ICON plc a leading global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization, has received multiple prestigious awards in the second half of 2024, further solidifying its position as a top performer in the clinical research industry.
For the second consecutive year, ICON ranked as the highest clinical research organization on TIME Magazine’s 2024 list of the World’s Best Companies, which recognizes 1,000 companies globally. Additionally, ICON was featured in TIME’s 2025 list of World’s Best Companies in Sustainable Growth, placing at number 57 out of 500 companies. ICON’s consistent performance earned it the Best Practices Recognition Award at the Frost & Sullivan Institute’s Enlightened Growth Leadership awards, acknowledging the company’s leadership in driving growth and excellence in clinical research.
ICON’s achievements continued with a win at the 2024 Scrip Awards, where it was named Best Contract Research Organization (Full Service Providers). This prestigious award highlights the critical role that Contract Research Organizations (CROs) play in providing specialized services across the entire spectrum of clinical trials. This marks ICON’s fifth win in the last eight years, cementing its standing as a leader in the CRO sector.
The recognition didn’t stop there; two of ICON’s senior leaders were also honored for their exceptional professional accomplishments. Barry Balfe, an ICON executive, was named to the 2024 PharmaVoice 100 List, which celebrates the most inspiring leaders in the life sciences field. Rose Kidd, another key member of the leadership team, was awarded the Businesswoman Award at the 2024 Women Mean Business Awards in Ireland. Furthermore, Alexander Murray, a validation specialist at ICON, was named IRT Young Professional of the Year at the 2024 Interactive Response Technology (IRT) Professionals’ Day, which recognizes excellence in IRT and clinical supply management.
In addition to these honors, ICON’s Creative & Digital Services and Patient Recruitment Services teams were recognized for their outstanding contributions in marketing and communications. The company won two Health + Wellness awards from Graphic Design USA for their work on the TANGO and ADAMANT study materials. ICON also earned a Gold Award and an Honourable Mention at the MarCom Awards in the “Strategic Communications | Research/Study” category for these same studies. Moreover, the MarCom Awards awarded ICON a Platinum honor for its UCB BE OPEN Study Materials. In another notable achievement, ICON received the Rx Club Show Award of Excellence in the “Direct to Consumer” category, further highlighting its ability to create impactful and innovative study materials.
10 Clinical Research Excellence ICON and Employees Earn Prestigious Recognition
ICON’s creative excellence also extended to medical animation, with its FIRECREST video, “The Invisible Machine,” winning a Gold MUSE award. At the 2024 Annual International Business Awards, ICON received two Stevie® Awards: Gold for a technology video showcasing AI platforms and wearables, and Bronze for the CARD system, which enhances the distribution of clinical data. ICON’s commitment to innovation was further acknowledged at the 2024 Awards for Technical Excellence, where it won a Silver Stevie® for its tokenization solution in eClinical Development & Delivery.
Steve Cutler, CEO of ICON, expressed his pride in the company’s accomplishments, stating, “It’s fantastic to end the year with recognition for both individual employees and ICON as a whole. I’m incredibly proud of all the teams and individuals who were honored in these awards, which demonstrate ICON’s commitment to delivering value and quality in the field of clinical research.” This recognition not only reflects the hard work and dedication of ICON’s employees but also underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to advance the field of clinical research and improve patient outcomes globally.
As ICON continues to expand its influence in the clinical research industry, these accolades serve as a testament to its innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. Through its comprehensive approach to clinical trials, technological advancements, and employee recognition, ICON remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality, reliable services to its clients and partners.
