The ECHO ISPCTN name is changing. The program is not.
The NIH ECHO Program Office and Heartland DCOC are pleased to announce that the ECHO IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trial Network (ISPCTN) will be renamed ECHO Trials, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
This change was requested by ISPCTN investigators and is based on input from all of you over the last two years in collaboration with the ECHO program office and the Heartland DCOC. This input included feedback on the process and important elements of the new name, as well as votes on the name itself.
The new name is intended to provide a simpler, more memorable way to communicate the program’s focus on pediatric clinical trials while aligning more closely with the broader ECHO program.
This is a name change only. The program will remain the same, and investigators, team members, participants and stakeholders can expect the same network support, resources, leadership, and commitment they have always received.
The change will occur during 2027. Here is the timeline at-a-glance:
- Jan. 1, 2027 — ECHO Trials becomes the official program name
- Jan.-June 2027 — Transition period: New name used, but former name may be used where appropriate
- July 1, 2027 — ECHO Trials used independently; former name no longer in use
We appreciate your continued support as we transition to our new name, ECHO Trials. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for additional details.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the program name changing?
The new name reflects grantee and leadership input over the last several years about the need for a simpler, more memorable name that reflects the program’s mission and purpose, its clinical trial focus and its value proposition. The new name also is more consistent with the naming structure of the ECHO Cohort component of ECHO and eliminates the complexity of the ISPCTN acronym.
2. What is not changing?
Everything else. All other program aspects will remain the same. The program continues within the NIH IDeA and ECHO organizational structure and its goals, activities, leadership, funding, services, resources, eligibility, network support, websites, visual identity features and all other components will remain unchanged.
3. Will the logo change?
Yes, the logo will be updated to reflect the new program name. However, all other logo elements, including design features, colors, and styling, will remain unchanged. The logos below are for use over the next few months, particularly with external presentations or communications. You can download logos at the bottom of the page.
4. Will study participants need to do anything differently?
No. There is no action required. Participants will continue to engage with the program in the same way they always have. If participants inquire about the name change, reassurances can be provided that all other aspects of the program will remain the same.
5. How will the name change be implemented?
The Heartland DCOC has developed a 3-phase rollout plan that will occur during 2027.
During Phase 1 in January 2027, the name will be introduced to the ECHO community and stakeholders via NIH and ECHO communications, such as newsletters, social media and websites. Program materials will begin to be updated as needed.
Phase 2, from February through June 2027, will serve as a transition period. During this time network investigators, teams and leadership will use the new name and may refer to the previous name in presentations, discussions or other forums when appropriate.
Phase 3, from July through December 2027, the new name will stand independently. During this phase special attention will be given to associating program features, such as community, pediatrics, rural, network and other program aspects with the new name to build the brand.
6. Will existing materials still be valid?
Yes. Previously printed or published materials that reference the former program name will remain valid during the transition period and can be used until exhausted or archived over time. Updated materials will be introduced as they are needed during 2027.
7. Will the program websites, logos or email addresses change?
The name and logos on these websites will change where they currently appear. Urls on the DCOC Research Portal will not change, but some urls at echochildren.org will be changing. Everything else on the Heartland DCOC Research Portal and echochildren.org will remain the same, including email addresses and existing contact methods. Materials on the websites with the ISPCTN name, such as templates or documents, will be updated if still in use or archived over time.
8. How should I refer to the program moving forward?
Beginning on January 1, 2027, we encourage everyone to use ECHO Trials in communications, presentations, and publications whenever possible. Beginning July 1, 2027, ECHO Trials can be used by itself in written communication, presentations, or publications. During verbal communications or discussions, “formerly known as ISPCTN” may be included to help audiences recognize the program under its new name.
9. Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the name change, please contact Ryan Spaulding, PhD, Heartland DCOC Communications Core Director at rspaulding@kumc.edu or askDCOC@kumc.edu.
