About us

Committed to your clinical development operations

The Forschungsdock CRO GmbH company is a contract research organization (CRO) based close to the city of Hamburg. Our aim is to stand by your side as a strong and dependable partner. We plan clinical studies, do all the necessary preparatory work, and support you – pharmaceutical and biotech companies, manufacturers of medical devices, CROs, and also clinics and physicians (in the context of investigator-sponsored trials, ISTs) – in their implementation.

We operate according to a trust-inspiring motto: clarity and the human touch in communication – both among ourselves and in our interactions with you. We’re convinced that this trustful basis is the essential precondition for successful cooperation.

"Our customers appreciate the fact that we supervise their study projects quickly, courageously, trustfully and with a sense of proportion. For this to succeed, we demand the best performance from ourselves –continuous learning of all is therefore a matter of course and is strongly supported and promoted by me. My demands on all Forschungsdock CRO employees are high: experience, team player spirit, and enthusiasm! So that we exceed your expectations."

Dr. Christoph Ortland, CEO and founder of Forschungsdock CRO GmbH

The Team at Forschungsdock CRO GmbH

Dr Christoph Ortland | Founder & CEO

"In 2024, Forschungsdock CRO GmbH already exists for 7 successful years: We continue to grow by facing new challenges and projects, working precisely and always keeping an eye on the people involved in the process - that was and is essential for me as owner and managing director. And it is our flagship."

Christoph Ortland has been active as a Project Director in the clinical development area ever since 1993 and is the founder of the company. Besides his role as CEO, he is primarily involved in Forschungsdock CRO as an experienced GCP auditor, GCP Trainer and Consultant.

Dr Doris Greiling | Clinical Development Expert

"Clinical research is becoming ever more complex and regulated. This is why a strong project management concept is important, using lean processes to keep our focus on the ultimate goal: to develop new medicinal products."

Doris Greiling works at Forschungsdock in the capacity of Clinical Development Expert. She has been actively engaged in the clinical development of medicinal products for over 20 years now. Her primary focus is on the areas of national and international project management, quality management, consultancy, and training.

Kirstin Steffen | Clinical Monitoring Manager

"In the context of clinical monitoring I see myself as a guarantor for good communi­cation between the sponsor and the study site, ensuring that everyone is satisfied with the quality of the results at the end of the study."

Kirstin Steffen is Forschungsdock’s Senior CRA and Clinical Monitoring Manager. She is responsible for everything related to “clinical monitoring”, including conduct, organization and planning of Forschungsdock’s activities in this area. The monitoring of drug, medical device or other studies is carried out by Ms Steffen and our team of experienced Clinical Research Associates.

Christian Hilgenstock | Quality Manager

"Audit planning is an essential part of quality management and should be adapted to the identified risks on a study-specific basis -  there is no 'one size  fits all'."

Christian Hilgenstock looks back on more than 35 years of experience in various functions in the field of clinical development. His wealth of experience benefits Forschungsdock's Quality Management, which he leads with a lot of motivation and abundant knowledge. Process optimization and digitization are just two keywords that currently characterize his area.

Dr Cornelia Breuer | Project Manager, Quality Manager

"It has always been a great pleasure for me to constantly adapt to new exciting projects and then implement them at short notice and individually, in accordance with customer wishes and within the framework of regulatory requirements."

As a Senior Project Manager, Dr. Cornelia Breuer is involved in the preparation, conduct and conclusion of our clinical studies and supports our department QM as a Quality Manager and GCP auditor. She has been working in clinical research since 2007.

Rüdiger Brandt | Office Manager

"So that our team can concentrate on the services we offer our customers, I have everyone's back and am the contact person for everyday concerns."

Rüdiger Brandt is our office manager and takes care of everything that has nothing to do with clinical research.

Sebastian Liebender | IT Manager

"In today's world, no company can do without IT that follows the specifications in the guidelines!"

Sebastian Liebender looks back on 20 years of experience in IT services, providing Forschungsdock CRO with administration and consulting services in this area.

News / Blog