includes pharmaceutical companies, market research agencies, and other organizations involved in the pharmaceutical industry. Members come from a range of countries throughout Europe and beyond,Composition
Pharmaceutical companies make up a significant portion of EPHMRA's membership, as these companies are the primary users of market research data. They include both large multinational corporations and smaller, specialized firms. Market research agencies are also well-represented among EPHMRA's membership, as they are the primary providers of market research services to the pharmaceutical industry. Other organizations that may be members of EPHMRA include consulting firms, data providers, and academic institutions.Criteria
To become a member organisation of EPHMRA, an organization must meet the association's eligibility criteria and adhere to its Code of Conduct. Members responsible to contribute to the association's mission of promoting the highest standards of market research in the pharmaceutical industry. In return, EPHMRA offers various services to its members, including training, networking opportunities, and access to industry data and insights.Activities
Conferences
The European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association organises conferences every year, which allow participants to share about the latest information in the pharmaceutical market research. For examples, the 2023 annual conference would be held during the 27–29 June in the Hallam Conference Centre, where both a main session and a breakout room session would be held to enhance participants engagement.Market researches
EPHMRA do market researches regularly, aiming to investigate on the latest development in the pharmaceutical market research to the public, and to advocate pharmaceutical market research policies to the government. Recently, research topics related to digital health, patient engagement and GDPR compliance have been investigated. Moreover, EPHMRA would formulates a Global Market Research Report every year, which give insights on the market research methods used in different countries.Training
Training programs were designed with an aim to providing members with up-to-date skills and resources needed in pharmaceutical market research. Both online and face-to-face training are offered, covering topics including data privacy, regulatory compliance, and ethics. EPHMRA also collaborated with other organizations, for example, the Pharmaceutical Market Research Group to offer a joint certification program. This is a type of program that give credits to individual with high performance, letting them better compete in the job market.Awards
Awards were given to members to recognize their contributions to the pharmaceutical market research industry. The types of awards includes:- The EPHMRA President’s Award for Contribution to Healthcare Market Research – an award started in 2001 during the Athens Conference
- The Jack Hayhurst Award – an award given to the writer of the best paper during the conferences, by voting of participants
- The MR Excellence Award – an award presented to members, by criteria of business insight, leadership, and innovation
- The Young Professional Conference Grants
Management
Board of Directors
The European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association is led by a board of directors. The board is responsible to give direction to the organization’s future objectives and to ensure that EPHMRA fulfills its goal in market research effectively.Members of the board for 2022-2023 are as follows:
| Title | Name |
| President | Karsten Trautmann |
| Past president and/or Vice President | Thomas Hein |
| Treasurer | Charles Tissier |
| General Manager | Bernadette Rogers |
| Board agency members | Amr Khalil, Ana Maria Aguirre Arteta, Carolyn Chamberlain, Marcel Slavenburg, Richard Head, Stephen Potts |
| Board Industry members | Sander Rajimakers, Vijay Chand, Paul warner |