Presidential Initiative

The rapid emergence and adoption of new technologies continues to transform the health care industry. The Research and Innovation Institute, a cornerstone of NABP’s future, is designed to provide data-driven insights that can help guide regulatory decisions and assist stakeholders in navigating the constantly changing landscape of pharmacy practice. The Institute centers on collaboration, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, and academic institutions to address some of the most pressing challenges and technological advancements in health care, including those in pharmacy practice and regulation.

In his term as the 2025-2026 NABP president, Bradley S. Hamilton, BScPharm, RPh, will focus on ensuring the implementation and continued development of the Institute. The groundwork for the Institute was established during the term of the 2024-2025 NABP president, Jeffrey J. Mesaros, PharmD, JD, RPh, through reviewing the recommendations of the steering committee, creating a system to evaluate emerging technologies, and considering pathways for stakeholders and boards when examining technologies.  

The Institute’s mission aligns perfectly with the commitment boards and NABP share to advance public health. 

Bradley S. Hamilton
BScPharm, RPh, NABP President

Technology plays a key role in pharmacy practice, as it can enhance how pharmacists practice, learn, and communicate while expanding their capabilities. Advanced technologies can improve patient outcomes, optimize workflow, increase efficiency, expand patient access to health care, and reduce errors. With advancements occurring rapidly, updated information and data is necessary to best understand the use of these tools and how best to communicate, collaborate, and ensure trust between pharmacists and patients as well as pharmacists and other providers.  

In addition to the inherent barriers in the adoption of new tools and resources, there can be social hurdles to overcome, including fear of change or job security and managing the risk and expenses associated with innovative technologies. Overcoming these hurdles through education and collaboration will result in an improved care experience.

The Institute provides an environment to share, study, and evaluate relevant technologies, digital health concepts, and resources. It also serves as an impartial connector and facilitator between the boards of pharmacy, regulated entities, and third parties, so new ideas and proof of concept projects can be tested in a neutral setting.

Interested in getting involved? Submit a proposal using the form below. 

Objectives of the Institute

As the Research and Innovation Institute is implemented, Hamilton seeks to identify solutions that serve both patients and regulators. This approach ensures that the Institute will remain a resource for pharmacy regulatory innovation, fill critical gaps in our understanding of emerging technologies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. By providing boards with a trusted resource to assess innovative initiatives and provide actionable, unbiased data, boards will be better equipped to shape policies that are both forward-thinking and grounded in evidence, laying the groundwork to fulfill the main objectives of the Institute.