CROStars was started because outsourcing decisions in biotech and pharma rely too heavily on word-of-mouth, overpromising sales reps, and biased vendor content. We built a place where real researchers can share honest, verified experiences — independent, transparent, and free to use.
CROStars maintains strict editorial independence. Our rankings, search results, and review visibility are determined entirely by verified reviewer scores — nothing else influences them.
We are designed from the ground up to serve the people who use the platform. Our incentives are aligned with researchers, not with the organizations being reviewed.
Any CRO that attempts to manipulate their listing or reviews — whether by submitting fake reviews, pressuring reviewers, or attempting to influence the platform in any way — is permanently flagged on their profile.
We go to significant lengths to make sure reviews come from real researchers with real CRO experience. We don't publish the specifics of how — to keep bad actors from gaming the system — but every approved review has passed multiple independent checks.
Reviewers must prove they are working researchers at a life science organization. Anonymous posting is allowed, but the identity behind it is verified.
Every reviewer must demonstrate a real working relationship with the CRO they review. We do not accept reviews from people who have not worked with the CRO.
We automatically screen for potential conflicts of interest to ensure CRO employees cannot review their own organization.
Yes, browsing and reading reviews is completely free. Submitting a review is free and encouraged!
Not at this time. We are evaluating a structured response feature that would allow CROs to address factual inaccuracies — but not to solicit removal or argue with reviewers.
Reviewers own their reviews. CROs cannot request removal through CROStars. If a CRO contacts you directly about a review, please report it to us — it may result in a conflict-of-interest flag on their profile.
Yes. You can post publicly under your name or anonymously. Either way, your identity is verified behind the scenes — we just don't display it.
Rankings are based solely on verified review scores weighted by recency. The only way for a CRO to improve its ranking is to be genuinely better to work with.
Large CROs often operate multiple sites or specialized internal labs. We allow reviewers to rate a specific facility rather than just the parent company — because a CRO's Cambridge UK site and its San Diego site may have very different track records.
Use the "Contact" link in the footer to suggest a CRO. We review all suggestions and typically add new entries within 5 business days.
CROs can claim their profile to update basic factual information (website, services offered, facility list). Claiming a profile does not affect rankings, review visibility, or our independence.
For general questions, partnership pitches we will politely decline, profile claims, suggested CRO additions — reach us at the address below. We read everything.
hello [at] crostars [dot] org