The 2013 U.S. Clinical Researchers of the Year winners have been revealed at the Umstead Hotel in North Carolina, U.S.

The competition, organized by PharmaTimes, recognizes excellence in U.S. clinical researchers through a series of competency-based challenges reflecting real-life scenarios, which are judged by a panel of more than 30 industry experts.

This year, 64 finalists competed for the Pharma title, with the finals day held prior to the awards ceremony at the global headquarters of SAS in North Carolina.

“Everyone rose to the challenge as we really tested the team dynamic,” said competition steering committee chair and judge Carol Parish from Steifel, a GSKcompany.

Covance won as best clinical team.

For best project manager, Promise Lawrence of PRA Internationalwon gold, Sarah Connell of PRA won silver and Adrienne Stoudenniure of PRA won bronze.

Narvelle Delabruere, of Childrens hospital, Central California, was named beststudy nurse.

In the category of new clinical research associate,Rebecca York of PPD won gold, Lee Steen of PRA won silver and Kelly Littlem from PPD won bronze.

Under the title of experienced CRA,Alison Tallon of INC Research was awarded gold, Matt Eaton, Alcon, received silver and Scott Stockmyer from Parexel won bronze.

The best U.S. Clinical Company of the Year award went toPRA International.

The US Clinical Researcher of the Year competition is a unique competency based program that invites researchers to compete in a real-life challenge devised by U.S. clinical directors from companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Alcon, Shire, Merck and Endo pharmaceuticals.