MRS will advise EphMRA on its current code of conduct and assist with annual updates to reflect new legislation around data protection and privacy, including GDPR. It will also help the organisation develop the guidance it offers members to interpret and apply the code. 

EphMRA has also become a member of the Global Research Business Network (GRBN), which aims to promote the position of research.

The partnership extends MRS’s work with trade associations to promote ethics and standards, including the European Research Federation (EFAMRO). 

Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS, said: "We are delighted to be working with EphMRA to support them in maintaining the highest standards in policy and ethics, which further strengthens MRS as the centre of global excellence for research and data standards and policy."

Karsten Trautmann, president of EphMRA and Merck KGaA, added: "This new alliance with the MRS further strengthens the position of EphMRA as the centre of excellence for healthcare market research and business intelligence. The landscape of compliance is constantly changing, and our members need to keep up to date to ensure they are offering the highest level of service to their clients."