Budget Harmonisation Initiative

As part of SCRI's ongoing efforts to strengthen Singapore’s clinical trials ecosystem and improve study start-up timelines, the Harmonised Clinical Trial Budget Template for Fixed Cost Components has been developed to support timely clinical trial budget finalisation across Singapore's PHIs with effect from 1 May 2026.​

This initiative has engaged approximately 50 public healthcare institutions (PHIs) and industry partners across the ecosystem, with the shared goal of facilitating efficient and timely budget negotiations, and expediting clinical trial start-up processes in Singapore.

The harmonised template serves as a cost-neutral, overarching guideline that enhances clarity on charges for fixed cost components, thereby reducing the need for multiple rounds of clarification between sites and sponsors. It streamlines budget negotiations through the following key features:

• Standardised budget terminologies

• Harmonised budget structure for fixed cost components

• Improved clarity and transparency in site budgets

The template is applicable to all ISTs regardless of phase, nature or therapeutic areas. As the template only addresses fixed cost components*, other charges (including pass-through costs and direct patient costs) will continue to be reflected in site-specific budgets.​

^*Fixed cost components - Defined as standard operational costs associated with study initiation, maintenance and closeout that are non-patient specific and are independent of study phase, nature and therapeutic area

Note: The inclusion of a line-item cost in the template does not imply mandatory charging. Only charges relevant to study-specific requirements and necessary for trial conduct will be reflected in site budgets.

For more information, please contact ncb@scri.cris.sg