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      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="iclr-20120930_cal.xml" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="iclr-20120930_def.xml" xlink:title="Definition Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="iclr-20120930_lab.xml" xlink:title="Label Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="iclr-20120930_pre.xml" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all"/>
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-types-2012-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2012/country-2012-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012/invest-2012-01-31.xsd"/>
  <element name="BeijingWitsMedicalLimitedMember" id="iclr_BeijingWitsMedicalLimitedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionAccruedConsiderationPayable" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionAccruedConsiderationPayable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionAdditionalCashPaid" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionAdditionalCashPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityAdditionalCashPaid" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityAdditionalCashPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityConsiderationPaid" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityConsiderationPaid" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAccountsReceivableAndOtherAssets" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAccountsReceivableAndOtherAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredRevenue" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredRevenue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssets" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationWorkingCapital" id="iclr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationWorkingCapital" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CapitalGovernmentGrantsNoncurrent" id="iclr_CapitalGovernmentGrantsNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CapitalRedemptionReserve" id="iclr_CapitalRedemptionReserve" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CapitalRedemptionReserveMember" id="iclr_CapitalRedemptionReserveMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CentralLaboratoryMember" id="iclr_CentralLaboratoryMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ClinicalResearchMember" id="iclr_ClinicalResearchMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureLineItems" id="iclr_CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTable" id="iclr_CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="DisclosureBusinessCombinationsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureBusinessCombinationsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDetailsOfMovementInRestructuringProvisionsRecognizedAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDetailsOfMovementInRestructuringProvisionsRecognizedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByBusinessSegmentAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByBusinessSegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByGeographicalAreaAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByGeographicalAreaAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsByGeographicalAreaAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsByGeographicalAreaAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsBySegmentAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsBySegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfNetRevenueByBusinessSegmentAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfNetRevenueByBusinessSegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfNetRevenueByGeographicalAreaAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfNetRevenueByGeographicalAreaAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByBusinessSegmentAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByBusinessSegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicalAreaAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicalAreaAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfTotalAssetsByBusinessSegmentAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfTotalAssetsByBusinessSegmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureDistributionOfTotalAssetsByGeographicalAreaAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureDistributionOfTotalAssetsByGeographicalAreaAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureGoodwillAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureGoodwillAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureIncomeTaxesRecognizedDuringPeriodAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureIncomeTaxesRecognizedDuringPeriodAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureNonCashStockCompensationExpenseAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureNonCashStockCompensationExpenseAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureRecognizedAndOtherNonRecurringItemsNetAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureRecognizedAndOtherNonRecurringItemsNetAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShareAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShareAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureRestructuringAndOtherNonrecurringItemsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureRestructuringAndOtherNonrecurringItemsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureScheduleOfWeightedAverageFairValuesAndAssumptionsUsedAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureScheduleOfWeightedAverageFairValuesAndAssumptionsUsedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSharebasedAwardsAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSharebasedAwardsAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureShareCapitalAdditionalInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureShareCapitalAdditionalInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfBeijingWitsMedicalLimitedAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfBeijingWitsMedicalLimitedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfFirecrestAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfFirecrestAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfOxfordOutcomesAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfOxfordOutcomesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfPriceSpectiveLLCAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfPriceSpectiveLLCAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfMovementInNonVestedShareOptionsAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfMovementInNonVestedShareOptionsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfRSUActivityAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfRSUActivityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivityAbstract" id="iclr_DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" id="iclr_DocumentDocumentandEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EmployeeMember" id="iclr_EmployeeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EmployeeStockPlan2003PlanMember" id="iclr_EmployeeStockPlan2003PlