Background. Clinical research is fundamental to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and translating discoveries into effective therapies. In oncology, it supports innovation in treatment, early detection, and personalized medicine. Nevertheless, oncology clinical research in Morocco remains limited compared with countries with similar healthcare systems, partly due to complex and delayed administrative and ethical approval processes that impede timely trial initiation.
Prior to starting a clinical trial in Morocco, study protocols must be reviewed by a Research Ethics Committee (REC), while regulatory authorization from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and clearance from the national data protection Commission (CNDP) are required, along with site readiness, investigator training, and trial registration. Cumulative delays from sequential procedures, redundant tasks, repeated document requests, and multiple reviews prolong both administrative and ethical approvals, causing clinical studies to start later than in comparable settings.
 
Objectives. We aim to describe the experience of the National Cancer Research Institute (CRI) in reorganizing oncology research governance in Morocco, notably through the implementation of a digital platform designed to improve the efficiency of ethical and regulatory review.
 
Methods. Recently, the CRI established a specialized Oncology REC (CERO) with the mandate to review efficiently and in a timely manner all oncology-related research nationwide. To support this mandate, a secure and user-friendly digital platform for CERO management was developed, following a phased design and implementation process, starting with a needs assessment involving CERO members, MOH, CNDP and administrative staff to define functional requirements and workflow specifications. The platform was then designed with a modular architecture prioritizing data security, integrating standardized electronic forms, automated tracking systems, and structured review workflows. A pilot testing phase was conducted to refine usability and resolve technical issues, followed by progressive deployment, user training, and continuous optimization based on feedback and performance monitoring.
 
Results (early outputs). The platform is now operational. It enables online submission and real-time tracking of research projects, ensuring standardized and complete applications while facilitating remote access for reviewers. It supports the organization of ethical review processes through structured workflows, reviewer assignments, and digital documentation of comments and decisions, while also streamlining administrative tasks such as meeting scheduling, agenda management, and generation of approval letters. The platform enhances communication and transparency between researchers and the CERO, and includes monitoring tools and dashboards to track review timelines, outcomes, and overall performance of the ethics review process.
The remaining partners will be progressively integrated through defined user roles, workflow alignment, and training on platform use.
 
Conclusions/Implications. The creation of CERO and the development of the digital platform represent a major structural reform in the governance of oncology clinical research in Morocco, addressing longstanding inefficiencies in ethical and administrative approval processes. By consolidating reviews, reducing redundant tasks, and improving coordination, this reform is expected to facilitate earlier trial initiation, enhance Morocco’s attractiveness for oncology clinical research, and ultimately improve patient access to innovative cancer therapies.