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In this episode of the Driving the Business of Science podcast, host Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, speaks with Matt Kiernan, CEO & Founder of Sensorium Clinical Research. They explore the evolving role of clinical trial site networks in the life sciences ecosystem. Matt shares his journey from starting in the lab to building and exiting multiple companies, including Pharmica Consulting and Intrinsic Clinical Systems, and how those experiences shaped his obsession with culture, entrepreneurship, and creating great places to work. Keith and Matt also discuss how their relationship began with a simple outreach email and evolved into a peer-to-peer dialogue about strategy, growth, and navigating the lonely realities of business ownership in life sciences.

The conversation then dives into the site network space, where Matt explains why he chose to focus his next venture on clinical research sites and the structural challenges these small businesses face—fixed costs, fragmented operations, and the strain of wearing “10 hats” while still caring for patients. He outlines how site networks, backed by private equity and enabled by AI, can improve startup timelines, patient enrollment, and sponsor relationships—without losing the local culture and community connection that make sites effective and trusted. Keith brings in his perspective from conferences and sponsor/CRO interactions, highlighting trends like technology fatigue, convergence between CROs and site networks, and the growing interest in AI-driven efficiencies. Together, they frame Sensorium’s mission as building a differentiated, culture-first site network that leverages AI and consolidation while preserving what makes clinical research personal, local, and meaningful for patients.

Driving the Business of Science is the podcast for clinical operations, IT, and business managers in the pharma, biotech, and medical device world.

Bringing new products to market takes more than just great science. From R&D and clinical to regulatory and approval life science leaders require fit-for-purpose technology, processes, and partners at step.

In the Driving the Business of Science podcast leaders from across the life science industry share real-world experiences and practical insights that will impact your business.

Join host Keith Parent, serial life science CEO, as business leaders share experiences and insights on emerging challenges in the life science market.