OnQ Research is a South African Contract Research Organisation (CRO) founded in 1999, specializing in Phase I–IV clinical trials across Africa. Since 2022, OnQ Research has been part of P95.
Honouring the OnQ legacy
Since joining P95, OnQ Research has become part of a global organization dedicated to advancing high-quality clinical, epidemiological, and public health research.
This page honours the history, expertise, and people behind OnQ Research, a pioneering African Contract Research Organisation, and explains how its legacy continues today within P95.
OnQ Research at a Glance
- Founded: 1999
- Founder: Catherine Lund
- Headquarters: South Africa
- Operational footprint: More than 10 African countries
- Core expertise: Phase I–IV clinical trials, infectious and non-communicable diseases
- Studies conducted: 500+ clinical trials
- Integrated into P95: 2022
A Pioneer in African Clinical Research
OnQ Research was founded in 1999 by Catherine Lund with a clear and ambitious purpose: to strengthen and empower clinical research across the African continent. At a time when access to high-quality, patient-centric clinical trial execution in Africa was limited, OnQ set out to build local expertise, infrastructure, and trust.
From its early years, OnQ distinguished itself through its commitment to scientific rigor, operational excellence, and deep regional knowledge. This foundation enabled the organization to grow into a respected full-service CRO, supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, and research partners across a wide range of therapeutic areas.
Growth, Expertise, and Impact
Over more than two decades, OnQ Research expanded steadily in both scale and scope:
- Conducted over 500 clinical trials, ranging from small first-in-human studies to large trials with up to 3,000 participants
- Built specialized teams across Project Management, Quality Assurance, Medical Writing, and Clinical Operations
- Developed extensive experience in infectious diseases, including Ebola, HIV, and malaria, as well as communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Established operational presence in more than 10 African countries, becoming a truly pan-African CRO
In 2008, OnQ achieved BBBEE Level 2 accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and local empowerment.
An African CRO with Global Reach
A defining milestone in OnQ’s history was the execution of its first international clinical study in Southern Europe, marking its evolution from a regional specialist into a globally trusted research partner.
By the 2010s, OnQ was supporting a diverse portfolio of international clients across pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO sectors, while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to advance clinical research capacity in Africa.
Investing in People and the Future of Research
In 2022, OnQ further strengthened its value proposition by evolving its internal structure and expanding its international workforce beyond South Africa.
The South AfricaN Pharma Academy (SAPA)
A key milestone was the launch of the South African Pharma Academy (SAPA), a non-profit, industry-wide initiative designed to identify, train, and develop future talent for the clinical research sector.
This initiative reflects a core principle that has guided OnQ since its founding: sustainable impact is built through people.
OnQ Research Today, Within P95
In 2022, OnQ Research joined P95, marking a new chapter in its journey. This integration brought together OnQ’s deep regional expertise and operational excellence in Africa with P95’s global leadership in clinical, epidemiological, and public health research.
Today, the capabilities that defined OnQ – patient-centric trial execution, trusted local networks, and scientific rigor – continue within P95, strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality clinical research on a global scale.
Continuing the Work at P95
The expertise, experience, and values that shaped OnQ Research remain central to the work we do at P95 today.
Looking for the clinical trial execution expertise that OnQ was known for? That work continues at P95.
Explore P95 Clinical Research Services in Africa
This page is part of the P95 Heritage Series, documenting the history of organisations that now form the P95 group. It has been prepared by P95 to honour the people, expertise, and legacy of OnQ Research.
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