Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC (PPD), a Wilmington-based global contract research organization, recently announced that Susan Atkinson has been named to the 2017 PharmaVOICE 100 list of the most inspiring people in the life sciences industry, according to a press release.

A profile of Atkinson, senior vice president of global biometrics for PPD, will appear in the annual PharmaVOICE 100 issue. PharmaVOICE 100, established more than a dozen years ago by PharmaVOICE magazine, is an annual list of inspirational and innovative individuals recognized for their positive contributions to the life sciences industry.

The honor recognizes Atkinson’s selflessness and her ability to motivate and grow leaders, according to the release.

“Being recognized alongside an impressive list of industry leaders is personally rewarding, yet also a reflection on the PPD culture of high standards and collaboration that drives us to fulfill our mission of helping clients deliver life-changing therapies,” Atkinson said. “Having watched this industry develop and grow, I believe this award focuses on the importance of our analytical work and the professionals I mentor.”

Atkinson joined PPD in 1991 as a senior biostatistician and has risen through the ranks to her current leadership role. As senior vice president of global biometrics, Atkinson leads a team that provides data analytics, biostatistics, programming and data management operations, as well as the medical writing, interactive voice and web response, and global clinical supplies teams for PPD’s clients. 

She has expertise in statistical analysis, clinical trial design, regulatory submission strategies and eClinical trial technologies.

Prior to joining PPD, Atkinson was an independent biostatistics consultant and a research statistician in the biometric consulting laboratory of the department of biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Dr. Atkinson is a world-class biostatistician who continues to innovate to make sure clinical trial protocols remain relevant and have the patient’s view front and center,” said Taren Grom, editor and co-founder of PharmaVOICE. “A natural puzzle-solver, Dr. Atkinson loves the challenge of analyzing a situation, considering options, and putting together new solutions. These are just a few of the reasons why she is recognized as one of the industry’s most inspiring leaders.”

Atkinson earned a doctorate and master’s degree in biostatistics and a bachelor’s degree in public health (biostatistics) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently involved in church and community activities focused on pregnancy care, adoption and foster care and currently sits on the board of directors for a local nonprofit.

Atkinson has previously served as a member of the industry advisory board for the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium and on the board of directors for N.C. State University’s Foundation for the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.