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EmployeeStockPlan2008PlanMember" id="iclr_EmployeeStockPlan2008PlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FirecrestClinicalMember" id="iclr_FirecrestClinicalMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="FirstQuarter2011RestructuringPlanMember" id="iclr_FirstQuarter2011RestructuringPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GainLossOnContractTerminationAndBusinessExitCosts" id="iclr_GainLossOnContractTerminationAndBusinessExitCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GoodWillAcquiredPriorPeriod" id="iclr_GoodWillAcquiredPriorPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitBeforeNonrecurringCharges" id="iclr_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitBeforeNonrecurringCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitForNonrecurringChargesNetOfTax" id="iclr_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitForNonrecurringChargesNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitForNonrecurringChargesTax" id="iclr_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitForNonrecurringChargesTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpenseAndOtherCurrentAssets" id="iclr_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpenseAndOtherCurrentAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NetRevenueByBusinessSegmentTableTextBlock" id="iclr_NetRevenueByBusinessSegmentTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfEmployees" id="iclr_NumberOfEmployees" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OfficeConsolidationsMember" id="iclr_OfficeConsolidationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" id="iclr_OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingIncomeBySegmentTableTextBlock" id="iclr_OperatingIncomeBySegmentTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" id="iclr_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentLongTermFundingTax" id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentLongTermFundingTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxLongTermFunding" id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxLongTermFunding" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OxfordOutcomesLimitedMember" id="iclr_OxfordOutcomesLimitedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" id="iclr_PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfFairMarketValue" id="iclr_PercentageOfFairMarketValue" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanAMember" id="iclr_PlanAMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanBMember" id="iclr_PlanBMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanCMember" id="iclr_PlanCMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanDMember" id="iclr_PlanDMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanEMember" id="iclr_PlanEMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PreliminaryFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRelatedToAcquisitionTextBlock" id="iclr_PreliminaryFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRelatedToAcquisitionTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PriceSpectiveLlcMember" id="iclr_PriceSpectiveLlcMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProceedsFromGovernmentGrant" id="iclr_ProceedsFromGovernmentGrant" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByGeographyTableTextBlock" id="iclr_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByGeographyTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReconciliationOfProvisionOfIncomeTaxesLineItems" id="iclr_ReconciliationOfProvisionOfIncomeTaxesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReconciliationOfProvisionOfIncomeTaxesTable" id="iclr_ReconciliationOfProvisionOfIncomeTaxesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" id="iclr_RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestOfEuropeMember" id="iclr_RestOfEuropeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestOfWorldMember" id="iclr_RestOfWorldMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnits2008Member" id="iclr_RestrictedStockUnits2008Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargeNet" id="iclr_RestructuringChargeNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargesRelatedToAssetWriteOffsAndClosedFacilities" id="iclr_RestructuringChargesRelatedToAssetWriteOffsAndClosedFacilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargesTableTextBlock" id="iclr_RestructuringChargesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringFiscalTwentyElevenPlanMember" id="iclr_RestructuringFiscalTwentyElevenPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember" id="iclr_RestructuringFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringReserveExpectedPaymentsAxis" id="iclr_RestructuringReserveExpectedPaymentsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
  <element name="RestructuringReserveExpectedPaymentsDomain" id="iclr_RestructuringReserveExpectedPaymentsDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringSettlementAndOtherCharges" id="iclr_RestructuringSettlementAndOtherCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RevenuesByGeographyTextBlock" id="iclr_RevenuesByGeographyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetBySegmentTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetBySegmentTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfTotalAssetsByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfTotalAssetsByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfTotalAssetsBySegmentTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfTotalAssetsBySegmentTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
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  <element name="SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems" id="iclr_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SegmentReportingDisclosureTable" id="iclr_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledAndForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledAndForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedInPeriod" id="iclr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisedInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedNumber" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedNumber" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpiryPeriodFromDateOfGrant" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpiryPeriodFromDateOfGrant" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriod" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodStartDate" id="iclr_ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodStartDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TechnologyAssetsMember" id="iclr_TechnologyAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ThirdQuarter2011RestructuringPlanMember" id="iclr_ThirdQuarter2011RestructuringPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UncategorizedAbstract" id="iclr_UncategorizedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositions" id="iclr_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WorkforceReductionMember" id="iclr_WorkforceReductionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>





